May 18, 2018

Frequently Asked Questions

Get the facts by reading our most frequently asked questions about Solatube Daylighting Systems.

Skylight General Information

How does a Solatube Daylighting System work?
What is the Brighten Up® Series?
How large an area does the Solatube Daylighting System light?
Is a Solatube Skylight difficult to install?
Will my clothing or furniture fade under a skylight?
Is there a way to turn off or “block out” a Solatube Skylight?
How long can the skylight tube be?
How short can the skylight tube be?
What if the skylight is too bright?
How do I remove my Solatube Skylight diffuser?
How durable is a Solatube Skylight?
Are the Solatube skylight domes strong?
How bright are Solatube skylights on cloudy days?
Do tubular skylights work at night?
Is there a skylight Vent Kit available?
Will a Solatube skylight work with both a light and vent kit at the same time?
Can I split the skylight tubing and light two rooms from only one dome?
Can a Solatube Daylighting System be installed through a wall?
Will the Solatube Daylighting System work for a basement application?
Can a Solatube Daylighting System work for the first floor of a two-story house?
What is the Solatube Skylight warranty?

How does a Solatube Daylighting System work?

The Solatube Daylighting System captures sunlight on the rooftop and redirects it down a reflective tube into interior spaces. The tubing will fit between rafters and will install easily with no structural modification. At the ceiling level, an attractive diffuser spreads the light evenly throughout the room.

What is the Brighten Up® Series?

The Brighten Up Series transforms difficult to light and often forgotten rooms into extraordinary spaces filled with pure, natural light. Highly effective and easy to install, the Solatube Brighten Up Series is designed bring natural light into the home. The Brighten Up Series includes the Solatube 160 DS (10 in/250 mm Daylighting System) and Solatube 290 DS (14 in/350 mm Daylighting System), both with optional diffusers and flashings. It also includes an innovative line of accessories, such as a Light Add-On Kit, Daylight Dimmer and Ventilation Add-On Kit (available on 160 DS only).

How large an area does the Solatube Daylighting System light?

The Solatube Daylighting system that is right for you depends on both the room size and layout and how much light you prefer. Here are some guidelines for residential areas:

  • Solatube 160 DS (10 in/250 mm): 19 sq meters
  • Solatube 290 DS (14 in/350 mm): 28 sq meters
  • Solatube 21-C and 21-O (21 in/530): 46 sq meters

These estimated lighting areas are based upon an average 1.82m tube length and 2.4m ceiling height, with the dome being in direct sunlight.

Light output will vary depending on the intensity of the sun. Light output may also decrease as the length of tube increases.

Is a Solatube Skylight difficult to install?

Both the Solatube 160 DS and 290 DS fit easily between roof rafters, so they don’t require structural changes. We offer adjustable tubing designs that allow installation around attic obstructions, such as Spectralight® Infinity angle adaptors, Spectralight® Infinity extension tubing in 16″ (400mm) and 24″ (600mm) segments and our revolutionary 0-90 Degree Extension Tube. All are designed to fit together for easy installation. Check out our Skylight Installation page for more information.

Will my clothing or furniture fade under a skylight?

Solatube products block all UVB and UVC radiation, and greater than 95% of UVA. We block everything below 380 nm, and only transmit 20% @ 400nm.

  • UVA is 315 nm to 400 nm
  • UVB is 280 nm to 315 nm
  • UVC is 100 nm to 280 nm

Is there a way to turn off or “block out” a Solatube Skylight?

Yes! The Daylight Dimmer easily controls the amount of light desired in any room from the convenience of a switch. The Solatube Daylight Dimmer (Patent 7,082,726) allows the natural lighting level of a room to be turned up or down on demand, because you don’t need 100% of the light 100% of the time!

  • Available for Solatube 160 DS, Solatube 290 DS, Solatube 21-C and Solatube 21-O.
  • Patented variable butterfly baffle controls light output.
  • Perfect for bedrooms, family rooms, media rooms, and offices.

There is a great video of the Daylight Dimmer in action!

How long can the skylight tube be?

Recommended Maximum Tube Run

  • Solatube 160 DS (10 in/250 mm) Brighten Up® Series: 6m
  • Solatube 290 DS (14 in/350 mm) Brighten Up® Series: 9m
  • Solatube 21-C (21 in/530 mm) SolaMaster® Series: 12m

How short can the skylight tube be?

There is no minimum distance.Solatube Daylighting Systems are designed for installation even where there is no access to the roof space or no roof space at all. Our unique tubing allows complete installation from the roof and inside the building.

What if the skylight is too bright?

We offer a softening lens that fits above the primary diffuser to temper the light if necessary. The optional Solatube Daylight Dimmer can also be installed to allow control of the light output. Never use standard window tinting or any flammable material to block the incoming light. This unauthorized modification creates an extreme fire hazard.

How do I remove my Solatube Skylight diffuser?

Your ceiling diffuser is easy to remove and clean. Please note that older Solatube Daylighting Systems (Installed before the year 2000) have twist-lock diffusers for the 250 mm & 350 mm models. For these older units, the diffuser twists off counter clockwise when looking up at the diffuser.If you have a unit that was installed between 2000 & 2007, to remove the diffuser simply pry down one edge of the white trim ring using something flat such as a butter knife. Continue to work your way around the ring until you have a 1/4″ (7mm) or so gap all the way around. Then simply grab onto the edges and pull straight down. The diffuser lens can be cleaned with soap and water. To re- install the diffuser position the 4 zip style ties into the 4 holes on the ceiling ring and push up until the diffuser is flush with the ceiling.

If you have a unit that was installed in 2007, simply pull the diffuser down.

How durable is a Solatube Skylight?

All parts are covered by a 10-year warranty. Electrical components are covered by a 5-year warranty.The dome is made from high quality acrylic resin that is specifically formulated for increased impact strength, chemical, weather resistance and high clarity. For High Velocity Wind Zone areas we have available the Shock Inner Dome for the Brighten Up® Series.Other assemblies are injection molded to ensure strength and quality. (Warranty details.)

Are the Solatube skylight domes strong?

The high quality and durability of the Brighten Up® Series dome material, combined with our patented technology, delivers a dome second to none in the industry. This dome is virtually unbreakable – it can withstand nearly any “act of God”.

Want a skylight that will survive a hail storm? Read up on the technical process we take to keep our skylight domes strong!

How bright are Solatube skylights on cloudy days?

Solatube Daylighting Systems provide good performance even on cloudy days. Our combined LightTracker™ Reflector, RayBender® 3000 Technology and Spectralight® Infinity patented technologies transfer the maximum amount of ambient light down into the room with minimal light loss.

Do tubular skylights work at night?

The Solatube Daylighting System offers two available light kit options for the Brighten Up® Series so the product can double as a standard lighting fixture.1. Incandescent Light Add-on Kits: The Solatube 160 DS accepts one incandescent lamp up to 100-watt. The Solatube 290 DS accepts two incandescent lamps up to 100-watt. While there is minimal blockage of sunlight when a light kit is used, this can be minimized by using a clear bulb.

2. Compact Fluorescent Light Kit: This kit does not accept standard light bulbs, only special compact fluorescent bulbs with a pronged plug. It is available for users who want a very energy efficient light fixture. This fixture accepts one 26-watt compact fluorescent lamp. One fixture may be used for the Solatube 160 DS. One or two fixtures may be used for the Solatube 290 DS.

Is there a skylight Vent Kit available?

The Solatube 160 DS is available with an attractive optional Ventilation Add-On Kit. When the Solatube 160 DS is combined with a Ventilation Add-On Kit and a Light Add-On Kit, it becomes an attractive 3-in-one ceiling fixture

  • Quiet, remote twin fan / motor with opposing rotation to overcome pressure and increase speed and volume of airflow, even under extended duct runs.
  • Fan motor moves up to 110 cubic feet (3 cubic meters) per minute
  • UL listed, CE approved
  • 5 year component warranty

The Optional Ventilation Cap has a self flashing design for easy installation. The gravity damper prevents back flow and the low profile black color blends with the roof, so it is virtually unnoticeable.

Will a Solatube skylight work with both a light and vent kit at the same time?

Yes.

When the Solatube 160 DS is combined with a Ventilation Add-On Kit and a Light Add-On Kit, it becomes an attractive 3-in-one ceiling fixture.

Can I split the skylight tubing and light two rooms from only one dome?

No.
It is not possible to connect 2 diffusers to one dome. In order to gain the maximum light possible to your room, Solatube International uses a 1-to-1 product design matching the dome to the diffuser. There is no “Y” adapter available for Solatube Daylighting System.

Can a Solatube Daylighting System be installed through a wall?

This is not what the product was designed for and is not recommended. The advantage of Raybender 3000 is that it captures light throughout the day for consistent light source. Placing the dome in a vertical position strongly decreases the light output potential.

Will the Solatube Daylighting System work for a basement application?

Yes, if there is a closet, existing chase or place for the tubes to run through the house from the roof to the basement.A Solatube 290 DS is recommended due to the long distance from the roof to the basement. Usually a chase is built around the daylighting system for added protection.

Can a Solatube Daylighting System work for the first floor of a two-story house?

Yes, if there is a closet, existing chase, or place for the tubes to run through the house from the roof to the first floor.A Solatube 290 DS is recommended due to the long distance from the roof. Usually a chase is built around the unit for added protection.

What is the Solatube Skylight warranty?

The product warranty for all Daylighting Systems components is 10 years and 5 years for all electrical components. Your installer should provide a warranty for installation.