How the Solatube works

A tubular skylight is a hi-tech, yet simple way to bring light into buildings where a traditional window cannot be used effectively.
It comprises three basic components which, depending on their efficiency (see different manufacturers for information, determine the amount of light actually transferred.

Starting at the top is the dome.

The purpose of the dome is to capture light and bring it into the tube and to protect the system from the elements. Look out for systems with dome technologies; such as lens systems and built–in reflectors to capture the maximum amount of light. This is particularly important when the dome is located on a roof which does not face south. More light in equals more light out.

The Solatube Dome

Patented Raybender^® 3000 Dome

Solatube doesn't just wait for light to fall on the roof dome and into the tube aperture ... our high tech dome uses a patented Fresnel lens system to actively harvest additional daylight that would otherwise have passed straight through the dome and out the other side, and redirects it down into the tube at the steepest possible angle to minimize bounces (see how fewer bounces mean less light loss in our comparison chart under ).

Patented LightTracker™ reflector

This unique reflector, 99.7% reflective, is fixed into the dome and greatly increases the surface area available to catch yet more light and redirect it down into the tube.

Below the dome is the tube.

These fall into two categories; flexible and rigid. Flexible systems are cheaper but recent tests at the independent Building Research Establishment have shown that, on average, a rigid tube will deliver around 10 times more light than a flexible system. The simple rule is that the more reflective the tube – the more light will be transferred. Solatube’s tube, at 99.7% reflective, is by far the most efficient.

Don’t be fooled by high sounding numbers. Always ensure that you select a system with the most reflective material, a difference of just one percent will make a massive difference to the light delivered, particularly over longer lengths.

The maximum length of tubing will be determined by the reflective value and the width of the tube. A Solatube system with a 350mm tube will deliver light up to 9 meters from the roof.

The Solatube Light Tube ... Spectralight^® Infinity reflective tubing

Spectralight^® Infinity is 99.7% reflective. It is the most reflective material used in tubular daylight systems and is used exclusively by Solatube. You may have seen it demonstrated on the BBC's Tomorrow's World programme. Our comparison chart below shows how tube material with a reflective value lower than 99.7% will have a significant impact on the amount of light delivered.

Finally, the diffuser.

This is the part that you see on the ceiling. A good diffuser will have a lens to evenly distribute the light around the room and will also have a double-glazing system to prevent ‘solar-gain’ and heat loss. This will also prevent condensation build-up that can occur with non-sealed systems.

The Solatube Diffusers

Vusion^® or OptiView^® diffuser

A ceiling diffuser is necessary to distribute the daylight evenly throughout the room below. Solatube diffusers are sleek and contemporary, and fit neatly to the ceiling with no visible fasteners. They are double-glazed to prevent heat gain/loss and block UV transmission - no faded furnishings!

The Vusion diffuser is supplied as standard on both Solatube 160 DS and 290 DS. The Vusion diffuser fits neatly and discreetly into virtually any ceiling or room style.

The Optiview^® diffuser uses a multiple Fresnel lens system with a stunning architectural look to deliver crystal clear daylight. It fits neatly to the ceiling with no visible fasteners and delivers outstanding natural light diffusion.

Don't be let down by a floppy sky tube

The adage that you only get what you pay for’ has never been truer than with tubular daylighting systems.

It’s very easy, particularly when you’re up to your neck in work, deadlines, juggling house improvement tasks, collecting the kids from school, to select the first product that comes to your attention – particularly if it looks like it can save you some money in these difficult times.

Comparing apples and plums

Well one thing that you should know is that all ‘tubular skylights’ are NOT the same. In fact, you could find that the product that you’re about to install is only delivering around 10% the light of a Solatube® Daylighting System.

Whilst ‘flexible’ systems may be cheaper to buy, you could find out too late that the poor results proved to be a price not worth paying.

Trouble free Installation

There’s also a preconception that rigid systems are harder to fit. Not true! Building professionals know that the’ difficult’ bit of installing a daylighting system is the roof work ... well that’s the same for any system – good or bad! Indeed, one of the advantages you’ll discover with a Solatube® Daylighting Systems is that the high quality of the components invariably means that the job is easier and faster to complete than with cheaper products.

At the end analysis, It’s all about the light!

So, another thing that may interest you is that we’ve just completed some testing with the boffins at the BRE. They’ve found that, on average, a Solatube® Daylighting System will deliver around 10 times more light than a ‘flexi’ and in some instances nearly 30 times more.

Consider this report (Click Here) from the Building Research Establishment Ltd (BRE) in which Sola Skylight's Sky Tunnel with Flexi-tube, and Velux Sun Tunnels with flexitube are compared against Solatube's tubular skylight.

 

Page updated November 25, 2009