natural lighting through tubes

Solatube® is a tube natural lighting system developed in Australia and produced in the United States for the whole world. It is a leading system n terms of quality, continuous technological innovation and a 10-year warranty that supports thousands of installations worldwide. Its function is to capture and distribute sunlight inside residential and commercial buildings that lack enough quantity and quality of light, but at the same time this system filters out the sun’s harmful UV rays.
The daylighting systems offer different 25 cm and 35 cm wide tubular devices for residential, commercial and office buildings as well as two industrial models, 53 and 74 centimetres for large deposits and warehouses.
By bringing sunlight into buildings, Solatube® contributes to the quality of life and concentration.It has been scientifically proven that people can concentrate better and their moods improve if they are in contact with sunlight. That is the reason why Solatube® is not only ideal for homes and workplaces but it is also particularly relevant in educational establishments and hospitals, surgeries and indoor sports facilities.
It all starts with the dome
Solatube® domes integrate technologies to maximize sunlight capture, even in low light conditions and considering their geographical location. They feature a special treatment that completely repel the UVA and UVB rays (in the 280 to 400 Nanometres wavelength) while leaving the desirable visible wavelength of 410 to 700 Nanometres active.
Solatube® has options for any type of leak-proof roof to mount its domes on any type of roofing from tiles to sheet metal and flat roofs.
For its integration into the interior spaces, Solatube® has a part called “diffuser” that is responsible for joining the reflective tube with the ceiling or the inner surface of the roof. There are different diffuser models for every decoration style.
On the other hand, the Solatube® 160DS (25 cm diameter) can have an optional ventilation system with a small motor that recirculates the air. And both the 160DS and 290Ds can be fitted with an electric lighting kit to be used as a night light, like a control remote dimmer that is powered by a photoelectric cell and allows you to dim or block the incoming sunlight, making it suitable for sleeping rooms.
The day lighting system Solatube® can be installed quickly and relatively easily on all types of roofs by certified installation teams or by any competent builder or roofer. The tightness is guaranteed thanks to the meticulous design of each component of the kit.
What is Solatube®’s performance like throughout the different seasons of the year?
The dome design allows the capture of the first light rays of the day that are projected in an angular shape. The same happens during the winter which generates a significant difference compared to other daylighting systems. In this way, in summer with the great arrangement of lightning available the system captures all this light to the interior of the spaces; that is why it is possible to have an adequate and consistent operation throughout the year, making it therefore an ideal alternative to illuminate any space.
Are daylighting systems maintenance-free?
Once installed, Solatube® daylighting systems have no moving parts, the hemispherical design of its dome makes it maintenance-free since no dirt or impurities are fixed to the light receiver. Besides, the elements exposed to the weather are completely fixed and sealed to the roof structure which allows that when it rains the water can continue its course to the drain so that deposits or accumulations are not generated, unlike other systems that require maintenance or inspection every two years. With Solatube® there’s no other requirement than enjoying its operation.
Is there any problem with leaks or withstand heavy rains?
Solatube® daylighting system has a consultancy prior to the purchase of the product which offers the adequate base for your type of roof. Moreover, a polyurethane sealant is included; it seals that base twice (contact and contour). So that once installed, the product allows the water to continue its course during the rain until it drains, and the system, once placed, becomes part of the roof structure acting as part of it. Contact us for more details on how to install the system in your particular case.
How long-lasting Solatube® daylighting systems are?
Solatube® products are manufactured using the highest quality materials, they are extremely durable and are designed to last a long time. All the components supplied by Solatube® are covered by a 10-year warranty. Many of the pieces of equipment currently in operation are in perfect working order having been installed for 20 years.
Is there any way of “turning off” or blocking the incoming light?
Yes, the Solatube® daylighting system, according to the space you want to light (for example: a room or an office with a projection room)can include in the configuration system, the Dimmer (for the 160DS and 290DS units only). It is powered by a small solar panel installed in the dome contour and is operated with a remote control to block or allow the entry of light.
According to the size of the space and the equipment you want to install, with this attachment, dimmers can run in series.
On what kind of ceilings can Solatube® be installed?
Solatube® daylighting system can be installed on flat slab roofs, with joists, reinforced concrete, sinusoidal and trapezoidal sheet metal, tiles of any type. Prior to the purchase of the equipment you will receive the corresponding advice to provide you with the appropriate roof base for the structure present in the space and in this way best meet your needs.
What area of light does Solatube® daylighting system cover?
The reference values have been made taking a 2m tube route and with the diffuser located at a height of 2.5m from floor to ceiling.
The lighting offered by the equipment will depend on the amount of light available, for example, it will have a higher light intensity on a sunny day compared to a cloudy day.
Approximate performance values are used in home installations: the Solatube daylighting system – Model 160 DS (25cm diameter) can illuminate up to an area of 3m x 3m with the equipment located in the center of the space, while Model 290 DS (35cm diameter) can illuminate an area of up to 5m x 5m with the equipment located in the center of the space.
In the case of commercial installations, advisors should be consulted since the options are very diverse due to the characteristics of each space, its particular use, for which the “Solatube Design Calculator” software is used, to have reference lighting values and “Dialux” to have 3D views of the spaces to be illuminated and thus obtain the most appropriate solution according to the lighting requirement or goal to achieve.
Can Solatube® work in cold climates or northern latitudes?
Our products have optics in the dome that allow light to be captured at low angles, a very important detail in northern latitudes. That is why Solatube® daylighting system has been successfully tested in northern regions of the United States, Canada and northern Europe.
The product has been used throughout Argentina so that the satisfaction of our customers has allowed it to be marketed for over 20 years, meeting and in many cases exceeding their expectations!
What are the maximum tube lengths?
This will depend on the diameter of each piece of equipment.
160DS equipment-25 cm of diameter up to 6 metres of pipe run.
290DS equipment- 35 cm of diameter up to 9 metres of tube run.
330DS equipment- 53 cm of diameter up to 12 metres of tube run.
Skyvault M74 equipment-74 cm of diameter up to 15 metres of tube run.