Tubular Skylights

Solatube Tubular Skylights

Solatube tubular skylights are high-performance solar tubes that capture sunlight on the roof and deliver it deep into your home through a highly reflective skylight tube, transforming dark interior spaces with bright, natural daylight. This modern alternative to a traditional sun tunnel skylight is engineered for maximum light output, energy efficiency, and fast, non-intrusive installation.

How Solatube Tubular Skylights Work

Solatube systems use an advanced rooftop dome with Raybender 3000 technology and an integrated LightTracker reflector to capture low-angle and high-angle sunlight throughout the day. The light is carried inside through Spectralight Infinity tubing, one of the most reflective materials available, so even long or bending sola tubes deliver strong illumination. At the ceiling, a stylish diffuser fixture evenly distributes light, creating soft, comfortable daylight rather than harsh glare. This design turns a skylight tube into a compact, efficient daylighting engine that works in hallways, bathrooms, closets, kitchens, and larger living spaces where traditional skylights may not be practical.

Core Solatube Daylighting Models and Sizes

Solatube’s residential tubular skylights are available in 10‑inch and 14‑inch diameters (commonly known as the 160 and 290 series) to match different room sizes and lighting needs. The 10" sun tube skylight (160 series) is ideal for small to medium spaces such as hallways, pantries, closets, and small bathrooms where a compact skylight tube provides ample light. The 14" sun tunnel skylight (290 series) is designed for larger areas like kitchens, family rooms, and master bathrooms that benefit from maximum light output from a single solar tube. Many models are available in standard and low-profile roof collectors, including options for high-wind regions. Homeowners can choose round or square interior fixtures to match their design style while still enjoying all the benefits of tubular skylights.

Roof Flashings and Mounting Options

To ensure long-term performance and leak protection, Solatube offers specialized flashing kits for almost any roof type, including pitched and flat roof flashings for common shingle roofs and options for tile and other specialty roofing materials. These engineered flashings help each skylight tube integrate cleanly with your roofing system and support efficient, same-day installation in most homes.

Light Control and Performance Accessories

A full ecosystem of accessories lets you customize your Solatube tubular skylights for light control, nighttime use, and special applications. The Solar-Powered Daylight Dimmer uses an internal butterfly baffle and solar-powered motor with a wireless remote to let you brighten or darken the room at the touch of a button—ideal for bedrooms, media rooms, or nurseries. General daylight dimmers provide flexible control of natural light levels so your skylight tube can deliver full brightness, soft ambience, or near-dark conditions as needed. The Light Add-On Kit integrates an electric light source inside the same sun tube skylight, so the fixture provides natural daylight by day and electric light at night without cluttering the ceiling. These add-ons turn a simple solar tube into a smart, multi-function lighting solution that works 24/7.

Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality Accessories

In moisture-prone rooms, Solatube offers ventilation solutions that combine daylighting and exhaust in a single, clean ceiling fixture. The Ventilation Add-On Kit pairs a tubular skylight with a discreet exhaust fan, so bathrooms, laundry rooms, and other humid spaces receive natural light and effective ventilation through a single opening. This integrated approach keeps ceilings tidy while improving indoor air quality and delivering the energy-saving benefits of tubular skylights.

Decorative Diffusers and Interior Options

To fine-tune the light's look and feel, Solatube offers a range of diffuser and fixture options. Classic and contemporary diffuser styles complement both traditional and modern interiors, while round and square fixture shapes align with other ceiling elements such as recessed lights or vents. These details help your sun tube skylight blend seamlessly with your design while still delivering strong, even illumination.

Energy Savings and Potential Tax Incentives

Solatube tubular skylights reduce reliance on electric lighting during the day, lowering energy consumption while enhancing visual comfort and well-being. Certain integrated solar models with solar-powered nightlights or solar-powered daylight dimmers may qualify for federal energy tax credits for both the product and the installation, subject to current IRS rules and program dates. By choosing a modern skylight tube system with the right mix of accessories—dimmers, light add-ons, ventilation kits, and decorative diffusers—you create a customized daylighting solution that brightens your home, supports sustainability goals, and increases everyday comfort.