Solatube: The Brand And Its Products

Solatube is a patented, award-winning, and recognized leader in daylighting technology. Solatube is an international brand based in Wales and part of the 3M subsidiary, Office and Industrial Products. Their innovative energy-efficient daylighting systems are installed across the UK and exported globally into homes, offices, supermarkets, hospitals, schools, warehouses, factories, airports, secure environments, public buildings, and even boats!

Solatube: About & Story

Solatube is an industry leader in energy-efficient lighting systems with an almost perfect client satisfaction rating. Over the past decade, they have installed thousands of units into homes, offices, schools, and supermarkets as well as dozens of other industries throughout the UK including hospitals, warehouses factories, airports, secure environments, and docked boats.

Solatube’s history reaches back to the 80s. They created the first tubular daylighting device (TDD) and, since then, they have gone through many evolutions of design and technology. Throughout these changes, Solatube has remained committed to their original goal. After being patented, this device became the first Solatube product ever sold and the catalyst that transformed the daylighting industry.

Headquartered in the UK, and with offices throughout Europe and North America, Solatube is the world’s most trusted brand of daylighting systems. At Solatube, they use only the best materials, advanced technologies, and progressive engineering to deliver the highest quality, energy-efficient products in a variety of sizes to accommodate every application. Over the past 25 years, more than a million systems have been successfully installed worldwide. Each year, they install thousands more.

Solatube International has emerged as a leader in the market for eco-friendly and efficient solar lighting, ventilation, and power generation systems. Solatube’s innovative technology has been continuously improved through decades of research and development at our headquarters in Monrovia, California, resulting in lighting systems that now feature patented dimming functions for increased user control. As market demand grows for solar lighting and ventilation products, Solatube remains committed to honing our products and services to ensure continued satisfaction.

Solatube daylight tubes bring the daylight from outside to inside, shine through a circular diffuser into an interior space, and match it with top performance – every time. The inside of the tube is lined with 99.7% reflective tubing, allowing the light to pass through it and be directed wherever you need it.

They can be installed in every room of the house, in your business premises, in the gym, in the holiday home, in the sauna, in a warehouse; actually, virtually anywhere you want. From residential to non-residential construction and from flat roofs to pitched roofs, regardless of the roof covering type.

Solatube: FAQS

How long can a Solatube be?

Because light travels in straight lines, it is important that the distance from your roof to the Solatube tube is as short as possible. With shorter lengths, there is less risk of the light being deflected and the light level can be maximised within your space. For example for our standard 250mm diameter Solatube, it’s recommended to be no more than 6 metres from your roof to the end of the tube.

Do solar tubes work at night?

The Solatube Daylighting System only transfers the available sunlight that enters through the dome during the day.

How much does a Solatube cost installed?

An average solar tube installation costs around $750 to $1,500, depending on the size of the home. These cost ranges are much more reasonable than traditional skylight installations, which can cost around $2,500 in the US.

Are solar tubes worth it?

Solar tubes are not a replacement for electric lights. These products are best used as an alternative to natural skylights. While you will not get a view of the sky like you would with a skylight, they are usually less expensive, easier to install, and more reliable than traditional skylights.

Solatube: The Final Thoughts

Solatube daylight tubes make beautiful natural light a part of indoor living. They’re simple to install, energy-efficient and you can adjust the brightness and color to fit your indoor spaces and your personal taste.