| FAQs |
Where do we travel?We are a Phoenix based company with the West Valley being our main territory How does a Solatube Daylighting System work?The Solatube Daylighting System captures sunlight on the rooftop and redirects it down a reflective tube into interior spaces. The tubing will fit between rafters and will install easily with no structural modification. At the ceiling level, an attractive diffuser spreads the light evenly throughout the room. How large an area does the Solatube Daylighting System light? The Solatube Daylighting system
that is right for you depends on both the room size and layout and how much
light you prefer. Here are some guidelines for residential areas:
These estimated lighting
areas are based upon an average 6' (1.82m) tube length and 8' (2.4m) ceiling
height, with the dome being in direct sunlight. Light output will vary depending
on the intensity of the sun. Light output may also decrease as the length
of tube increases. Is a Solatube Daylighting System difficult to install?Both the Solatube 160 DS and 290 DS fit easily between roof rafters, so they don’t require structural changes. We offer adjustable tubing designs that allow installation around attic obstructions, such as Spectralight® Infinity angle adaptors, Spectralight® Infinity extension tubing in 16" (400mm) and 24" (600mm) segments and our revolutionary 0-90 Degree Extension Tube. All are designed to fit together for easy installation. Will my clothing or furniture fade? Solatube products block all
UVB and UVC radiation, and greater than 95% of UVA. We block everything
below 380 nm, and only transmit 20% @ 400nm.
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Recommended Maximum Tube Run |
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| Solatube 160 DS (10 in/250 mm) Brighten Up® Series | 20' (6m) |
| Solatube 290 DS (14 in/350 mm) Brighten Up® Series | 30' (9m) |
| Solatube 21-C (21 in/530 mm) SolaMaster® Series | 40' (12m |
How short can the tube be?
There is no minimum distance.
Solatube Daylighting Systems are designed for installation even where there
is no access to the attic or no attic at all. Our unique tubing allows
complete installation from the roof and inside the building.
What if it's too bright?
We offer a softening lens that
fits above the primary diffuser to temper the light if necessary. The optional
Solatube Daylight Dimmer can also be installed to allow control of the
light output. Never use standard window tinting or any flammable material
to block the incoming light. This unauthorized modification creates an
extreme fire hazard.
Your ceiling diffuser is easy
to remove and clean. Please note that older Solatube Daylighting Systems
(Installed before the year 2000) have twist-lock diffusers for the 10 in/250
mm & 14 in/350 mm models. For these older units, the diffuser twists
off counter clockwise when looking up at the diffuser.
If you have a unit
that was installed between 2000 & 2007, to remove the diffuser simply
pry down one edge of the white trim ring using something flat such as a
butter knife. Continue to work your way around the ring until you have
a 1/4" (7mm) or so gap all the way around. Then simply grab onto the
edges and pull straight down. The diffuser lens can be cleaned with soap
and water. To re- install the diffuser position the 4 zip style ties into
the 4 holes on the ceiling ring and push up until the diffuser is flush
with the ceiling. If you have a unit that was installed in 2007, simply
pull the diffuser down.
How durable is the Solatube Daylighting System?
All parts are covered by a
10-year warranty. Electrical components are covered by a 5-year warranty.
The dome is made from high quality acrylic resin
that is specifically formulated for increased impact strength, chemical,
weather resistance and high clarity. For High Velocity Wind Zone areas
we have available the Shock Inner Dome for the Brighten Up® Series. For the SolaMaster® Series we offer
a Polycarbonate dome. Other assemblies are injection molded to ensure strength
and quality.
Are the domes strong?
The high quality and durability
of the Brighten Up® Series dome material, combined with our patented
technology, delivers a dome second to none in the industry. This dome is
virtually unbreakable - it can withstand nearly any "act of God".
For markets that subscribe to Miami-Dade or Texas
Department of Insurance building codes the Shock Inner Dome is available.
This material is required to pass stringent missile impact tests for hurricane
threat areas.
What happens on a cloudy days?
Solatube Daylighting Systems
provide good performance even on cloudy days. Our combined LightTracker™ Reflector,
RayBender® 3000 Technology and Spectralight® Infinity patented
technologies transfer the maximum amount of ambient light down into the
room with minimal light loss.
Is there an electric light for night use?
The Solatube Daylighting System
offers two available light kit options for the Brighten Up® Series
so the product can double as a standard lighting fixture.
1. Incandescent
Light Add-on Kits: The Solatube 160 DS accepts one incandescent lamp up
to 100-watt. The Solatube 290 DS accepts two incandescent lamps up to 100-watt.
While there is minimal blockage of sunlight when a light kit is used, this
can be minimized by using a clear bulb. 2. Compact Fluorescent Light Kit:
This kit does not accept standard light bulbs, only special compact fluorescent
bulbs with a pronged plug. It is available for users who want a very energy
efficient light fixture. This fixture accepts one 26-watt compact fluorescent
lamp. One fixture may be used for the Solatube 160 DS. One or two fixtures
may be used for the Solatube 290 DS.
Is there a Vent Kit available?
The Solatube 160 DS is available
with an attractive optional Ventilation Add-On Kit. When the Solatube 160
DS is combined with a Ventilation Add-On Kit and a Light Add-On Kit, it
becomes an attractive 3-in-one ceiling fixture
The Optional Ventilation Cap has a self flashing
design for easy installation. The gravity damper prevents back flow and
the low profile black color blends with the roof, so it is virtually unnoticeable.
Will a Solatube Daylighting System work with both a light and vent kit at the same time?
Yes. When the Solatube 160
DS is combined with a Ventilation Add-On Kit and a Light Add-On Kit, it
becomes an attractive 3-in-one ceiling fixture.
Can I split the tubing and light two rooms from only one dome?
No. It is not possible to connect
2 diffusers to one dome. In order to gain the maximum light possible to
your room, Solatube International uses a 1-to-1 product design matching
the dome to the diffuser. There is no "Y" adapter available for
Solatube Daylighting System.
Can a Solatube Daylighting System be installed through a wall?
This is not what the product
was designed for and is not recommended. The advantage of Raybender 3000
is that it captures light throughout the day for consistent light source.
Placing the dome in a vertical position strongly decreases the light output
potential.