Frequently Asked Questions

A Solatube Daylighting System is a Tubular Daylighting Device (TDD). It's designed to capture sunlight from the rooftop, redirect it down a highly reflective tube, and diffuse it throughout an interior space, providing bright, natural light where traditional windows or skylights might not be feasible.

Solatube systems offer several advantages over traditional skylights:

• Easier Installation: They typically require less structural modification and can often be installed in a few hours.
• Light Output: The highly reflective tubing minimizes light loss, delivering bright, consistent illumination even on overcast days or when the sun is low.
• Thermal Performance: They are designed to minimize heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter compared to many traditional skylights.
• UV Protection: Built-in filters block nearly all harmful UVA/UVB rays.
• Leak-Proof Design: Advanced flashing systems provide excellent protection against leaks.
• Versatility: Can be installed in spaces without direct roof access via angled tubing.

They are incredibly versatile and can brighten almost any room, including bathrooms, hallways, kitchens, closets, laundry rooms, living rooms, and offices. They are suitable for both residential and commercial applications.

Solatube offers several sizes to accommodate different room sizes and lighting needs:

• 160 DS: 10-inch diameter, ideal for small spaces like hallways and closets
• 290 DS: 14-inch diameter, perfect for most residential rooms (10x10 to 14x14 feet)
• 750 DS: 21-inch diameter, designed for larger rooms and commercial spaces
• SolaMaster Series: Available in various sizes for commercial applications

Our experts can help you determine the best size for your specific space and lighting requirements.

Yes! While the intensity will be less than on a bright sunny day, the advanced optics capture ambient light effectively, meaning Solatube systems still provide significant natural light even on overcast days.

Absolutely. Many Solatube models offer optional Light Add-On Kits, integrating an energy-efficient electric light within the same ceiling fixture, providing illumination 24 hours a day. Check product details for compatibility.

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.

Solatube systems are designed for thermal efficiency. The dual-glazed diffuser and internal seals minimize heat transfer, preventing significant heat gain in the summer and heat loss in the winter, unlike some older skylight designs.

The ability of a tubular daylighting device to capture low-angled winter light may differ significantly from its ability to capture high-angled summer light. The ratio of summer to winter light output can be an indicator of the product's effectiveness in delivering (or not delivering) consistent light throughout the course of a year. Solatube® Daylighting Systems will produce uniform levels of output regardless of season (or climatic conditions), resulting in steady and reliable interior illumination despite variations in exterior conditions or seasonal changes in the daylighting resource.

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.

The domes used with most Solatube® Daylighting Systems are injection-molded with impact modified acrylic. The high quality and durability of the material combined with the molding process produces a dome that creates a benchmark for the industry. For markets in High Velocity Hurricane Zones, the optional Shock Inner Dome is available to meet building codes. This material is required to pass stringent missile impact tests for hurricane threat areas. In the Solatube SolaMaster® Series, we also offer a military-grade dome for applications that require anti-terrorism blast testing.

The Solatube SkyVault® Series dome, intended for commercial use, is made of high-impact, vacuum-formed polycarbonate that is 43 times stronger than acrylic. A different material is used with this model due to the dome's massive 29 in. (74 cm) size. An acrylic dome with that diameter would be too flexible and not strong enough to withstand high impact conditions. This model is also available with a dual-glaze dome assembly that includes an outer and an inner dome for added durability.

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.

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.

A standard installation typically takes only a few hours (around 2-4 hours) and involves minimal disruption to your home or business.

For residential applications:

While Solatube® Daylighting Systems and Solar Star® Attic Fans are engineered for easy installation, you'll get the best results when you hire a professional who has been factory-trained and certified to install our products. When arranging installation, we recommend you hire a Solatube Premier Dealer who is licensed, bonded and factory-trained on Solatube products to ensure a proper install and protection from unforeseen circumstances.

A general contractor, roofer or local building material supplier may also be able to assist you.

As a homeowner, we recommend installing it yourself only if you have the proper tools and training, and are comfortable making a roof penetration.

For commercial applications:

For commercial applications, we recommend a Solatube International Commercial Distributor who has been factory-trained on all Solatube products. They can offer design assistance and/or installation services / training. Coordination with a general contractor or roofer may be required depending on the scope of the project.

Solatube systems are engineered with seamless, one-piece steel flashings and advanced sealing techniques to ensure a leak-proof performance. When installed correctly by a certified professional, leaks are extremely rare.

Solatube® Daylighting Systems have a variety of seamless, self-mounted flashing options, curb-mounted caps and roof accessories that, when combined with the dome and seals, provide a virtually leakproof system.

For more information, see the "Flashing" menu in the Product Selection Guides for our specific daylighting product.

Yes. Optional Spectralight® Infinity 0-90 Degree Tubing creates up to 90 degree angles and allows the light to run horizontally. You can even achieve multiple 90 degree turns in the same tube run.

CAD drawings are available on the Technical Resources page of our website.

The Solatube® International, Inc. roof components have been designed for installation at the roof level, not on a vertical wall. By installing the roof components on a vertical wall, the product warranty would be voided. However, installations of this type have been done successfully. We recommend a warranty from the installer to cover this type of application.

An application where the roof components are mounted on the roof and the tubing makes a 90 degree turn to allow the diffuser or Decorative Fixture to be mounted on an interior wall are within the bounds of the warranty.

For more information, please contact your local Solatube daylighting expert.

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.

Yes, but there are potential issues with this type of application. Due to the excess moisture present in the shower environment, condensation may occur. Since the accumulation of moisture is a natural occurrence, it is not covered under the manufacturer's warranty. To minimize condensation, proper ventilation is crucial. In addition, using the Solatube® Natural Effect Lens is recommended to reduce the air exchange between the shower and the inside of the tubing.

For more information about our warranty, visit the Product Registration page in the Support section of our website.

Yes. We offer three different options, depending on the type of roof and Solatube® product you're using.

Option one is a Metal Roof Kit that can be used in conjunction with our self-flashing systems on most standing seam metal roofs with seams that are less than 4 1/2 in. (114 mm) high. This is the most commonly used application for our Solatube Daylighting System 290 DS as well as our Solatube SolaMaster® Series 330 DS and 750 DS. This is the only option for our Solatube SkyVault® product for metal roofs of all types.

Option two is the curb cap used on a curb (made by others) where the curb is custom-fabricated to fit the metal roof profile. This is the most commonly used application for our 290 DS, 330 DS, 750 DS models, and the only option for our Solatube SkyVault® Series product for metal roofs of all types.

Option three is the Solatube Metal Roof Flashing, which is available exclusively for our Solatube SolaMaster Series. Featuring an innovative triple-seal Dry-Lock technique, it can be adapted to fit virtually any standing seam roof profile.

See our Production Selection Guide and Technical Resources pages for more details.

It's always recommended that you contact your local Solatube daylighting expert for specific application details.

Yes, all Solatube® Daylighting Systems are designed with features that prevent water from entering the system. The round shape of the domes themselves prevent water from collecting on the surface.

In addition, the circular and seamless, one-piece design of the self-flashing systems allows rain runoff to naturally flow past the daylighting system. As a result, the flashing has no weak points that could separate and allow water to enter. However, an optional turret extension may be added to raise the dome above the roof deck where required.

For curb-mounted applications, the height of the curb would raise the dome sufficiently to avoid any rain runoff. The curb itself (made by others) would typically incorporate a water diverter (cricket) for sloped roof applications.

The tubing of a Solatube® Daylighting System is not designed for exposed exterior applications. As long as the exterior tube runs are encased for added protection, however, this type of application is possible. To accommodate multiple 90-degree turns, angle adapters are available that provide maximum flexibility while resulting in minimal light loss. Also, keep in mind that the roof components must be supported if they reside on the side of the structure rather than the roof.

Note: this type of application may void the warranty. Consult your Solatube daylighting expert for more information.

Condensation in homes or buildings is mainly a winter problem. It occurs most frequently in areas where warm, moist air is generated and allowed to penetrate to colder parts of the building. A number of activities can produce moisture, including cooking, bathing, washing dishes and/or clothes, heating, and humidifying. Condensation may be more severe in buildings with inadequate ventilation.

In Solatube® Daylighting Systems, condensation can occur when warm, moist air enters the tubing or the space between the flashing or curb cavity. If this happens, it's likely that moisture is also present around or on other building elements, such as windows, doors and skylights.

While condensation cannot be eliminated entirely, Solatube International has made design changes to its daylighting systems over the years to reduce its occurrence. The current systems are designed to allow warm, moist air to escape at the dome level while preventing air infiltration in the tube run and at the diffuser level. Modifying your system with a Dome Upgrade Kit, Flashing / Curb Insulator, Effect Lenses, Severe Climate Glazing, or Curb Cap Insulation Kit may also help, but your local Solatube International, Inc. expert is best-suited to determine if these improvements or other changes will help minimize condensation in your Solatube Daylighting System.

Due to the numerous contributing factors to condensation in a home or building, Solatube International, like most window and skylight companies, does not cover it under the manufacturer's warranty. As such, please be aware that there may be a charge for the service call and/or additional parts needed to upgrade your system.

Solatube systems can transmit light up to 30 feet vertically and horizontally with our highly reflective tubing (99.7% reflectivity). For longer distances or complex routing, we offer various tubing configurations and can provide custom solutions. Our reflective tubing minimizes light loss, so even longer runs still provide excellent illumination.

Yes! We offer FREE shipping on all Solatube products within the continental United States and Canada. Free shipping applies to standard ground delivery. Express shipping options are available at checkout for faster delivery.

Most orders are processed within 1-3 business days. Standard ground shipping typically takes 5-10 business days from the time your order ships. You'll receive a tracking number via email once your order ships so you can monitor its progress.

For faster delivery, we offer express and overnight shipping options at checkout.

Your satisfaction is important to us. If you need to return a non-warranty item, please note the following guidelines:

• Prior Approval: Non-warranty returns must be pre-approved by Solatube. To request a return, please contact our customer service team.
• Return Period: Returns must be made within 90 days of the invoice date.
• Refund Details: Refunds will be issued for approved returns, less any applicable shipping charges and a 20% restocking fee.
• Condition: Items must be in their original condition, unused, and with all packaging intact to qualify for a refund.

Note: For commercial projects and orders, this return policy does not apply. Contact Solatube Commercial Dept for details.

For complete return policy details, please visit our Shipping & Returns page.

Solatube daylighting systems come with comprehensive warranties:

• Rooftop Dome: 20-year warranty against yellowing, fading, and cracking
• LightTracker Reflector: Lifetime warranty
• Interior Diffusers: 10-year warranty
• Reflective Tubing: 10-year warranty

Professional installation is required to maintain warranty coverage. Please refer to your product warranty documentation for complete terms and conditions.

Our customer support team is here to help with any questions or warranty claims. Contact us:

• Phone: 888-766-7066 (Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm PT)
• Email: shop@solatube.com
• Online: Contact Us form

For warranty claims, please have your product registration information and purchase details ready. We'll work with you to resolve any issues quickly.

Yes! We provide comprehensive technical support for both professional installers and DIY customers. Our support includes:

• Detailed installation guides and videos
• Phone and email technical support
• Installation troubleshooting assistance
• Access to our network of certified installers

Contact our technical support team at 888-766-7066 for installation assistance.

No! Solatube systems actually reduce your energy costs. By providing natural daylight, you'll use less electric lighting during the day, which can significantly lower your electricity bills. Additionally, unlike traditional skylights, Solatube systems are designed to minimize heat gain and loss, so they won't impact your heating or cooling costs.

Many customers report seeing noticeable savings on their electricity bills after installing Solatube systems.

Yes! Solatube systems are designed to work effectively in virtually all climates. Our rooftop domes are made from durable materials that withstand extreme temperatures, UV exposure, and weather conditions. The systems are sealed to prevent air leaks and moisture intrusion, making them suitable for both hot and cold climates.

Whether you live in sunny California, snowy Minnesota, or humid Florida, Solatube systems will provide reliable natural lighting year-round.