Frequently Asked Questions

The 30% federal tax credit expired as of 12/31/25.

Click here to download the 2025 Solatube^® Manufacturer Certification Statement.

Click here to download the 2024 Solatube^® Manufacturer Certification Statement.
Click here to download the 2023 Solatube^® Manufacturer Certification Statement.
Click here to download the 2022 Solatube^® Manufacturer Certification Statement.
Click here to download the 2021 Solatube^® Manufacturer Certification Statement.
Click here to download the 2020 Solatube^® Manufacturer Certification Statement.
Click here to download the 2019 Solatube^® Manufacturer Certification Statement.
Click here to download the 2018 Solatube^® Manufacturer Certification Statement.
Click here to download the 2017 Solatube^® Manufacturer Certification Statement.
Click here to download the 2016 Solatube^® Manufacturer Certification Statement.
Click here to download the 2015 Solatube^® Manufacturer Certification Statement.
Click here to download the 2014 Solatube^® Manufacturer Certification Statement.
Click here to download the 2013 Solatube^® Manufacturer Certification Statement.
Click here to download the 2012 Solatube^® Manufacturer Certification Statement.

A tax deduction is subtracted from income before total tax liability is computed. On the other hand, a tax credit is subtracted directly from the total tax due or added to the expected tax refund.

No, there was no cap for residential photovoltaic systems placed into service after December 31, 2008 and before December 31, 2025.

Existing homes and new construction qualified; as well as primary residences and secondary residences, such as vacation homes. Rental properties did not qualify.

You needed your receipt for purchase and installation, a Manufacturer’s certification (see below), and IRS Form 5695. On this form, in line 1: Qualified solar electric property costs, you’ll enter the cost of the product and installation. This credit expired on 12/31/25.

The federal tax credit for solar-powered products was a financial incentive provided by the U.S. government to encourage the use of renewable energy. The credit allowed homeowners to deduct 30% of the total cost of purchase and installation from their federal taxes. This meant homeowners could save money while making an environmentally friendly choice.

For hot climates, the best garage door insulation is reflective insulation. This type of insulation reflects the hot air back outside, keeping it cooler inside the garage. It also helps to reduce noise and keep energy costs down. Additionally, reflective insulation is easy to install and comes in a variety of sizes and thicknesses.

1. Install weatherstripping around the edges of the door. 
2. Install insulation kits. These kits come with insulation panels that fit around the door and are held in place with adhesive. 
3. Apply spray foam insulation around the edges of the door and between the panels. 
4. Install a door sweep at the bottom of the door to seal any gaps. 
5. Replace any worn-out or broken hinges or tracks. 
6. Hang a thermal curtain to further reduce drafts.

Modern skylights are substantially more energy efficient than older models because the technology behind daylighting products has advanced in several important ways. Older skylights often relied on single pane acrylic or basic tempered glass. These materials allowed heat to pass through easily and provided little insulation. As a result, rooms beneath the skylight would heat up quickly during the day, and the cooling system had to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature. Over time, these older units would yellow or crack under the Florida sun, further reducing performance.

Today’s skylights use insulated glazing that includes double or triple panes of glass, sealed chambers filled with inert gas, and specialty coatings that control heat transfer. Low E coatings help reflect infrared heat while still allowing natural light to enter. This combination reduces indoor temperature spikes and provides more consistent comfort. UV protection in modern glazing also slows fading of furniture, flooring, and cabinetry. These improvements help lower daily cooling costs and create a more balanced indoor environment.

Modern skylights also feature stronger seals and improved frame designs. Manufacturers use advanced gaskets and multi layered weather barriers that help prevent air infiltration. This reduces drafts and keeps conditioned air inside the home. Impact rated models are available for Florida homeowners who want stronger resistance to storm debris. These units meet state and local building codes and provide a higher level of protection that older skylights cannot match.

Ventilating skylights have also become more efficient. Solar powered openers allow warm air to escape naturally, reducing humidity and improving home ventilation. This process supports healthier indoor air quality and lessens the burden on mechanical cooling systems.

When combined with proper installation, modern skylights offer a meaningful improvement in energy performance. Homeowners gain better lighting, lower cooling costs, and stronger protection against weather. Replacing an aging skylight with a modern unit is a practical way to upgrade comfort and efficiency without extensive renovation.

Most skylight replacements can be completed in a single day, although the exact timeline depends on the skylight type, the condition of the existing opening, and whether the project involves structural repairs. A straightforward retrofit, where the new skylight matches the current opening, often takes a few hours. The installer removes the old unit, cleans and inspects the curb, installs the new skylight, and applies the appropriate flashing. This process goes smoothly when the roof deck and framing are in good condition and no interior finish work is required.

Full replacements may require more time. If the opening needs to be adjusted or the curb must be rebuilt, the installer will need additional hours to complete the framing and prepare the surface. Projects that involve changing from a fixed skylight to a venting model, or switching to a different design, may also take longer. The interior may need new trim or drywall adjustments if the opening size changes. Weather is another factor. In Florida, afternoon rain is common, so crews often begin early to ensure the home is protected before weather shifts.

Homeowners often appreciate that skylight replacement is far less disruptive than larger remodeling projects. The majority of work occurs on the roof, and professional installers keep interior access to a minimum. Rooms beneath the skylight can usually remain in use throughout the day, although the installer may lay protective coverings to catch dust or debris. Cleanup is straightforward, and once the installation is complete, the new skylight is immediately functional.

What matters most is not the speed but the precision of the installation. Proper flashing, correct fastening, and careful sealing protect the home from long term moisture intrusion. A reputable installer will take the time to verify every part of the assembly. In most cases, you can expect same day completion and a weather tight finish that performs reliably for decades.

Replacing a skylight during a roof replacement is one of the most practical decisions a homeowner can make. The roof and skylight work together as a single system, and repairing one without addressing the other often leads to repeated labor or future disruptions. When the roof is removed, the installer has full access to the skylight, flashing, underlayment, and curb. This makes it easier to inspect the entire assembly and identify problems that may not be visible from inside the home. Installing a new skylight at the same time allows the flashing to integrate smoothly with the new roofing materials, reducing the risk of leaks that often originate from mismatched or aging components.

Many older skylights have sealants, gaskets, and glazing that no longer match the performance of modern roofing materials. If the skylight is approaching fifteen to twenty years of age, replacing it along with the roof prevents the need to reopen the roof in a few years. This avoids disturbing the new shingles or tiles and helps extend the working life of both systems. Homeowners in Florida benefit even more from this approach because storms, sudden downpours, and wind driven rain put persistent pressure on skylight seals. A new roof paired with a new skylight creates a consistent barrier that performs well during the rainy season and helps protect the attic and interior spaces.

There is also a financial benefit. Labor costs are typically lower when both projects are completed together because the crew is already mobilized, and the tear off and disposal processes overlap. This often reduces the total project cost compared to completing each job separately. Most homeowners also prefer the convenience of a single project timeline rather than managing two separate installations. Overall, replacing your skylight during a roof replacement ensures a smooth installation, a stronger weather seal, and a longer lasting result. It is the most efficient way to protect your investment and prevent future maintenance concerns.

Skylight replacement and skylight retrofitting achieve the same goal, but the methods and project scope are different. A full replacement is the more flexible option because it allows changes to the size, shape, or location of the skylight. In this scenario, the old unit is removed and the existing curb or opening may be rebuilt. The installer can enlarge or reduce the opening, change the skylight type, or adjust its placement to improve lighting. Full replacements also make sense if the roof structure around the skylight has been damaged by years of water intrusion. In those cases, repairing the framing and installing a new curb ensures that the skylight and roof function together as one watertight system.

Retrofitting follows a more precise approach. The new skylight is built to fit the existing opening or curb without altering the structure. Homeowners often choose this option when the framing is still in good condition but the unit itself is outdated, leaking, or inefficient. Retrofitting is less intrusive, and because the opening remains the same, the surrounding ceiling materials usually remain untouched. This helps keep the project simple and more budget friendly. A retrofit is also ideal when the skylight is being replaced during a roof replacement, since the roofer can integrate the new flashing with the new roof covering.

The decision between replacement and retrofitting depends on factors such as the age of the skylight, the condition of the curb, the presence of leaks, and the homeowner’s goals. If the structure is compromised or a different design is desired, full replacement is the better path. If the goal is to update the skylight while preserving the existing opening, retrofitting provides a clean and efficient solution. A professional evaluation helps confirm which method suits the home and avoids long term issues related to water intrusion or improper fit. Both approaches offer reliable results when matched to the right conditions.

Knowing when to replace a skylight is important because the condition of the unit has a direct effect on comfort, energy efficiency, and the overall health of your roof system. Homeowners often begin noticing small signs such as minor dripping during heavy rain, fogging between panes, or slight discoloration around the drywall. These changes seem harmless at first, but they are strong indicators that the skylight seals are weakening. In Florida, constant sun exposure and sudden temperature swings accelerate the breakdown of older skylights. Glass expands and contracts daily, caulking becomes brittle, and flashing begins to lift or detach from the roof surface. Once this process starts, the skylight becomes more vulnerable to leaks during seasonal storms.

Age is another major factor. Most skylights last between fifteen and twenty years. Even high quality products begin to lose thermal performance during this period. A twenty year old skylight may still look intact, but the glazing can allow more heat to pass into the home. You may notice rooms beneath the skylight feel warmer, or your air conditioning seems to run longer than usual. These subtle changes often signal that the skylight has lost its insulating efficiency.

Visible signs should never be ignored. Cracking, warping, yellowing, or moisture inside the panes show that the glazing and seals have broken down. Water stains around the shaft or ceiling are a more urgent warning. A damaged skylight can direct water straight into the attic or insulation, and hidden moisture can lead to mold growth. If the roof is nearing replacement age, the timing is ideal to install a new skylight along with the new roofing system. This approach creates a clean seal and avoids disturbing the roof again later. A professional inspection is the best way to determine whether replacement is necessary, but if any of these issues are present, a new skylight is usually the safest long term option.

The Solar Star^® Attic Fan is designed to work in the harshest of climates, from the scorching southwestern regions of Arizona and Texas to the frigid northern areas of Canada and Alaska. Featuring a Venturi design for maximum airflow capacity and durable polymeric fan blades for high performance and reliability, the Solar Star Attic Fan equalizes interior and exterior temperatures to safeguard your home against the extremes of summer and winter.

The Solar Star^® Attic Fan features a brushless DC motor that reduces noise and lightweight, polymeric fan blades that minimize vibration. The result is whisper-quiet operation.

There are no batteries on Solar Star^® Attic Fans that will store energy. Thus, they only run when daylight is available on the solar panel.

The Solar Star^® Attic Fan runs best when the solar panel is in direct sunlight. Although the unit will continue to operate in the shade (provided the sky is bright), it will run at a reduced speed. On a roof that is heavily shaded for most of the day, a Solar Star Roof Mount 1200 Add-on Panel is recommended. The extra panel can be placed up to 15 ft (4.5 m) away from the main roof unit—if possible, in an area that has all-day sun exposure—to boost performance.

Visit the Solar Star section of our website for more information about Solar Star products.

Attics are meant to be ventilated year-round, and the Solar Star® Attic Fan is designed to run whenever daylight strikes the solar panel. During the winter, proper ventilation helps prevent condensation from forming within the attic. If moisture does accumulate, it could cause significant heat loss from the home if the attic insulation gets wet. A cool, dry attic is the best solution for keeping heat inside during the winter. If your attic is properly insulated and moisture buildup is not a concern, but cold temperatures are, then the optional Solar Star Thermal Switch may be the solution for you.

While the Solar Star Attic Fan does not have an on/off switch, the optional Solar Star Thermal Switch can be added to turn off the fan when the temperature in the attic is cooler than 65° F (18° C). It will also turn on the fan when the temperature in the attic is warmer than 85° F (29° C), giving you greater control over the operation of your Solar Star Attic Fan.

The warranty for the system (panels, housing and LEDs) is for five (5) years.The batteries are not included in the warranty.

No. The 30% federal tax credit expired as of 12/31/25, but was only applicable to Solatube Daylighting Systems with the Integrated Solar Electric NightLights, plus the cost of the installation.

Under ideal conditions, the NightLight should provide gentle illumination throughout the dark hours of the night until the early morning hours when enough daylight is available and collected by the Solatube system.

The Solar Electric NightLight has an integrated solar panel that collects and generates energy from the daylight coming down the Solatube system, recharging the two (2) onboard AA NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride) rechargeable batteries.The Solar Electric NightLight has a sophisticated Dusk-to-Dawn Sensor that recognizes when there is not enough daylight (waning hours of the day) and automatically turns the NightLight on.The NightLight includes two LED emitters requiring no bulb replacement over the life of the product.

The Solar Electric NightLight is an integrated solar-powered nightlight that offers soft, ambient light that helps homeowners navigate their home from sundown to sun up.

Yes, damage can occur if a non-rechargeable battery is used. Using a non-rechargeable battery could pose a fire risk, and should be avoided.

Because the Solatube Daylight Dimmer only blocks out 98% of daylight when closed, the Solar Electric NightLight will not trigger the Dusk to Dawn Daylight Sensor to turn on the LED emitters under normal daylight conditions.

However, in less than ideal conditions (overcast/dark, stormy conditions), if the Daylight Dimmer is closed, the Solar Electric NightLight may turn on during the day.

The expected battery life is two years under normal duty cycle.

Remove the Decorative Fixture or Diffuser by twisting counterclockwise. Remove natural effect lens or softening effect lens by pulling on plastic tab.Reach inside the tube and gently lift up on the Solar Electric NightLight assembly to remove from the mounting bracket. Remove existing rechargeable AA batteries. Replace with two (2) new AA NiMH 1500 mAh 1.2V rechargeable batteries. Insert batteries to the (+) and (-) markings inside the battery pack.Reinstall Solar Electric NightLight onto mounting bracket.Replace effect lens and Decorative Fixture/Diffuser.

*Recycle or dispose of worn-out batteries in accordance with local and national regulations.

All new Solar Electric NightLights shipped with rechargeable batteries with a partial charge and may last throughout the first night after being installed. One full daylight cycle is recommended to achieve a full charge.

Yes, but these components do NOT qualify for the 30% federal tax rebate. The Ventilation Add-On Kit, the Daylight Dimmer and the Light Add-On Kit can all be installed in the same Solatube Daylighting System.

One full daylight cycle is recommended to fully charge the Solar Electric NightLight.

The sophisticated Dusk to Dawn Daylight Sensor allows the LED emitters to turn on only when it is dark outside (no daylight coming down the tube).

In extreme overcast or dark, stormy conditions, there may not be enough daylight transferred down the tube.This may cause the Solar Electric NightLight to turn-on during daylight hours.

Yes, the Solar Electric NightLight does work during a full moon.

Under the product warranty, Solatube^® Daylighting System components are covered for 10 years, most electrical components for 5 years, and Solatube Smart LED™ electrical components for 3 years. For full warranty details, click here.

Color temperature Maintenance (CTM) is a measure of how well a system can deliver reflected light without a color shift. The specific measured L*a*b color model performance parameters associated with a reflective surface are used to determine the spectral consistency of light as it is transferred through a tubular system. A high CTM denotes a product that produces minimal color / spectral shift of the light, which makes it a highly desirable light source for interior illumination. The Spectralight® Infinity Tubing used in Solatube® Daylighting Systems has a high CTM, which allows it to deliver the brightest, purest daylighting without major shifts over the course of the day or changes in season.

Yes. As long as there is space for the tube run, a Solatube^® Daylighting System can run from the roof to lower floors. See product pages for maximum recommended tube lengths. In addition, a chase or enclosure is usually built around the tubing for added protection.

Homeowners are always looking for ways to improve their living areas and want to bring a freshness to rooms that may seem to be lacking a special something. A starting point is also making sure your home or rooms are well lit for yourself and your guests. Sometimes all a room may need is a glimmer of natural light and a perfect option for this is by installing skylights throughout the home. 

You may ask though since the skylights are bringing in a lot of natural light, will they make the rooms they’re located in hot? 

No. Even though natural light carries heat in the form of infrared radiation, the technology used in your skylight will determine the effects of the incoming light into your home. Skylights are Energy star rated and don’t allow heat or UV rays into the home which will save your furniture from fading.

There are a few things to consider when weighing in on how your skylight will perform in your home:

• Size and Positioning of the skylight
• Size of your home
• Protective coating and glazing
• Insulation

Our Certified and Expert Installation Consultants will help you identify these factors and give you the information you need to help you decide what skylight improvements or upgrades are the best fit for your home. 

For Residential applications

The light coverage area varies among our Solatube® Daylighting System models. Keep in mind different light levels are required for different tasks. As a result, the approximate coverage areas are shown below for ambient light levels.

• Solatube Daylighting System 160 DS (10 in. / 250 mm) up to 200 sq. ft (19 sq. m)
• Solatube Daylighting System 290 DS (14 in. / 350 mm) up to 300 sq. ft (28 sq. m)

These estimated lighting areas are based upon an average 6 ft (1.82 m) tube length and 8 ft (2.4 m) ceiling height with the dome in direct sunlight.

Light output will vary depending on the intensity of the sun. For example, there will be more natural daylight at midday than in the early morning or evening. Light output may also decrease as the tube length increases beyond the recommended distances.

*applies only to daylighting portion of the system

For Commercial applications

Please consult a Solatube Commercial Representative as acceptable illuminated areas will vary greatly due to ceiling heights and space uses. Our commercial experts are well-versed in application-specific Solatube design and light analysis for both new and retrofit projects.

The Solatube^® Daylighting System features passive daylighting technology that does not rely on moving parts, making it virtually maintenance-free. All assemblies (dome, flashing, tubing, diffuser) have seals to prevent bug and dirt infiltration. In addition, the dome and flashing are designed to eliminate debris build-up. Unlike traditional skylights, that need periodic cleaning and inspection, the Solatube Daylighting System does not require ongoing maintenance.

To answer this question, we first need to understand what wavelengths of radiation are emitted through a Solatube^® Daylighting System. Solatube Daylighting Systems utilize two technologies to eliminate ultraviolet (UV) radiation and reduce heat from infrared (IR) wavelengths entering the building interior.

The first technology is related to the domes. Solatube acrylic outer domes have special UV inhibitors designed to block 100% of UVB (280 to 315 nanometers), 100% UVC (100 to 280 nanometers) and 98.5% UVA (315 to 400 nanometers) rays.

The second technology is related to the tubing. Spectralight® Infinity Tubing transmits the visible spectrum of light (400 to 760 nanometers). A minimal amount of the infrared spectrum of light (above 760 nanometers) is transmitted by the Spectralight Infinity Tubing.

With this information in mind, the following subjects can be addressed.

Plant Growth

In conjunction with the above information, there are a few factors to consider when determining if a Solatube Daylighting System will have an effect on plant growth. The first factor is how much UV, if any, the particular plant will need for proper growth. Second, the size of the daylighting system used may impact how much light the plant can obtain. It is also important to point out that the Solatube Daylighting System removes a majority of the infrared wavelengths, which substantially reduces any heat-related stress problems that may occur with indoor plants.

Typically plant growth occurs between 400 and 1000 nanometers. Based on this data, it would be safe to say that, in general, a Solatube Daylighting System will have a positive effect on plant growth depending on a particular plant’s UV requirements.

Solar Heat Gain

With the infrared-blocking capabilities of the Spectralight Infinity Tubing, removing greater than 50% of the heat from the IR wavelengths (>900 nanometers) of the sun with every reflection on the tube surface, the Solar Heat Gain of Solatube products is greatly reduced. This, in turn, will reduce the air conditioning load requirement for the space being daylit. These technologies allow Solatube Daylighting Systems to provide the highest light output performance with minimal thermal impact.

UV Effect on Skin and Vitamin D Production

The different UV wavelengths affect skin in the following ways.

UVA – The lowest energy range, UVA causes little burning ordinarily, but it penetrates deeply, beyond the surface layer of the skin. Over long periods of exposure, UVA causes wrinkling and premature aging of the skin.

UVB – More energetic, the chief burning and tanning rays which area major factor in producing skin cancer, although not penetrating beyond the skin.

UVC – The most energetic, intensely burning rays. Fortunately, UVC is mostly absorbed by the ozone layer, which essentially serves as “sunscreen” for the Earth.

Vitamin D production occurs when a compound within the skin reacts with UV rays between the 270-300 nanometers wavelengths, with peak synthesis between 295-297 nanometers. Based on this information the Solatube Daylighting Systems do not transfer the required UV for Vitamin D synthesis because it will block all of the UVB and UVC rays, which fall between the 100-315 nanometer range.

Note: The UV information in this article is specific to Solatube Daylighting Systems. Other TDD products may not provide the same performance standards.

You can get day and night lighting in one unit with the revolutionary Solatube^® Smart LED™ System. Uniting daylighting with LEDs, it can save you up to 94% in energy costs. Featuring proprietary SunSense™ Technology, the system monitors daylight levels and allows the LEDs to activate automatically only when needed. The optional Occupancy Sensor makes the system even more energy efficient by preventing the LEDs from turning on unless an underlit area is occupied.

For the Solatube Brighten Up^® Series, you can also get day and night lighting using one of our light kit options that can be wired to a wall switch.

Compact Fluorescent Light Add-On Kit

Add a dedicated compact fluorescent fixture to use with the Solatube Daylighting System as a recessed light fixture at night. Accepts one 26-watt compact fluorescent lamp (GX24q-3 Base, 26W 4-pin). Meets California Title 24 bath light requirements. Two fixtures may be used with the Solatube Daylighting System 290 DS.

Universal Light Add-On Kit with Medium Screw-in Base

Add on a light fixture to use the Solatube Daylighting Device as a recessed light fixture at night. The Solatube Daylighitng System 160 DS Light Add-On Kit accepts (1) Compact Fluorescent Lamp, Medium Base – 23 Watt Maximum, Total Maximum Length 4 3/4 in (120 mm). The Solatube 290 DS Light Add-On Kit accepts two Compact Fluorescent Lamps, Medium Base – 23 Watt Maximum, Total Maximum Length 4 3/4 in (120 mm).

Used in both our LightTracker™ Reflector and our tubing, Spectralight® Infinity is a proprietary material that has a specular reflectivity of 99.7%*, the highest of any material used in tubular daylighting devices on the market today. As a result, less than 1% of the daylight captured is lost with each “bounce” of daylight down the tube. This becomes increasingly important when light levels are low, such as in the early morning or late afternoon, on overcast days, or during winter months. At these times, the reflected daylight may make hundreds of bounces down the tubing. Because Spectralight Infinity has such a high Light Transfer Efficiency (LTE), daylight can be transmitted over long distances with minimal light loss to provide consistent illumination, regardless of season or weather condition.

In other systems that use tubes with lower reflectivity, so much light is lost (some as high as 16% with each bounce!) that little usable light remains by the time it travels all the way down the tube.

In addition, Spectralight Infinity Tubing also has a high Color Temperature Maintenance (CTM), which means it delivers the true color of the daylight with no color shift. Other tubing materials are not only less effective at reflecting light but are not “spectrally-neutral,” meaning that they can shift the color of the light significantly.

The end result is that you get maximum light output with no significant color shift for the brightest, cleanest natural light possible.

*Specular reflectance greater than 99%, with wavelength-specific reflectances up to 99.7% for the visible spectrum

The reflection of light is extremely predictable. When light strikes a surface, it is either absorbed or reflected. Total reflectance indicates the percentage of light that is reflected, regardless of the direction it travels after leaving the surface. A surface’s total reflectance can consist of both specular and diffuse components. To illustrate this, imagine a ray of light as a tight bundle of smaller, individual rays, all traveling parallel to each other. In accordance with the Law of Reflection, rays that strike a smooth surface will reflect and remain in a concentrated bundle. This is called specular reflection and represents a “mirror-like” reflection of light. On the other hand, rays that strike a rough, or diffuse, surface will reflect and scatter in many directions through diffuse reflection.

While a diffuse surface can have a high total reflectance, the reflected light is scattered, which prevents it from being transmitted in a consistent and tightly-controlled fashion. For tubular daylighting devices (TDDs), a high specular reflectance is imperative so that light can be efficiently transferred through the system. A tubing system with a diffuse reflectance component should be avoided since that would result in light being scattered and lost back out through the top of the system.

The Spectralight® Infinity Tubing used in Solatube® Daylighting Systems is the most reflective material used in TDDs. With an extremely high specular reflectance of up to 99.7%* over the visible portion (ranging between 380-760 nanometers (nm)) of the electromagnet spectrum, it ensures that very little light is lost as it travels through the optical tubing system.

Achieving a high specular reflectance is critical since even small differences in reflectance values can significantly impact light output. That’s because every time a ray of light is reflected, some amount of that light is either scattered or lost through absorption. The difference of just a few percentage points in specular reflectivity makes a huge difference in overall performance.

Contrary to total reflectance, specular reflectance is a key factor in determining an optical tube’s efficiency in transferring light, and manufacturers should provide specular reflectance data to document the true efficiency of their TDD systems.

*Specular reflectance greater than 99%, with wavelength-specific reflectances up to 99.7% for the visible spectrum

No. To transfer the most light possible to your interior, Solatube^®, Inc. International uses a 1-to-1 product design that matches the dome to the diffuser. There is no “Y” tubing adapter available for Solatube Daylighting Systems that connects two diffusers to one dome.

From sunup to sundown, the Solatube^® Daylighting System captures the sun’s rays using an optical dome mounted on the roof. The light is then transferred downward through proprietary Spectralight^® Infinity, the world’s most reflective tubing. Designed for minimal light loss, it also easily maneuvers around obstructions with no structural changes required. When the light reaches the interior, it is delivered evenly throughout the space through specially designed Solatube diffusers and/or Decorative Fixtures.

Traditional skylights have their place as do tubular daylighting devices (TDDs). There are a few key benefits of the Solatube® Daylighting System, however, that allow our TDDs to perform better than skylights. Some of these include:

• flexible location options
• low-cost installation
• optimal thermal performance
• optical enhancement devices
• no structural changes
• consistent and visually comfortable daylighting
• easy customization with modular components

For more details, read “The Skylight Alternative” article in the residential Info Center of our website.

At the roof level, there are two main optical technologies used in the domes of Solatube^® Daylighting Systems: LightTracker™ and Raybender^® 3000. The LightTracker Reflector captures low-angle sunlight, specifically in early morning, late day and winter, that would otherwise pass through the dome, and redirects it into the tube. In this way, the system collects the maximum amount of light possible throughout the day and year. This, in turn, yields greater light output in the interior space.

Raybender 3000 Technology is a patented daylight-capturing Fresnel lens integrated into the dome that provides consistent daylighting throughout the day. It accomplishes this by redirecting low-angle sunlight to increase early morning, late afternoon and winter performance. It also rejects overpowering midday sunlight, especially in summer, to reduce glare and heat offering a more consistent daylighting experience.

Yes, the Solatube^® Daylight Dimmer controls the amount of natural light entering a room. Utilizing a patented butterfly baffle design and a convenient wall-mounted switch, it allows the user to adjust light levels simply and easily anywhere between 100% and 2% daylight. Designed for both residential and commercial applications, it’s perfect for bedrooms, family rooms, offices, classrooms and conference rooms. The Daylight Dimmer is available for the Solatube Daylighting System 160 DS and 290 DS, the Solatube Smart LED™ System, and the Solatube SolaMaster® 330 DS and 750 DS. The Daylight Dimmer can also be integrated with an overall lighting control system. For more details, click here for the Daylight Dimmer Integration Guide.