dome <\/a>prevents harmful UV rays from infiltrating the fixture.<\/p>\n\n\nFree Lighting<\/h4>\n\n\n Solar tubes offer natural lighting for darker homes at zero cost. Hence, they’re perfect alternatives to electric lights during the day. On sunny days, you’ll get lights equivalent to 100 watts from a 10-inch solar tube. Hence, it’s a safe way to illuminate a whole room and save some cash.<\/p>\n\n\n
Natural Light<\/h4>\n\n\n The essence of solar tubes is providing natural light. It’s reliable and can provide all the health benefits(like vitamin D) you’d get from direct sunlight. Other benefits you can get include mental & physical boosts, reduced blood pressure, and enhanced performance.<\/p>\n\n\n
Low Maintenance Costs<\/h4>\n\n\n Solar tubes are durable and sturdy. So you won’t need to spend a lot on maintenance. Also, they enjoy protection from acrylic domes, which prevents leakage and damage from weather conditions, insects, & humidity.<\/p>\n\n\n
Flexible Design<\/h4>\n\n\n Typically, solar tubes don’t mess up your building’s structure. And it’s all thanks to their flexibility that allows the tubes to pass through smoothly without damage.<\/p>\n\n\n
Solar Tubes: Disadvantages<\/h3>\n\nLimited Aesthetics<\/h4>\n\n\n In truth, you won’t get much out of solar tubes in the aesthetics department. Solar tubes are small and won’t improve a space beyond providing natural light.<\/p>\n\n\n
Not Compatible with all Structures<\/h4>\n\n\n Although the solar tube is flexible, they don’t work for every roof. However, most of these tunnels are ideal for roofs sloping between 15 to 60 degrees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Therefore, flat roofs or steep pitches may cause installation difficulties. In addition, your roof’s material also determines if you’ll need an adapter or not. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Moreover, a Solar tube can only work on roofs. So you might get only some of the benefits of two-story buildings. The ground floor would need longer tubes to channel sunlight–which may be less efficient.<\/p>\n\n\n
Incompatible Ventilation<\/h4>\n\n\n You can’t add ventilation systems to a solar tube. As a result, it’s impossible to dissipate heat or get some air through these light tunnels.<\/p>\n\n\n
Singular Energy Source<\/h4>\n\n\n The solar tube can only get energy from one source (the sun). Therefore, you may get little or no light in harsh weather conditions–making them less functional. So, you’d either have to stay in darkness or use an alternate light source.<\/p>\n\n\n
Thermosiphon and Noisy<\/h4>\n\n\n Aluminum is the primary material for A solar tube, which is excellent. But it’s difficult for the material to deliver during winter. As a result, there will be a decrease in your home’s overall R-value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Additionally, all that aluminum may generate noise during windy days. Unfortunately, you can’t remove them, meaning you’d have to endure the noise.<\/p>\n\n\n
How much do Solar Tubes Cost?<\/h2>\n\n\n <\/figure>\n\n\n\nSolar tube on a red ceiling<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nA Solar tube has a decent overall cost. Usually, using professional services to install a solar tube may cost $750 per unit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In addition, a DIY solar tube is available on the market, and they go for $300. However, we recommend this option if you’re confident in your skills and can spare the time it takes to install. Installing a solar tube yourself may also void your roof warranty. So, ensure to check with your roofing installer before proceeding.<\/p>\n\n\n
Difference Between Solar Tubes and Skylights<\/h2>\n\n\n <\/figure>\n\n\n\nSkylights<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nHere are some significant differences between solar tubes and skylights.<\/p>\n\n\n
Energy Efficiency<\/h3>\n\n\n Solar tube have the upper hand in this category. They capture natural light and channel it into different areas and spaces. On the other hand, skylights deliver similar results by generating three times the amount of light from windows. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
But you’ll lose energy due to heat gain in hotter climates. Luckily, that’s not a problem with solar tube, making them more energy efficient than skylights.<\/p>\n\n\n
Protection from Ultra-Violet Rays<\/h3>\n\n\n Solar tube offer better UV protection than skylights. Unfortunately, skylight systems only reduce the impact of ultraviolet rays. Also, solar tubes protect homeowners with weather-proof acrylic domes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Additionally, the protection system blocks all dangerous rays that may harm the eyes or skin.<\/p>\n\n\n
Water Condensation<\/h3>\n\n\n Both solar tube and skylights suffer from this issue. However, there are easy solutions. For example, a humidifier can prevent skylights’ condensation, while solar tubes require insulation.<\/p>\n\n\n
Aesthetics<\/h3>\n\n\n Skylights take the win here, as solar tubes have little or nothing to offer in this department. Interestingly, skylights can emit light from sunlight to star-filled night skies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In contrast, solar tube only draws light from the sun and don’t influence a room’s beauty or architecture.<\/p>\n\n\n
Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n Solar tube are energy-efficient and cost-effective ways to naturally illuminate dark spaces in your home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Additionally, they’re easy to install and will cost less than skylights. You can also use DIY installation, which requires more consideration, skill, and time. Further, it uses less electricity while offering natural light. Also, solar tube help to reduce your carbon footprint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In other words, a solar tube affects your health and mood. Hence, you’ll feel better with more natural light in your home. Furthermore, although skylights offer a phenomenal view of the sky, a solar tube is more practical and easily creates perfect environments in your home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Do you have more questions? Feel free to contact us<\/a>, and we’ll be happy to help.<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
… <\/p>\n
Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":3056,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\nWhat are Solar Tubes: A Complete Guide<\/title>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n