What Is a Solar Tube? (2024 Guide)
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Solar tubes offer homeowners a compact and cost-effective alternative to traditional skylights. These devices funnel sunlight from your roof, through your attic, and into dimly lit or windowless rooms to brighten spaces with natural light. Below, we’ll explain how solar tubes work and how much they cost to help you determine whether they’re a worthwhile investment for your home.
How Does a Solar Tube Work?
Solar tubes, also known as sun tunnels, sun tubes, tubular skylights, or light tubes, capture sunlight through a clear dome that’s installed on the roof of your home. The dome is typically made of weather-resistant acrylic or glass, and the size and design vary by brand. For example, Velux specializes in low-profile domes, while Solatube kits have a more prominent dome perched atop a short chimney-like structure.
Beneath the dome is a tube lined with a super-reflective coating that amplifies sunlight and directs it into your home. It may be either rigid or flexible, and it includes a diffuser that disperses the light into the rooms homeowners want to brighten.
The solar tube diffuser resembles a recessed light fixture, and some models are equipped with a small solar panel, batteries, and an LED light so they can continue illuminating rooms at night. Most models filter UV rays at either the dome or the diffuser.
Pros and Cons of Solar Tubes
Sun tunnels are an energy-efficient way to brighten rooms with natural sunlight, but they come with durability, view, and solar limitations.
Advantages
Solar tubes are smart investments for the following reasons:
- Affordability: Solar tubes cost less up-front than traditional skylights when it comes to materials and labor. Using them also leads to energy savings and lower electricity bills.
- Easy installation: Solar tubes are relatively easy to install and require fewer modifications and less maintenance work than skylights or windows.
- Energy efficiency: Solar tubes provide indirect light with limited heat transfer, which puts less strain on your home’s air conditioning system. They also provide light without the use of electricity.
- Health benefits: The natural sunlight that comes from solar tubes can boost your vitamin D levels and improve your mood, productivity, and sleep.
- Tax incentives: Solar tubes that meet ENERGY STAR Most Efficient certification requirements may qualify your household for the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit. Tubes that generate solar energy may qualify for the federal solar tax credit.
Disadvantages
Solar tubes have drawbacks that homeowners should consider, including the following:
- Durability: Solar tubes’ acrylic domes don’t withstand extreme weather as well as glass. Shoddy installation or maintenance can leave solar tubes susceptible to leaks and condensation issues, too.
- No view or ventilation: Solar tubes don’t provide a view of the outside, and you can’t open them to allow fresh air inside.
- Solar limitations: Solar tubes only work during the day, unless they come equipped with a solar panel and LED lights. They don’t help to heat your home during cold weather.
- Up-front cost: Solar tubes cost less than skylights, but they still require a significant initial investment.
Solar Tubes vs. Skylights
Skylights provide a clear view of the sky and the heating benefits of direct sunlight. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and styles. Installing a skylight often involves significant alterations to the roof and drywall of your home, though, and you must clean skylights like regular windows.
Solar tubes are cheaper than skylights, are easier to install, and require less maintenance, but they offer less design flexibility. Solar tubes don’t provide ventilation or a view of the sky, but the lack of direct sunlight can help with energy efficiency. Some models come equipped with a solar panel and LED lights, which means homeowners can use them as nightlights.Solar tubes and skylights direct natural light into your home, reduce your reliance on artificial lighting, and can improve your energy efficiency. Solar tubes are appealing in warmer climates because they provide sunlight without heat, while skylights provide more energy savings in colder climates.
Solar Tube Installation Process
Solar tube installation can be a DIY-friendly process for homeowners who have the right tools and skills. Ensure your solar tube kit includes detailed instructions if you plan to take the DIY route.
Here’s an outline of the general installation process:
- Inspect the attic. Inspect your attic for obstacles that might affect your solar tube installation, such as wires or ductwork. Measure the distance between the rafters or trusses to ensure a solar tube will fit.
- Cut the roof opening. Choose an appropriate location on your roof and cut an opening. Factor in the roof pitch, distance from vent stacks and other roof features, and space between rafters or trusses.
- Install the flashing. Loosen the shingles around the hole and apply caulk to the underside of the flashing collar. Slip the flashing under the shingles and screw it into place.
- Cut the ceiling hole. Identify where the diffuser will sit and cut a hole in the ceiling to make space for it.
- Assemble the tube. Assemble and install the tube according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Attach the dome. Fasten the dome onto the flashing and add a weather-proof seal.
- Install the diffuser. Install the diffuser and any related components. Attach the end of the tube to the diffuser.
- Seal and finish. Check for gaps or leaks and seal any seams. Install trim or finishing pieces.
Check the terms of your roof warranty and weigh the risk of improper installation before installing solar tube lighting. Consider your roofing materials and whether you will need to install an adapter.
Cost of Solar Tubes
Solar tubes typically cost between $600 and $1,000 each, including professional installation. Prices vary depending on the following factors:
- Climate: You may need to wrap the tube in R-15 or R-19 insulation to reduce condensation if you live in an area with high humidity.
- Rafter spacing: You may need to order a custom tube if your rafters are not spaced the traditional 16 inches apart.
- Roof type: Roof materials other than asphalt shingles, such as metal roofs, require an adapter, which increases the material and labor costs.
- Tube diameter: A wider tunnel means more light but higher material costs.
Handy homeowners can save between $150 and $250 with a DIY installation. Your installation costs will be the kit itself ($200–$700) and any tools you need.
Cost data in this article was sourced from Angi.
Our Conclusion
Solar tubes help homeowners funnel natural light into their households even on cloudy days, and they’re less expensive to install than skylights. However, they don’t provide ventilation or a view. We recommend solar tubes in spaces where traditional skylights or windows don’t work, such as closets. Weigh the pros and cons of solar tubes more critically when considering lighting other spaces.
FAQ About Solar Tubes
Do solar tubes add heat to the house?
No, solar tubes do not add heat to the house. Their design provides natural light with very little heat transfer.
How long do solar tubes last?
Most solar tubes last between 10 and 20 years, which is about as long as other roofing materials. The exact lifespan of a solar tube depends on climate, installation quality, and maintenance. Check the manufacturer’s warranty to determine how long your specific model should last and how to extend its lifespan.
What is the difference between a solar tube and a radiant barrier?
Solar tubes bring natural light into a building and minimize heat gain, while radiant barriers reflect heat. Radiant barriers are reflective materials that you install over insulation, typically in the attic, to reduce heat gain and cooling costs.
Do solar tubes cause roof leaks?
Solar tubes do not cause roof leaks if properly installed, sealed, and maintained. They are designed with weather-proof components to ensure a complete seal.
Do solar tubes need maintenance?
Solar tubes are low-maintenance but not maintenance-free. You should periodically check the exterior dome and clear away debris, especially after extreme weather events. You should also inspect seals and joints for leaks.
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