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): 150 - 200 square feet (19 sq meters)
- Solatube 290
DS (14 in/350 mm): 250 - 300 square feet (28 sq meters)
- Solatube 21-C and
21-O (21 in/530): 500 square feet (46 sq meters)
These estimated lighting
areas are based upon an average 6' (1.82m) tube length and 8' (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 Daylighting System 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.
Will
my clothing or furniture fade?
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 Daylighting
System?
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.
How
long can the tube be?
How
short can the tube be?
There is no minimum distance.
Solatube Daylighting Systems are designed for installation even where there
is no access to the attic or no attic at all. Our unique tubing allows
complete installation from the roof and inside the building.
What
if it's 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 Daylighting System 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 10 in/250
mm & 14 in/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 the Solatube Daylighting System?
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. For the SolaMaster® Series we offer
a Polycarbonate dome.
Other assemblies are injection molded to ensure strength
and quality. (Warranty details.)
Are
the 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".
For markets that subscribe to Miami-Dade or Texas
Department of Insurance building codes the Shock Inner Dome is available.
This material is required to pass stringent missile impact tests for hurricane
threat areas.
What
happens on a 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.
Is
there an electric light for night use?
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 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 Daylighting System 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 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 product warranty?
The product warranty for all
skylight components is 10 years and 5 years for all electrical components.
Your installer should provide a warranty for installation. See
detailed warranty.
Does
the Solar Star have an on-off switch or thermostat?
Attics by design are
meant to be ventilated year-round. The Solar Star has no switches
or thermostat by design; it runs whenever daylight strikes the
solar panel. During the winter, proper ventilation helps prevent
condensation from forming within the attic, which would cause significant
heat loss from the home if the attic insulation gets wet. A cool,
dry attic is the best solution for keeping the heat in the house
during the winter.
Should
my Solar Star run during the winter?
Attics by design are
meant to be ventilated year-round. The Solar Star has no switches
or thermostat by design; it runs whenever daylight strikes the
solar panel. During the winter, proper ventilation helps prevent
condensation from forming within the attic, which would cause significant
heat loss from the home if the attic insulation gets wet. A cool,
dry attic is the best solution for keeping the heat in the house
during the winter.
Does
the Solar Star run at night?
There are no batteries
on the Solar Star, the unit only runs when daylight is available on
the solar panel.
Is
the Solar Star attic fan quiet?
The Solar Star attic
fan is whisper quiet and would likely not be audible from within
the house or in the yard.
What
if the roof location doesn't have all-day sun exposure?
The Solar Star attic
fan runs best when the solar panel is in direct sunlight. The unit
will run at a reduced speed in the shade (provided sky is bright)
but if one has heavy shading for a good portion of the day an "Add-on
Solar Panel" for the Solar Star is a great idea. An extra
panel can be placed up to 15' (4.5m) away (possibly on the opposite
side of the roof) from the main roof unit to provide better all
day performance.
Can
I transform an electric vent to a solar-powered vent?
Use the Solar Star
Conversion Kit to transform a noisy electric vent into an environmentally
friendly solar powered vent.
What
if I don’t want to put a fan on my roof?
The Solar Star Conversion
Kit can be used in the attic to transform a gable vent, dormer
vent, whirlybird or other vent unit into a solar powered vent with
only the solar panel mounted on the roof.
