How
does a Solatube Daylighting System work?
The Solatube Daylighting System
captures light through a dome on the roof and channels it down through our
internal reflective system. This tubing is far more efficient than a traditional
drywall skylight shaft, which can lose over half of the potential light.
The tubing will fit between rafters and will install easily with no structural
modification. At the ceiling level, a diffuser that resembles a recessed
light fixture spreads the light evenly throughout the room.
How
does the Solatube Daylighting System light output compare to electric lights?
Light is measured in lumens and energy
usage in watts. A standard 100 watt incandescent lamp produces 1200 lumens. A
40-watt, 48" (1.2m) fluorescent tube produces 2300 lumens.
| Product Relative |
|
Light Output (lumens) |
Electric Lamp and Fixture |
| 21-O (21 in/530 mm Daylighting System) Open
Ceiling Solatube (b) (SolaMaster Series) |
|
13,900 Avg. Lumens (a)
Up to 20,800 |
Up to 20,800 Approximately equal to the mean
light output of 0.6 - 400W High Bay Metal Halide Fixtures. (c) |
| 21-C (21 in/530 mm Daylighting System) Suspended/Hard
Ceiling Solatube (b) (SolaMaster Series) |
|
13,500 Avg. Lumens (b)
Up to 20,500 |
Up to 20,500 Approximately equal to usable
light output of 2 fixtures, each using (3) F032T8 fluorescent lamps. (d) |
| 290 DS (14 in/350 mm Daylighting System) Solatube
(a) (Brighten Up Series) |
|
6,000 Avg. Lumens (b)
Up to 9,100 |
Approximately equal to usable light output
of 1 fixture using (3) F032T8 fluorescent lamps. (d) |
| 160 DS (10 in/250 mm Daylighting System) Solatube
(a) (Brighten Up Series) |
|
3,000 Avg. Lumens (b)
Up to 4,600 |
Approximately equal to (3) 18W quad-tube compact
fluorescent lamps. (d) |
What
is a Solatube Daylighting System and how does it compare to a traditional
box skylight?
Traditional skylights have their
place, as do tubular skylights. There are a few key benefits of the Solatube
Daylighting System, however, including flexible location options, low cost
of installation and better lighting performance.
Location
The Solatube Daylighting System
can be installed in places where a traditional skylight wouldn't be an option,
such as rooms without direct roof access or small areas like bathrooms, closets
and hallways. The units are compact in design (as small as 10 in/250 mm in
diameter) and feature adjustable tubing with angle adapters that allow for
installation around attic obstructions.
Light
Output
The Solatube Daylighting System
is able to accomplish better lighting performance results than a similar
size box skylight, because it doesn’t use a skylight well (in which
light is lost through absorption into the drywall shaft). They capture light
more effectively on the rooftop and efficiently transfer more of it down
the reflective tube and into the room.
Additionally, the Solatube Daylighting System provides better light diffusion.
Instead of lighting only the space directly below the skylight, the daylighting
system uses optics to spread the light out, often lighting the entire room.
Lighting
Enhancements
Traditional skylights do not offer
any optical enhancement devices to help increase performance. On the north
side of a sloped roof, the light output from a regular skylight is significantly
reduced without these devices.
The Solatube Daylighting System, for example, features several patented enhancement
devices, which work in concert to capture more light from all angles and reflect
it down the tube for higher light output during early morning, late afternoon
and in the winter months when the sun is low on the horizon.
The Solatube Daylighting System transfers the maximum amount of ambient light
into a room with minimal light loss, allowing it to provide great performance
even on cloudy or rainy days. In fact, it captures ambient light so well, on
a full-moon night, you can actually see a nice glow.
Cost
The cost of the Solatube Daylighting
System is more affordable than most traditional skylights. Remember, the
cost of the traditional skylight is only a portion of the total materials
cost. One must also add in the cost of framing members, paint, drywall, etc.
Then, labor becomes a very large portion of the cost because a contractor
must frame out the skylight shall, drywall it, tape it, then paint it.
Leaks
Traditional skylights have a reputation
of leaking. Many times this is an issue of incorrect installation, but their
square design invites problems. First, the flat up-slope side collects branches,
leaves and other debris, which interferes with proper drainage. As the water
dams up, it migrates under shingles or tiles to find an escape route, causing
leaking.
The round design and one piece flashing system of the daylighting system allows
water and debris to flow past unobstructed. The entire unit is sealed to lock
out any moisture.
Options
The Solatube Daylighting System
can also be multi-functional. The daylighting system can be equipped with
options like an integrated light kit (for night-time lighting), a Daylight
Dimmer (Patent 7,082,726) to modulate the amount of light desired, as well
as a ventilation fan, providing a two-or three-in-one unit from a single
ceiling fixture. Again, traditional skylights can't offer you these features.
(See all available options.)
What
is the Brighten Up® Series?
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). The Solatube Daylighting System can be
installed quickly and easily between standard rafters and joist and without
structural modifications. The series also includes optional diffusers and
flashings, as well as Light Add-On kit, Daylight Dimmer and Ventilation Add-On
kit.
How
large an area does the Solatube Daylighting System light?
A Solatube 160 DS (10 in/250
mm Daylighting System) will provide light for up to a 200 square foot (19
sq meter) residential area. A Solatube 290 DS (14 in/350 mm Daylighting System)
lights up to a 300 square foot (28 sq meter) residential area. A Solatube
21-C and 21-O (21 in/530 mm Daylighting System) lights up to a 500 square
foot (46 sq meter) residential area. For Commercial Building applications,
please consult a Solatube design professional, since acceptable illuminated
areas will greatly vary due to ceiling heights and space uses.
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 very depending on the intensity of the sun. For example,
there will be more light at mid-day than in the morning or evening. Light output
may also decrease as the length of tube increases.
Does
the Solatube Daylighting System leak?
The Solatube Daylighting System
circular one piece seamless flashing design allows rain and debris to bypass
the skylight naturally. The Solatube flashings have no joints or weak points
that may separate and allow water to enter.
Is
a Solatube Daylighting System difficult to install?
Both the Solatube 160 DS (10
in/250 mm Daylighting System) and 290 DS (14 in/350 10" (250mm) fit easily
between roof rafters with no structural changes, so there is no need to build
a skylight shaft. Our adjustable tubing design includes two Spectralight® Infinity
angle adaptors that allow installation around attic obstructions and Spectralight® Infinity
extension tubing in 16" (400mm) and 24" (600mm) segments. All are designed
to telescope together for easy installation with no cutting necessary.
Can
I install a Solatube Daylighting System myself?
Installation of a Solatube Daylighting
System is very easy. An experienced contractor or handyman can do it in a
few hours.
The Solatube Daylighting System is designed with a patented fastening and telescoping
tube system that virtually eliminates the need to enter the attic. Additionally,
many components are pre-assembled at the factory for minimum assembly time.
How
long does it take to install a Solatube Daylighting System?
Approximately two hours or less
on shingle asphalt roofs, while other roof types may take slightly longer.
The Solatube Daylighting System feature factory assembled parts for faster,
easier, more professional looking installations
Will
my clothing or furniture fade?
The Solatube Daylighting System
will not cause fading. The acrylic dome filters all but 0.1% of UV, then
all but 2.4% of that is filtered by the diffuser. So over 99.9% of UV is
filtered out.
What
is Spectralight® Infinity?
Proprietary Spectralight Infinity
tubing provides up to 99.7% total reflectance and 99.7% specular reflectance.
It is the most reflective material on the world market today and is used
on all the Solatube Daylighting Systems
Is
there a way to turn off or "block out" a Solatube Daylighting System?
Yes! The Solatube Daylight Dimmer
(Patent 7,082,726) allows the natural lighting level of a room to be turned
up or down on demand, providing unprecedented flexibility for tubular skylights
in both residential and commercial applications. The Daylight Dimmer easily
controls the amount of light desired in any room from the convenience of
a switch. 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, offices, classroom and conference rooms.
What
is the LightTracker™ Reflector and Raybender® 3000 Technology?
The LightTracker Reflector captures
light that would otherwise pass through the dome and redirects into the tube.
More light input means more light output. Raybender 3000 Technology increase
the early morning and late afternoon, while at the same time rejecting over
powering midday light to reduce glare and heat.
Will
I save energy with a Solatube Daylighting System?
With the Solatube Daylighting
System operating during daylight hours, electric lights are off which means
no energy consumption. The Solatube Daylighting System has insignificant
heat gain, so air conditioning or heating are not affected. Alternatively,
more heat would be lost through a small closed window.
What
does the ceiling fixture (diffuser) look like for the Solatube 160 DS & 290
DS?
All diffusers are designed to
be highly attractive and unobtrusive on the ceiling. They feature a sleek
dress ring that transitions the lens to the ceiling with a beveled edge.
The dress ring is injection molded with impact resistant acrylic.
There are currently two options for ceiling diffuser lenses. Both are dual
glazed and designed to effectively diffuse the natural sunlight throughout
the room.
Vusion™ Diffuser: For outstanding light
diffusion that artfully blends to the ceiling plane, select the Vusion diffuser.
The fresh design harmonizes with most décor, yet provides the radiance
of natural light.
OptiView® Diffuser: Allows a view of
the sky through a series of high-tech radial lenses. This high-tech lens is
highly effective at diffusing light and minimizing glare. The OptiView diffuser
not only looks great but also adds some additional features to the Solatube
skylights that no other product can match. This revolutionary diffuser lens
bends the light exiting our Spectralight® Infinity optical tubing upward
approximately 85 degrees which provides much better light dispersion. The other
wonderful feature is that when you look up through the lens you see miniature
views of the sun, moon and sky.
Also available is a softening lens. This option is installed at the diffuser
level and diffuses the light, delivering a softer light. It is primarily used
in very sunny markets where occasionally customers feel their Solatube Daylighting
Systems are too bright. We recommend waiting two weeks after installing a new
Solatube Daylighting System to adjust to the new light
Can a Solatube Daylighting System store light for use at night?
No, the Solatube Daylighting System only transfers the available sunlight that enters through the dome. However, the optional Light Add-On Kit may be used so that the Solatube Daylighting System doubles as a standard lighting fixture with just the flick of a switch at night.
What happens on full-moon nights?
The Solatube Daylighting System captures ambient light so well that you can actually get a nice glow on full-moon nights.
How long can the tube be?
How short can the tube be?
There is no minimum distance. No attic applications with vaulted or open beam ceilings are quite common.
What
if it's too bright or the light color is bluish?
We offer a suite of Effect Lenses
to adjust the light to soften or warm the light color. For those who prefer
less light, the Softening Effect Lens that creates a subtle, softer natural
lighting effect. The optional Solatube Daylight Dimmer can also be installed
to allow control of the light output.
The Warm Effect Lens enhances natural
daylight by warming the light creating a color comparable to incaandescent
bulbs. Never use standard window tinting or any flammable material to block
the incoming light. This is an extreme fire hazard.
The Warm Softening Effect
Lens is similar to the Warm Effect Lens, but a softer glowing effect.
For
the SolaMaster Series we offer a secondary diffuser that fits under the dome
to soften the light if necessary.
What if there is no attic space?
Solatube Daylighting Systems are designed for installation even where there is no access to the attic or no attic at all. Our unique telescoping tubing allows complete installation from the roof and inside the building.
When do you install the Solatube Daylighting System when re-roofing?
Generally, after the new roof is in place. However, the Solatube Daylighting System can easily be installed in most cases at the same time the roof is going on.
When installing a Solatube Daylighting System on a tile roof, installation is usually done after the roof is completed. On hot mop applications installation can be done during or after.
Can the dome be raised higher above the roof?
All flashings can be modified by adding a turret extension. The turret extension raises the turret of the flashing so the dome will clear thicker roofing materials or roof obstructions, such as multiple roofing layers, HVAC units or extra thick shingles. Turret extensions are available in 2", 12", 24" & 36" and 48" heights.
How does the tube attach to the ceiling?
The bottom tube comes preassembled from the factory with integrated fastening clamps. Once the bottom is inserted into the ceiling opening, the tubing telescopes into the top tube. The integrated fastening clamps secure the ceiling ring into the ceiling.
How are the extension tube sections fastened together?
Solatube Daylighting System kits include high quality foil tape to seal all tubing seams. This keeps bugs and dust from entering the system ensuring maintenance free installation. The tube sections are also fastened with provided self-tapping screws for further structural integrity.
Will I have to cut the tubing?
All of Solatube Daylighting System tube sections are designed to telescope together for ease of installation. Tube length can be easily adjusted by simply overlapping so trimming is rarely necessary.
What if the protective liner won't come off the inside of the tubes?
If the tubes have been left in the sun or exposed to heat, the protective liner may not want to come off. Try soaking the tubes for a few minutes in ice water. Don't apply any harsh or corrosive cleaners or the finish will be further damaged
How do I remove my Solatube Daylighting System diffuser?
Your ceiling diffuser is quite 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. 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
