Solatube FAQ's

What is the advantage of a tubular skylight versus a traditional box skylight?
A SolaTube tubular skylight can be installed where a traditional skylight would not be an option, such as smaller areas in the home, for instance bathrooms and hallways, as well as rooms without direct roof access. More effective sunlight capture on the roof top and more light output into your home through an efficient tubing system gives a SolaTube tubular skylight superior lighting ability. Coupled with affordable pricing and optional extras a SolaTube tubular skylight is the best choice for day lighting homes.
 
Wouldn't the dome get dust and bird droppings on it?
We have found from the test of time that the natural weather conditions rain etc cleanses the dome and because of the dome shape it doesn't gather dust and dirt.
 
Will my furniture fade?
SolaTube skylights will not cause fading. The skylight unit filters out over 99.9% of UV rays. This can be proven with impartial tests that have been carried out. The light out is diffused and spread evenly through the room.
 
Wouldn't the tube fade after a while?
The product has been installed in the New Zealand market for over 12 years and has been in the lighting field for over 25 years in England.
 
Wouldn't the dome deteriorate after a certain time?
The dome is UV stabilised, and you have "peace of mind" of a seven-year guarantee on materials. HomeTech has a dome in its Head Office installed 10 years, showing little degradation.
 
What happens on a cloudy day?
The patented reflector system, along with highly reflective tubing, transfers direct and ambient light down into the room with minimal light loss, providing good performance even on cloudy days.
 
Will the unit get bugs in it?
It is a sealed unit and if installed correctly you should not get bugs or dust in the unit. However, it is not 100% full proof; it is difficult to prevent small insects getting in.
 
How do I remove the diffuser for cleaning and what should I use to clean it with?
The diffuser will remove quite simply by turning it 2.5cm anti-clockwise. Be careful not to drop it. Clean your diffuser using tepid soapy water and a dish cloth, allow to dry then replace by lining up the 3 lugs on the inside of the diffuser with the notches in the ceiling ring and turn 2.5cm clockwise. Run your finger around the diffuser and make sure that it is sitting flush with the ceiling. If not remove and replace until it sits flush.
 
The diffuser is too bright
What we suggest is that you live with the SolaTube transparent diffuser for a while and if you really feel it is too bright then you can use our Opal Diffuser. We are quite happy to swap the transparent diffuser for an opal one. What we suggest is that you unscrew the diffuser, bring it into our showroom, and we will change it over at no charge, or we will pop in and change it over for you at no extra cost.
 

Do skylights allow Ultra Violet rays to penetrate my home?
Yes, but it depends on the quality of the skylight to reflect UV rays and prohibit entry into your home and save the furnishings and fabrics from fading. All
SolaTube skylights have been independently tested and reflect 99.7% of UV rays. Therefore a SolaTube skylight will not allow UV to damage your valuable home furnishings.
 
Explain the warranty of a SolaTube skylight?
SolaTube skylights carry up to a lifetime warranty covering the entire system excluding the diffuser which is supported by a 12 month warranty. The lifetime warranty means, the warranty is granted to the purchaser and remains in force for the entire time the original purchaser owns the property to which the skylight has been installed.
 
Flexible skylights, how much light do they produce?
It varies depending on the installation location on the roof. However, as a general guide a SolaTube 250 skylight produces around the equivalent to a 100 watt incandescent light fitting and an Econotube (flexible shaft) of similar size produces on average the equivalent to a 40 watt incandescent light fitting.
These averages are based on a light covered cloud day. Should the cloud increase the volume of light through the flexible shaft will decrease quicker than the SolaTube.
 
How much roof cavity is required to fit a skylight?
No limitations apply. A skylight can be installed into a cathedral ceiling without too much trouble or into a two storey dwelling if required.
 
Does the skylight have to face north or south on the roof?
Obviously, the best position for a skylight is on the north facing aspect of the roof, however due to SolaTubes uniquely designed and patented reflector the skylight can be installed in any position and still provide suitable light quality transfer into the room.
 
Does SolaTube sell other products other than tubular skylights?
Yes we do.

• Tubular and traditional square skylights
• Roof windows
• Mechanically ventilated skylights
• Heat Pumps
• Heat Transfer
• ACD Anti condensation devices
• Ventilation

We provide a complete range of ventilation solutions for residential and commercial applications

Will it leak?
All our SolaTubes have purpose built one piece flashing systems, moulded to the various roof profiles to eliminate leaks.  If we install the product, we give a one year warranty on workmanship and weatherproof ness of your SolaTube. If it is installed by a licensed SolaTube installer, we guarantee it will not leak.
 

Does it let heat in?
No, if you have heat gain, you will also have heat loss. The product has been designed in Australia to keep heat out.  It is a sealed unit with a diffuser at ceiling level and the dome in the roof and in some ways its like double glazing - there is minimal air convection in a SolaTube.
 
Light diminishing over a distance?
There is some light diminishment over longer lengths, but it is minimal. However we have put a SolaTube into a very dark hallway, dropping 4.00m in Infinity and it worked most satisfactorily.
 
What is INFINITY tubing?
Proprietary INFINITY tubing provides up to 99.8% total reflectance and it is the most reflective material on the world market today and is recommended for use on all SOLATUBE tubing.
 
Why is SolaTubes new Infinity 100 weight?
Tubing material that was used in the past was specifically designed for the lighting industry. As such, we are required to adopt that material ‘as is’. When we decided to manufacture our own materials we determined that a heavier substrate was not necessary for the tubular skylight industry, thus opting to re-direct costs into higher performance reflective surfaces.

Why is Infinity 100 so highly reflective?
Prior to the technology used in Infinity 100, a silver film provided the highest specular reflectivity. This new technology uses a complex layering of polymeric material and its internal refraction to transfer light. The result is a specular reflectance that defies what was once considered scientifically impossible.
 What is the specular reflectivity of Infinity 100?
Over 99%
 
How does a SOLATUBE work?
On the roof SOLATUBE’S patented reflector system located in the skylight dome redirects low angle light and more ambient light through highly reflective tubing. This tubing along with the injection moulded dome minimizes light loss and heat gain. It is far more efficient than a traditional flexible skylight shaft, which can lose over half their potential light travelling down to the ceiling. At the ceiling level, the SolaTube diffuser that resembles a decorative light fixture spreads light evenly throughout the room.
 
How large an area does the SOLATUBE light?
A 250mm SOLATUBE will provide light for a 4 square metre area and is suitable for a bathroom, ensuite, hallway or smaller room. The 400mm SOLATUBE lights cover up to a 9 square metre area and is suitable for kitchens, family rooms, dining rooms and studies. The square metre of an estimated lighted area is based upon a tube length of 1.4 metres, with the dome being in northerly aspect sunlight. The light output will vary depending on the intensity of the sun. Light output may decrease as the length of the tube increases.  Each situation is very different and we recommend a free in home consultation to ensure you have the best sized SolaTube for the area you wish to light up.
 
How does SOLATUBE’S light output compare to electric lights?
In some cases a SolaTube will have comparable performance to an electric light. However décor, time or year, weather, aspect to the north, height ceiling to floor, roof to ceiling, all affect its performance.
 
Will SOLATUBE work when installed on the south side of a house?
A SOLATUBE works well on the south side of a house. However, it does work best when it is exposed to direct sunlight. But with the use of the infinity shaft with a reflectivity of 99.8%, even shaded ambient light is transferred into your home.
 
How long can the tube be?
As the tube length gets longer, the light output is reduced. Good lighting results can be expected for tube lengths up to 5 metres for the 250mm SOLATUBE and 10 metres for the 400mm SOLATUBE. Each situation is very different and we recommend a free in home consultation to ensure you have the best sized SolaTube for the area you wish to light up.
 
How does SOLATUBE bring in more light than a traditional skylight?
Traditional skylights pass light through a flexible shaft and into the home. Using this process, a large percentage of light is absorbed and never reaches the rooms’ interior. SOLATUBE’S patented reflective system redirects low angle light (early morning and late afternoon light) down the reflective tubing and into the room. Because of the tubing’s high reflectance less light is absorbed and more useable light actually reaches the room where it is needed.
 
To what degree do colder weather and southern latitudes affect SOLATUBE performance?
Having a sealed system SOLATUBE works very well in cold weather. Because of its small size and seal SOLATUBE causes almost no heat gain or loss. This also prevents warm moist air from inside the house escaping and condensing inside the skylight. In extreme cold weather, a small amount of frost may appear inside the dome, but this disappears again when the temperature increases.
 
Is a SOLATUBE difficult to install?
No.
The 250mm and 400mm SOLATUBE fit easily between roof trusses and require no structural changes so there is no need for a carpenter to build a skylight shaft using melamine, plaster and paint. Our adjustable tubing design includes two angle adapters that allow installation around attic obstructions and extension tubing comes in short segments that fir easily together. Furthermore, all tubing has been designed to telescope together to make installation expedient.
 
How long does it take to install?
Approximately two to three hours or less in standard roofs, other roof types may take longer.
 
When do you install the SOLATUBE if you are re-roofing?
Generally, after the new roof is in place. However, SOLATUBE can easily be installed at the same time that the roof is going on in most cases. When installing on a tile roof, installation is usually done after the roof is completed. On metal roof applications installation can be done before or after. SOLATUBE skylight systems can be easily retrofitted into almost any home.
 
What if there is no attic space? Or if I have a cathedral ceiling?
Our product has been designed for installation even where there is no access to the attic and with numerous flashings and options, most applications can be addressed.
 
Can SOLATUBE be installed in commercial buildings?
Yes.  We have been installing in the commercial market throughout the world including schools, churches, industrial parks, post offices, aged care facilities, libraries, banking facilities and hospitals. We also offer some unique accessories for commercial applications.

SolaTubes can be integrated with smart electric light systems that alter their fluorescent light output depending on the natural light available.
 
Do SOLATUBE’S leak?
SOLATUBE is designed for leak-free operation when properly installed by our nationwide network of fully trained and licensed installers. All roof flashings are one-piece and seamless to eliminate leakage.
 
How durable is the SOLATUBE?
The SOLATUBE Dome is made from high quality acrylic resign that is specifically formulated for increased impact, chemical, weather resistance and high clarity. The tubing is made from puncture proof aluminium sheet with a UV protective covering, which prevents deterioration over time. Other assemblies are injection moulded to ensure strength and quality.
 
Is SOLATUBE maintenance free?
SOLATUBE is designed to be a sealed unit. Unlike traditional skylights, there is no messy gyprock shaft that requires cleaning and re-painting. The design and shape of the dome and flashing eliminates build up of outside debris, making SOLATUBE maintenance free.
 
Are there any condensation problems?
No.  The SOLATUBE is completely sealed at the ceiling location to prevent warm moist air in the house from migrating up the tube. The dome seal allows the outside air to mix with the tube air, eliminating the air temperature contrast that contributes to condensation.  A little condensation can be expected in some regions & roof cavities. In view that the dome breathes, condensation will evaporate away.
 
What diameter is the 21” SolaMaster?
The 21” SolaMaster is a huge 525mm. It is the BIG Brother to the 250mm and the 400mm SolaTubes.
 
What type of tubing is in the 21” SolaMaster?
The 21” SolaMaster uses high performance Infinity 99.8& reflective aluminium tubing.

So is SolaMaster ‘Energy Efficient’ like SolaTube?
Yes the same principles have been applied; SolaMaster has limited heat gain and heat loss – just like SolaTube.
 
Where would I use such a large solid aluminium tubular skylight?
In commercial warehouse’s instead of fibreglass roof sheeting. SolaMaster is a low cost effective way to light factories and work areas – without the heat gain or loss.  In larger open rooms within your home SolaMaster will provide excellent light for family rooms, kitchens and dining rooms.  Office areas or Class Rooms – this is a market that SolaTube International has been very successful with. The Optiview Diffuser provides a very good glare free light in places where people need to spend the ‘whole day’ under the skylight.
 
Why does SolaMaster have a square diffuser?
Our market research showed that Specifiers and Designers preferred the square design in larger open areas.  The square transition piece is designed to fit into any standard ‘grid ceiling’. This makes it very easy to install into most commercial applications.  It can also be installed into any hard ceiling.
 
Does the 21” have a Reflector?
Yes, just like SolaTube the 21” has a specially designed Reflector. It works the same way as the smaller SolaTube and improves the performance of the SolaMaster in late afternoon and early morning.
 
I have a leaking skylight and I am not sure if it is a SolaTube?
Does it have a dome? Does it have a reflector? Does it have an aluminium lightshaft? Does it have a curved diffuser? Is it round? If yes then it may be a SolaTube.   Often there will be the name SolaTube etched into the dome, or a sticker on the curved diffuser.