Solatube International History

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History

Revolutionizing the residential and commercial daylighting industries didn’t happen overnight.

The Early Years
The 1980’s	The roots of Solatube International, Inc., originator of the tubular skylight, have humble beginnings dating back to the 1980s and an Australian inventor. Working alone, the inventor struggles to bring his “brain child” to life. His innovative concept will change the way the world thought about skylights.
1986	The system will be simple to install without structural modifications, while provide exceptional natural lighting to the interior space. In 1986, a patent is sought.
1990's	Four years later, Solatube Limited is established with a group of Sydney-based entrepreneurs, providing the marketing and manufacturing expertise necessary to launch the revolutionary product.
1991	The first Solatube® product is sold in 1991 and sales that first year make the “light catcher” the best-selling skylight in Australia.
1992	Armed with the phenomenal success, the founders decide to bring the skylight to the North American market. In 1992, Solatube North America establishes an office in Carlsbad, California.
Mid 1990's	Solatube North America launches the “Miracle Skylight” in 10" and 14" units to the market, as well as accessories like the integrated electric light and ventilation kits that further enhance the functionality of the skylights. The product quickly earns the attention of thousands of media outlets across the U.S. and Canada, from the Wall Street Journal to Home & Garden Television (HGTV).
Growing The Company
1998	As global opportunities escalate, the company is restructured and Solatube International Inc. is created to manage worldwide operations.
1999	Solatube International moves into a new headquarters in Vista, California in 1999, which allows the company to further grow its operations and explore new technology.
2000	The expansion plans are successful as Solatube International launches a series of new product innovations
January 2000	Solatube launches its Brighten Up® Series, designed for superior performance from a compact design. The series is ideal for smaller spaces in homes and businesses, such as bathrooms, hallways, walk-in closets, laundry rooms or kitchens. Brighten Up® Series introduces a patented LITD® (Light Intercepting Transfer Device), Raybender® Technology (enhancing light performance from low-angle light) and factory pre-assembled parts (speeding up installation by as much as 50 percent).
August 2000	Solatube International launches a separate commercial division and the first line of tubular skylights engineered specifically for commercial buildings. SolaMaster® Series introduces the 21-inch Solatube skylight, features a modular design that can accommodate several different ceiling configurations, including suspended ceiling systems, hard ceilings and open warehouse ceilings.
October 2000	Solatube International introduces the Solar Star® solar-powered attic ventilation fan and Solar Star gable fan. The products complement the Solatube skylight product lines in providing homeowners with affordable, energy efficient products that utilize the power of free sunlight to solve challenges around the home.
Innovation in Daylighting
2002	Solatube International introduces Spectralight® Infinity to the product line. This new reflective tubing material sets a new standard for the industry by providing unprecedented reflectivity, allowing for optimal lighting performance for low angle light conditions and on long tube runs.
2003	Solatube International launches an entirely new concept to the tubular skylight category – dimming capability. The patented Solatube Daylight Dimmer™ is developed as an optional feature to provide user-controlled, adjustable daylighting at the flip of a switch.
2004	Solatube International earns the prestigious ENERGY STAR® energy-efficiency rating as well as the rigorous Miami-Dade County approval for high-velocity rain and wind zones.
2006	Solatube International introduces the 0-90 Degree Extension Tube Adaptor, the only one of its kind in the industry, which allows the tubing to be twisted and angled like never before for unprecedented installation versatility - without compromised lighting performance.
2007	Solatube International launches a completely redesigned Solatube Daylighting System and moves beyond being just the “Miracle Skylight”. Solatube International introduces the Solatube 160 DS and the Solatube 290 DS utilizing breakthrough technology, design and materials to provide exceptional natural lighting from a compact fixture. The Solatube Daylighting System introduces Raybender® 3000 Technology to maximize the opportunity to collect low-angle sunlight and deflect over-powering mid-day rays, easy snap and preinstalled components to simplify installation and also introduces the new Vusion™ diffuser, to add a sophisticated look to any room.

The Miracle Skylight Matures
In 2002, a major advancement was made on the performance of Solatube skylights with the introduction of Spectralight® Infinity to the product line. This new reflective tubing material set a new standard for the industry by providing unprecedented reflectivity, allowing for optimal lighting performance, particularly in low angle light conditions and on long tube runs.

In 2003, Solatube International launched an entirely new concept to the tubular skylight category – dimming capability. The Solatube Daylight Dimmer™ (patent 7,082,726) was developed as an optional feature to provide user-controlled, adjustable daylighting at the flip of a switch. This innovation opened Solatube skylights up to a whole new range of residential and commercial application where the use of tubular skylights otherwise would not have been practical.

In the years since, Solatube International has continued to refine its technology for superior performance and durability, earning the prestigious ENERGY STAR® energy-efficiency rating as well as the rigorous Miami-Dade County approval for high-velocity rain and wind zones.

The company’s research and development team is always looking for new solutions to unusual installation challenges posed by certain applications, such as indirect or obstructed roof access or installations that require situating the dome on an opposite roofline. Introduced in 2006 was the Solatube 0-90 Degree Extension Tube Adaptor, the only one of its kind in the industry, which allows the tubing to be twisted and angled like never before for unprecedented installation versatility without compromised lighting performance.

The Solatube Daylighting System
In 2007, Solatube International, Inc. launched its completely redesigned Solatube Brighten® Up Series now known as the Solatube Daylighting System (DS), a term that better reflects the ingenuity of this lighting device in both residential and commercial applications. Solatube International’s Brighten Up® Series products include the Solatube 160 DS (10 in/250 mm Daylighting System), illuminating up to 200 square feet, and the Solatube 290 DS (14 in/350 mm Daylighting System), illuminating up to 300 square feet. Both models utilize breakthrough technology, design and materials to provide exceptional natural lighting from a compact fixture.

The Solatube Daylighting System breakthrough technologies include Raybender® 3000 Technology to collect low-angle sunlight and deflect over-powering mid-day rays; Spectralight® Infinity, the world’s most reflective tubing material; the in-dome LightTracker™ Reflector, which increases light input for increased light output; and highly engineered diffuser options. The Daylighting System is kept airtight and water-tight with a Moisture Control System and triple-seal system.

The improved product also has several new features that simplify the installation process, such as “easy-snap” and preinstalled components. Diffuser options include the proprietary new Vusion™ diffuser and the OptiView® diffuser. Create a multi-functional unit by adding a Light Add-On Kit, Ventilation Add-On Kit or Daylight Dimmer within the same ceiling fixture. The Solatube Daylighting System is ENERGY STAR®-rated for optimal energy efficiency.

Going Green
Bolstered by widely publicized research studies linking daylighting with health benefits, boosted worker productivity and student performance, among other perks, Solatube International has found vast opportunities and tremendous demand for its daylighting product in the commercial market, particularly in the retail and education sectors. As members of the U.S. Green Building Council, Solatube International has also been discovered by the sustainable design community as a simple and effective way to earn LEED™ certification credits. Solatube Daylighting Systems are specified in dozens of LEED projects around the U.S., with growth expected to increase as more local, state and federal governmental agencies and departments adopt the rating system for their building projects.

Businesses and institutions aren’t the only ones turning to energy-efficient lighting options. More and more homeowners around the country are also demanding “green” design options for their homes. In turn, major homebuilders, as well as the manufactured/pre-fabricated housing industry, have embraced Solatube Daylighting Systems as a versatile lighting option that can be simply and affordably integrated into home designs.

In the 20 years that have passed since its first patent was sought, Solatube Daylighting Systems have demonstrated an unrivaled commitment to state-of-the-art technology and design. The future looks even brighter for Solatube International with several new products currently in development. By continuing to improve upon the oldest – and finest – light source of all, Solatube Daylighting Systems have opened up a whole new world of natural lighting solutions.