Solar Tubes Let the Light Shine Through
We have a hallway that is pretty dark leading out to the laundry room (it's dark too). You can't really go there without turning on a light. I've been looking into solar tubes as a way to fix the "lack of" light issue.
After conducting a bit of research I decided to share my findings with 
you.
What is a solar tube?
- It is a tube that runs from the roof to the ceiling of a room.
- They are often referred to as sun tubes or tubular skylights
- They look like common ceiling lights and blend easily into a room.
What do they do?
- They collect and reflect light which is diffused into the room in which it is installed.
- They can light 100-600 square feet of space depending on the tube size
- They require no electricity, create no pollution and can save on
energy costs - They provide a natural light environment which contributes to better physical and psychological health
- They produce approximately 68% less heat than an average light bulb
- They cut your electricity costs
How much do they cost?
Solar tubes regularly cost between $500-$800 depending on the size of the tube, tube extensions and added features. This doesn't include installation unless you do it yourself.
I've put together a few resources for your further research:
- Worldwatch Institute
- Benefits of Solatube
- SolaTube®
- Federal Tax Credits and Solar Tubes
- Arizona Solatube Dealers
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Josee, We have a cousin that put the solar tubes in two rooms of her house and she absolutely loves thems. Good information.
Sandy-Thanks for your comments. Glad your cousin is enjoying them. I too look forward to their benefits.
Sounds like a good solution to save money over a long period of time.
Thanks for the info Josée! I need to have a couple installed in my hallways too. I had one put into our hallway when we lived in Seattle and for the first few months I would try to "turn the light off". Old habits die hard. :)
Robert-Thanks for your comments-It really is a good solution to saving money and keeping those lights off.
Kathy-Thanks for your comments-The solar tubes really seem to make a difference. I can see how you would think you need to turn the lights off too.
Great article and very informative. I wish more builders would include solar tubes in original designs. It is such a practical solution I would expect to see more in times to come.
So true, my mother has one in the hallway bath and it is great. No need to turn on lights during the day as guests often try to figure how to turn off the light and laugh when they find out it is a solar tube.
John-thanks for your comments. Even if the builders offered the solar tube option, that would be nice too.
Mary-Thanks for your comment-I've done it myself, it's pretty funny.
I love these things. They really can make a huge difference.
Leslie-Thanks for your comments-They do make a big difference in more ways than lighting an area.