Solar tubes, also known as sun tunnels, light tubes, and daylight pipes, are small, affordable, and eco-friendly ways to let natural light into your home. They channel outside daylight into your home through a tube and a diffuser, which is resembling a conventional light fitting. They begin with a weatherproof, transparent acrylic dome on the roof that collects sunlight, a reflective tubing that channels it down to your interior space, and an attractive diffuser lens.
Solar tubes have curved exterior domes that make it more difficult for elements to settle on and obstruct sunlight than traditional skylights. On the roof, a solar tube is crowned by a weather-proof plastic globe, which ends in a window-like diffuser in the ceiling of the room below. The curved design of the solar tube’s exterior heads makes it more difficult for elements to settle on and obstruct sunlight than traditional skylights.
Sun tunnels mount flush with the interior ceiling but do stick up on the roof. Most use a half sphere plastic lens to gather light from the roof. Solatube’s innovative tubular daylighting technologies bring beautiful, natural light into your home, converting dark spaces into places you love. The main difference between the VELUX Sun Tunnel and Solatube is the color of the light. Solatube is so bright it looks like a train headlight, but when placed on a flat surface, it will be like a round window and gather some light.
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Are sun tunnels a good idea?
The installation of a sun tunnel in a domestic setting has the potential to result in a notable reduction in energy expenditure, due to the provision of a cost-free source of illumination and the facilitation of natural daylight within the residence. Furthermore, it can enhance the thermal comfort of the home. Should further clarification be required, please do not hesitate to contact our team.
What is the average cost of a solar tube?
A DIY solar tube costs around $500, while a professional installation costs around $1, 000. However, the extra investment can lower the risk of damaging your roof or creating water leaks. It’s crucial to purchase solar tubes designed specifically for your roof material and pitch angle to avoid water leakage issues and void the product warranty. Tubular skylights are dependent on sunlight, providing no natural light at night or limited light on cloudy days.
They are also incompatible with some roof designs and may affect the warranty provided by your roofing contractor. Despite these limitations, traditional square-shaped skylights can cost over $2, 000.
Do solar tubes cause roof leaks?
The question of whether water will drip inside a home after a tubular skylight installation is often asked. However, Solatubes, which have been installed over 1, 000 systems, are known to not leak. This is due to their intelligent design, high-quality materials and components, and the quality of the installation work. The design of Solatube roof flashings also ensures a waterproof sun pipe installation. With over 1, 000 systems installed, Solatubes are a reliable choice for homeowners looking to avoid water leaks in their homes.
Do sun tunnels need cleaning?
The maintenance requirements of sun tunnels by VELUX are typically minimal, contingent on the specifics of the installation. Inadequate installation can result in suboptimal light delivery and increased accumulation of debris, particularly if the tube end is not properly secured or sealed. The most common culprits are flies, cobwebs, and dust. In the event of a loose or unsealed tunnel, it is necessary to perform regular maintenance or reinstallation. Correct installation can prevent the occurrence of unclean sun tunnels.
What is the average cost of a sun tunnel?
The cost of installing a sun tunnel can range from $850 to $2, 250, depending on factors such as labor and materials. While skylights have gained popularity for adding natural light to homes, they may not be suitable for every situation. Sun tunnels offer an alternative solution, as they provide a more efficient way to add natural light. Bill Ragan Roofing has been helping homeowners make informed purchasing decisions for over 30 years, helping them make informed decisions based on their budget, situation, and preferences. Understanding the benefits and costs of sun tunnels can help homeowners make informed decisions about their solar light options.
Do sun tunnels leak?
Sun tunnels, like other roof fixtures, can leak due to improper installation or lazy workmanship. Issues may also arise with the acrylic dome or flashing around the tunnel. However, they remain leak-free as long as the materials hold up. Sun tunnels will eventually be replaced when the acrylic dome or tube fail around 10 or 20 years. Sun tunnels provide more natural light than traditional skylights, as they are closed-off tubes instead of large glass panes.
What are the drawbacks to sun tunnels?
Sun tunnels have several disadvantages, including limited light output, no view of the sky, fixed position, and design limitations. They are not suitable for large rooms or spaces requiring significant illumination, and they do not open or provide ventilation, making them unsuitable for indoor air quality.
Choosing between a skylight and a sun tunnel depends on factors such as room size and light requirements, budget, ventilation needs, aesthetic preferences, and energy efficiency. A skylight is ideal for larger rooms requiring abundant natural light, while a sun tunnel is ideal for smaller, confined spaces. A sun tunnel is cost-effective and easier to install, while a skylight offers a more dramatic visual impact and a view of the sky.
As for aesthetics, skylights offer a more dramatic visual impact and a view of the sky, while sun tunnels do not offer ventilation. Lastly, sun tunnels are an excellent choice for homeowners concerned about energy efficiency due to their minimal impact on heat gain and loss.
What’s the difference between a sun tunnel and a skylight?
Sun tunnels are recommended for rooms in the middle of a house that don’t receive natural light, such as hallways, laundry rooms, utility rooms, dark kitchens, bathrooms, and large closets. Both skylights and sun tunnels qualify for the Federal Solar Tax Credit, which allows you to deduct 30 of installation costs on solar energy systems. Skylights can qualify for the tax credit by having a solar-powered skylight or adding a solar-powered accessory like blinds. Both options require something solar-powered to qualify.
How long do sun tunnels last?
A well-installed sun tunnel can last as long as your roof, provided you care and maintain it properly. The acrylic dome should last around ten years, while the light diffuser can last up to twenty. Regular cleaning is necessary, especially if in the kitchen. Water leakage is a common issue that could lead to a full replacement, often due to improper installation or cracks in the acrylic dome. If caught early, it should not be a major issue.
Keep an eye out for water droplets or discoloration near the light diffuser. If you’re unsure if your sun tunnel needs repair or replacement, IBEX Roof can advise on the most cost-effective way to keep your roof functioning and looking good.
What is the disadvantage of a solar tube?
Solar tubes have drawbacks, including limiting natural light in comparison to skylights, concentrating light in specific areas, and being limited to small areas during the day. Traditional solar tubes, which are 10 to 14 inches wide, are ideal for small bathrooms and master suites. They are also designed for roofs with a standard slope of 15 to 60 degrees, making it difficult to find suitable products for steeper slopes or flat roofs. Additionally, flexible tubing in some tubular skylights can further reduce light output. Overall, solar tubes are not suitable for large spaces or those with steeper slopes or flat roofs.
Do you need permission for a sun tunnel?
Sun tunnels don’t typically require planning permission, but it’s advisable to check this, especially if living in a listed building. The size of the sun tunnel depends on the roof type and the space between the roofing timbers, specifically the ceiling joists. Modern roofs with smaller timbers typically have joists spaced at 400mm from center to center, requiring a 10-inch rigid tunnel. For heavier roofs with 600mm joists, a 14-inch rigid or flexible sun tunnel may be suitable, as there’s enough space for the 410mm diameter hole for the ceiling diffuser.
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Good article Sam. Australia is racing towards 25 GW in rooftop solar, leading the world with 1,359 watts per person! Netherlands 2nd with 1,299 watts, Germany 3rd at 996 watts, Belgium 4th with 846 watts. Households adding batteries at record rates. I was shocked on my recent trip in Canada how few houses had rooftop solar there.
Solar doesn’t work in uk/Northern Europe in winter without massive excess capacity, which puts levelised costs up. There is naturally more wind in winter and less in summer. A balance between both forms of generation and storage will develop in this region. Wind power is necessary and the levelised cost is very low.
Ha ha.. I just clicked onto this website to see how many “game changing” discoveries and “revolutionary new studies” Sam has announced over the past 24 hours and one of the two sponsored advertisements that popped up at the start of the article was for Ampol (Australian fuel company) and the other was for the Toyota diesel Land Cruiser. Hilarious 😅
Hey Sam. That’s amazing mate those stats and in particular, the battery wholesale price got my attention. Surprised me because researching online the cost of batteries recently still showed nothing comparable to those wholesales costs. Would be interested to know your thoughts on this (in Oz mate). I understand you need an inverter and of cause the installation but it’s still working out to me a lot more than a 1k per kwh. I think once they are half that cost, in Australia we will see take start to dramatically increase as a guess. Look at Solar. Keep up the good work buddy. Hope your wife is doing ok and your boys are having fun being boys.
But why is the LCOE relevant? It’s the total cost that matters. You’re looking at the wrong number. Even if wind and solar are the cheapest to ‘add’ to the grid, as the CSIRO says, wind loses to wind, solar loses to solar. Adding wind and solar makes the rest of the grid less efficient and thereby driving up costs of the grid as a whole. This is why grids with lots of wind and solar have high electricity bills. South Australia verses the other states. California verses the other states. Germany and Ireland verses the other EU. There are no exceptions. It’s like comparing commodities, the levelised cost of commodities (LOCC); iron, cotton or opium. The LOCC would be good for comparing iron and cotton, but not good for opium because people will get addicted to opium then become unproductive and the market shrinks. But even as the market shrinks, all the way up to economic collapse, societal collapse and into an opium war, the LOCC would still say that opium has the largest profits. Wind and solar are the opium of the energy sector.
With the pace of progress things are going to be very different in a decade, solar and batteries will be as common in a home as a fridge is now… Compared to anything else solar and batteries look like magic and still feels like it after 5 years with my system. Just stick a few panels on the roof, connect a few cables to the battery and shazam, free power that falls out of the sky for 20+ maintenece free years. I imagine legacy energy are very worried by now, didums 🙂
Thanks Sam for providing this excellent summary promoting solar energy. Long time believer and installe solar PV to our home (13.2 kWh) in 2012, and two Powerwall-2 batteri3s installed in 2018. Our solar system was paid off by 2019 and we operate as a microgrid ~8 months of the year in Edmonds, WA (USA). Solar is a no brainer and works to power our all electric home and charge our two EVs, while exporting excess solar energy back to grid through Net metering.
There is more solar power available in summer than winter. If enough solar panels are installed to cover demand in winter, there will be an excess in summer. Rather than let this go to waste, this could be used to make e-fuels to power existing and new ICE cars. I wouldn’t write off synthetic petrol just yet.
Solar, wind and EVs don’t work in a natural disaster. Just watch the security footage of EVs exploding in four or so inches of water from hurricane Helene. You don’t see gas cars doing that. And remember that lady politician Nora something in Australia last year, she brought up valid points and questions about the failures of EVs during any sort of emergency situations and why it’s always better to have gas and diesel cars on hand for evacuation plans. She used the bush fires of 2016 as an example. I can also use the wild fires in Alberta and Nova Scotia as examples of why you do not want to be in an EV when you are trying to evacuate your family. And do you really think the emergency services would use EVs for themselves during those times? No they would not.
I have asked this before on this website. Why is my electric bill the highest in my life. Especially as i live in Jamestown South Australia where i am surrounded by Windmills and has the firs Australia large Tesla Battery. The State of South Australia has almost 100% renewables yet my electric bill has tripped in the past five years. Someone is BULLSHITTING HERE. Whereis this Tony Siba Disruption price of power??? For 100% renewables many of us here in South Australia are being gouged by the Australian Electricity suppliers. I have rooftop Solar and i am surrounded by windmills. COST ISN’T COMING DOWN IT HAS TRIPLED AND STILL GOING UP. I have listened to many of this websites claims about Solar and EV’s which ignore the REAL TRUTH on the Ground regarding both. How can EV’s be economical when Electricity is so expensive. South Australia was the first of the Australian states to go renewable yet Electricity prices are eye watering in their steady increase. I’ve written my complaint to this site twice before and have been ignored. BULLSHIT WALKS WHILE MONEY TALKS.
The AEMO will soon start charging rooftop solar owners to put power into the grid. Why is the AEMO doing this ? That is part of the AEMO strategy in the ISP. The ISP says that the grid will need the equivalent of 9 more Snowy 2.0s before the last coal fired power station closes. This is not going to happen, so the AEMO needs another source of power storage. Charging people to put power into the grid fits in well with the business models of the renewable farms and the strategic plans of both the AEMO and the AEMC. During the day, when there is so much solar around, renewable farms can’t compete with rooftop solar. It would appear that the AEMC is now doing to rooftop solar what he has done to coal fired power (make it uneconomic for them to compete). This is likely to force rooftop solar owners to buy home batteries, which now fits in nicely with the AEMO’s ISP strategy. If it doesn’t pay to put your excess power into the NEM, you might as well store it for your own use. The AEMO needs your home batteries and your EV (sources of cheap stored power) to back up the grid between 4pm and 8pm. It is listed in the ISP as CER (Consumer Energy Resources) but not costed in the ISP as the AEMO says that buying batteries and EVs is a personal choice. However, the ISP won’t work if there are not enough CERs to use in peak usage times.
1 kWh of electricity will cost 16.4 cents average in USA while 1 kWh of equivalent gas is about 8 cents so roughly electric should cost double the gas why it is doesn’t or does depends all on the nitty grittys but problem with gas vehicles is extremely large maintenance cost and headache of getting gas while a large part of electricity comes from solar
Great article, but baseload, reliable generation is not BS. What happens on overcast days if all nuclear plants have been closed and there is insufficient hydro? Rolling blackouts. Yes, storage is getting cheaper, but not discussed is the true total cost /Kwh AC. There are significant losses in the conversion process both ways. If you’re going from DC panels directly to DC battery storage, a large part of that loss is mitigated. But you still have the loss converting to AC from DC or AC to DC for storage, then the loss converting back to AC. Factor in maintenance and other unique costs, and what is the true cost/Kwh AC? Most solar generation is calculated in DC Kwhs, not AC. 1 Kwh DC does not equal 1 Kwh AC. Salesmen never discuss efficiency losses or actual real-world AC production of your system only the theoritical maximum panel production under perfect conditions. We will always need something to pick up the load until grid sized battery storage is large enough to cover baseload. Being a Yank, most of your EV news about Chinese vehicles costs etc are just pipe dreams in the States. But tariffs come and go depending on who controls Congress & the White House. I enjoy the website!!
Flat TVs are almost impossible to make and require a huge investment. And yet they are dirt cheap. Why was it cheaper to cover my roof with 4k TVs than to put solar on it? The cost of solar had to come down because the price was just ridiculous for no reason, it’s about time they came down but they still cost WAY more than they should. Same thing is true of batteries and EVs, the cost must and will come down even with industry and governments trying to keep the price high with BS policy.
The real issue is that solar is cheaper than nuclear until you have to add in the cost of loads of new distribution lines that have to be built, then it is more expensive than nuclear. You are very biased towards solar without factoring in all the costs. That is why most Australians power bills keep going up
True, the cost of solar panels and inverters have dropped considerably. In THAT aspect Tony Seba was correct. However, he never contemplated about the devious way power companies operate. During peak moments you have to PAY when delivering power back to the grid, only because the capacity of their network cannot cope (decades of mismanagement). The only solution is home storage, but those batteries are disgustingly overpriced. Also, big solar farms and wind turbines are switched off 10% of the time, because of “over supply”, though traditional power plants remained working…🧐