Solatube® Daylighting Systems FAQS

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.

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.

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.

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.

For additional details on specific technologies used in our product lines, visit the Technology section of our web site.

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).

All flashings or curb caps can be modified by adding a turret extension. It raises the height of the dome to avoid snow, rain runoff, and shading from roof obstructions like mechanical units or parapet walls. The turret extension also allows the dome to clear thick roofing materials or insulation.Turret extensions are available in 2 in. (50 mm), 4 in. (100 mm), 12 in. (300 mm), 24 in. (600 mm), 36 in. (900 mm) and 48 in. (1,200 mm) heights. See Product Selection Guide for specifics.

Keep in mind a turret extension must still be lined with Spectralight^® Infinity Tubing. In the case of Solatube^® Daylighting Systems 160 DS and 290 DS models, addition of a turret extension may require a Spectralight Infinity 0-90 degree angle adapter.

No, the Solatube^® Daylighting System only transfers the available sunlight that enters through the dome during the day. However, the optional Solatube Light Add-On Kit may be installed so that the Solatube Daylighting System can be used as a standard lighting fixture at night that operates using a standard wall switch. Available only with the Solatube Daylighting Systems 160 DS or 290 DS.

The Solatube Smart LED™ System is an alternate option that delivers day and night lighting without the need for a Light Add-On Kit. It uses SunSense™ Technology that combines daylighting with LED technology to seamlessly transition from daylight to night lighting or to supplement at times when sunlight is insufficient. The optional Occupancy Sensor makes the system even more energy efficient by preventing the LEDs from turning on unless an underlit area is occupied.