Solar tubes help to illuminate dark interior places. These tubes are composed of a transparent waterproof head that fits into your roof membrane and a reflective pipe underneath it that transports the sunlight to your home.
This blog will discuss how solar tubes work, Its cost, Its benefits and drawbacks and it’s worth it or not
Table of Contents
What are solar tubes?
Solar tubes are also known as “sun tunnels,” “light tubes,” or “daylight pipes” and allow natural light into your home.
They may not offer a pleasant view outside, but they provide an affordable, natural way to lighten dark interior rooms without electricity.
Because of their small size, solar tubes can be easily installed between roof rafters. This relieves homeowners of any concerns regarding the roof’s structural integrity. In addition, instead of skylights, solar tubes limit heat gains and loss.
These are a great way to bring light into darkened areas in your home, such as hallways, laundry rooms, and closets.
The working of solar Tubes
A solar tube is a tube-shaped material that reflects sunlight. This material is shaped like a mirror and catches the sun’s rays, glancing into the line. The light bounces off different objects and reaches your home, where it shines through the acrylic dome. Because the light is evenly distributed, there are no hot spots. The light bounces, so there’s no chance of UV rays entering your home. Solar tubular skylights can be used to generate clean, renewable Solar energy without causing any damage to your home or incurring additional energy costs.
Lighting cost of Solar tube
The average cost of solar tube lights made by Solar Companies is between $500 and $1000. This price includes the cost of purchasing and installing it. Because solar tube lighting doesn’t require any framing or drywall, it is much cheaper than skylights, which can run up to $2,000 annually.
Solar tube lighting kits are usually between $200-$400 if you believe you can do it yourself.
Are Solar Tubes valuable?
Yes, solar tubes can brighten dark places such as laundry rooms. Solar tubes are a great replacement to skylights. However, they have their pros and cons. Below, we will discuss them.
The Pros and Cons of Solar Tubes
Pros
Free lighting – One 10-inch solar tube can produce the same light as three 100-watt bulbs on a sunny day. This is enough light to light a 200-square-foot workplace or 300 square feet for folding laundry or showering. This light can illuminate a room, whether it is sunny or partially cloudy. It will save your money and is easy to use. A solar tube with an electrical light is the best choice for a nightlight.
Design flexibility –Skylights are large enough to stand out in any room. Solar tubes, on the other side, don’t get in your way. Some solarsystems.reviews experts say that Solar tubes can lighten your bedroom or living room without altering the structure. Because they are smaller than most skylights, they can be used to lighten dark hallways or pantry areas.
the risk of leaks will be lower – Skylights that are older than 20 years old can leak, as it is well-known. This is due to the way that they collect leaves and other debris. This prevents rainwater and snowmelt from escaping the roof. Instead, this water flows under your roof and through your ceiling. Also, because solar tubes have small domes that allow water to flow around them, they are less likely than other types of plumbing.
Cons
Little options for control –Skylights allow you to control the quality of the light entering your home. Skylight blinds work in the same way as window shades. However, many skylight diffusers on the market can distribute light evenly throughout the area. You can add UV-blocking film to your windows to prevent furniture and rugs from fading. You can get fresh air by opening your skylight like an awning window.
Solar tubes are usually not able to provide shade or ventilation. You can use window film and diffusers, but your options are limited.
Little design upgrade– Skylights can make an area appear larger and more open by providing a constant view of passing clouds. Skylights can be both elegant and connect you to the natural world. The majority of solar tubes, however, are too small to have any impact on the room’s appearance beyond letting light in. They also don’t provide clear views of the outside.
Not uniformly suited to every home – Solar tubes may not be possible depending on the type of roof. Most solar tubes can be installed on roofs with slopes between 15 to 60 degrees. You will need to look for tubular skylights suitable for flat roofs. Installing a roof with a steep slope like an A-frame may prove difficult. Do-it-yourself solar tube kits are made for asphalt and wood shingle roofs. An adaptor is required if your roof is made of metal or tiles.
Tube condensation can occur in high-humidity climates. This can be reduced by wrapping the tube in R-15 batt insulation before installation.
Solar tubes can bring natural light into your home in small spaces. In addition, they are cost-effective and not intrusive. For a small fee, traditional skylights can dramatically alter the appearance of a room.
solar tubes and skylights’s positive health benefits
The function of solar tubes is similar to skylights. They let in natural light, which can benefit mood management and overall well-being. Sunlight is also a natural source of vitamin D which can help strengthen bones and improve sleep quality.
Closing Up
Windows brighten a room. Room looks can be dazzled with a Natural light. Solar tube lighting is a great option if your home does not have many windows. It will brighten the room without adding heat and glare.
It would help if you considered the pros and cons of each solar tube before you make your decision. Solar tube lighting brightens indoor spaces and doesn’t reduce heating or cooling.
