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  • 1. How much does the Solatube Daylighting System cost? Views: 1540 Public
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    Solatube Daylighting Systems vary in price based on the size, the addition of extension tubes and accessories, and different roof types. Residential Applications The following product prices are based on a national average: The Solatube 160 DS Daylighting Systems starting under $255* The Solatube 290 DS Daylighting Systems starting under $365* The Solatube 160 DSe Daylighting Systems starting under $290* The Solatube 290 DSe Daylighting Systems starting under $425* *Kits do not contai  More...
  • 2. Are there any condensation problems? Views: 1368 Public
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    Condensation in buildings is mainly a winter problem particularly where warm, moist air is generated in areas of occupancy and then penetrates to the colder parts of the building. This can result from a number of things in both residential and commercial buildings including cooking, bathing, washing dishes and/or clothes, heating, humidifying, etc. Condensation may be more acute in buildings with inadequate ventilation. In relation to Solatube Daylighting Systems, the condensation occurs when w  More...
  • 3. How is the Solatube DSe model different from the Solatube DS model? Views: 1341 Public
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    The performance standards established in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 require Tubular Daylighting Devices to meet a maximum U-Factor rating of 0.30 and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient ( SGHC ) of 0.30 . In response to this challenge , Solatube DSe models were designed to exceed this criteria with a U-Factor of 0.28 and SHGC of 0.20 , qualifying it for the tax credit established by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 . The Solatube DS models were designed to   More...
  • 4. What is the UV impact of installing a Solatube Daylighting System? Views: 1264 Public
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    To answer this question we first need to understand what wavelengths of radiation are emitted through a Solatube Daylighting System. Solatube Daylighting Systems utilize two technologies to eliminate UV radiation and reduce heat from infrared (IR) wavelengths from entering the building interior as follows: The first technology is related to the domes. Solatube acrylic outer domes have special UV inhibitors designed to block 100% of UVB (280 to 315 nanometers), 100% UVC (100 to 280 nanometers)   More...
  • 5. How large of an area does the Solatube Daylighting System light? Views: 1239 Public
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    The light coverage area for S olatube 160 DS ( 10 in / 250 mm Daylighting System ) is approximately 200 square feet ( 19 sq meter ), for a Solatube 290 DS ( 14 in / 350 mm Daylighting System ) it is approximately 300 square feet ( 28 sq meter ). The Solatube SolaMaster Series 750 DS and 330 DS ( 21 in / 530 mm Daylighting System ) illuminates areas up to approximately 500 square feet ( 46 sq meter ). For Commercial Building applications , please consult a Solatube Daylight Con  More...
  • 6. What if the light is too bright or bluish? Views: 1232 Public
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    We offer a suite of Effect Lenses to adjust the light to soften or warm the light color. For those who prefer less light, we offer the Softening Effect Lens that creates a subtle, softer natural lighting effect. The optional Solatube Daylight Dimmer can also be installed to allow control of the light output. The Warm/Warm Softening Effect Lens enhances natural daylight by warming the light creating a color comparable to incandescent bulbs. Never use standard window tinting or any flammable mater  More...
  • 7. Can I install a Solatube Daylighting System myself? Views: 1217 Public
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    Installation of a Solatube Daylighting System is very easy. An experienced contractor or handyman can do it in a few hours. The Solatube Daylighting System is designed with a patented fastening and telescoping tube system that virtually eliminates the need to enter the attic. Additionally, many components are pre-assembled at the factory for minimum assembly time.
  • 8. How do I remove my Solatube Daylighting System diffuser? Views: 1206 Public
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    Your ceiling diffuser is quite easy to remove and clean. Please note that older Solatube Daylighting Systems (Installed before the year 2000) have twist-lock diffusers for the 10 in/250 mm 14 in/350 mm. For these older units the diffuser twists off counter clockwise when looking up at the diffuser. If you have a unit that was installed between 2000 2007, to remove the diffuser simply pry down one edge of the white trim ring using something flat such as a butter knife. Continue to work your w  More...
  • 9. Is there a way to turn off or "block out" a Solatube Daylighting System? Views: 1194 Public
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    Yes! The Solatube Daylight Dimmer (Patent 7,082,726) allows the natural lighting level of a room to be turned up or down on demand, providing unprecedented flexibility for tubular skylights in both residential and commercial applications. The Daylight Dimmer easily controls the amount of light desired in any room from the convenience of a switch. Available for Solatube 160 DS, Solatube 290 DS, Solatube 330/750 DS SolaMaster Series. The patented variable butterfly baffle controls light outpu  More...
  • 10. How long can the tube be? Views: 1174 Public
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    Recommended Maximum Tube Run Solatube 160 DS (10 in/250 mm) Brighten Up® Series 20' (6m) Solatube 290 DS (14 in/350 mm) Brighten Up® Series 30' (9m) Solatube 330 DS and 750 DS (21 in/530 mm) SolaMaster® Series 50' (15m)
  • 11. What if I install a Solar Star on a section of the roof that doesn't have all-day sun exposure? Views: 1106 Public
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    The Solar Star attic fan runs best when the solar panel is in direct sunlight. The unit will run at a reduced speed in the shade (provided the sky is bright) but if one has heavy shading for a good portion of the day an Add-on Solar Panel for the Solar Star is a great idea. An extra panel can be placed up to 15' (4.5m) away (possibly on the opposite side of the roof with all-day sun exposure) from the main roof unit to provide better all day performance. For more information on the So  More...
  • 12. Does the Solar Star have an on/off switch or thermostat? Views: 1075 Public
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    The Solar Star attic fan by design is meant to run whenever daylight strikes the solar panel. Attics are meant to be ventilated year round, during the winter proper ventilation helps prevent condensation from forming within the attic which could cause significant heat loss from the home if the attic insulation gets wet. A cool, dry attic is the best solution for keeping the heat in the house during the winter. If your attic is properly insulated and moisture build up is not a concern but cold  More...
  • 13. What does the ceiling fixture (diffuser) look like for the Solatube 160 DS & 290 DS? Views: 1072 Public
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    All diffusers are designed to be highly attractive and unobtrusive on the ceiling. They feature a sleek dress ring that transitions the lens to the ceiling with a beveled edge. The dress ring is injection molded with impact resistant acrylic. There are currently two options for ceiling diffuser lenses. Both are dual glazed and designed to effectively diffuse the natural sunlight throughout the room. Vusion™ Diffuser: For outstanding light diffusion that artfully blends to the ceiling p  More...
  • 14. How durable is the Solatube Daylighting System? Views: 1047 Public
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    All parts are covered by a 10-year warranty. Electrical components are covered by a 5-year warranty. · The dome is made from high quality acrylic resin that is specifically formulated for increased impact strength, chemical, weather resistance and high clarity. For High Velocity Hurricane Zone areas we have available the Shock Inner Dome for the Brighten Up® Series. For the SolaMaster® Series we offer a Polycarbonate inner dome. · The tubing is made from  More...
  • 15. What happens if the dome gets covered with snow? Views: 1015 Public
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    Light output will be reduced but the dome will be fine. Tests have indicated that all size models of the Solatube Daylighting Systems can resist positive snow loads of up to 150 pounds per square foot. For more information and to review the CCRR test report click on the link below.
  • 16. Can Solatube Daylighting Systems be installed on flat or very low-pitched roofs? Views: 1003 Public
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    Yes , with the optional flat no-pitch flashing the Solatube Daylighting System can be installed on low pitched roofs ranging from flat ( 0 / 12 pitch ) to 3 / 12 pitches . The flat no-pitch flashings are available in 4 ( 100mm ) and 6 ( 150mm ) heights for residential applications . The 750 DS and 330 DS SolaMaster series for commercial applications have 4 , 8 and 11 self flashing options available for flat or low pitched roofs . Another option is to use the curb cap option   More...
  • 17. Is a Solatube Daylighting System difficult to install? Views: 998 Public
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    Both the Solatube 160 DS (10 in/250 mm Daylighting System) and 290 DS (14 in/350 10 (250mm) fit easily between roof rafters with no structural changes, so there is no need to build a skylight shaft. Our adjustable tubing design includes two Spectralight® Infinity angle adaptors that allow installation around attic obstructions and Spectralight® Infinity extension tubing in 16 (400mm) and 24 (600mm) segments. All are designed to telescope together for easy installation with no cuttin  More...
  • 18. Can a Solatube Daylighting System go horizontally? Views: 987 Public
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    Yes.  An optional 0-90 degree angle adapter allows the light to run horizontally for short distances.

     

    CAD drawings are available on the Technical Resources section of the Solatube International website.


    http://www.solatube.com/commercial/technical-resources/index.php

  • 19. Can Solatube Daylighting Systems be installed in a shower? Views: 976 Public
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    Yes. There are, however, a few things to be aware of in these types of applications. Because of the excess moisture in the shower you may experience condensation, which is not covered under the warranty as it is a natural occurrence. You will want to make sure there is proper ventilation and it would be recommended to utilize the Natural Effect Lens for Climate Control to minimize the air exchange between the shower and inside of the tubing as much as possible. For more information on our warr  More...
  • 20. Are Solatube Daylighting Systems maintenance free? Views: 958 Public
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    The Solatube Daylighting System is designed to be a sealed unit. All assemblies (dome, flashing, tubing, diffuser) have seals to stop bug and dirt infiltration. The maintenance free design and shape of the dome and flashing eliminates debris build-up. Unlike traditional skylights, there is no open drywall shaft that requires cleaning and re-painting.
  • 21. What is a Solatube Daylighting System and how does it compare to a traditional box skylight? Views: 946 Public
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    Traditional skylights have their place, as do Tubular Daylighting Devices. There are a few key benefits of the Solatube Daylighting System, however, including flexible location options, low cost of installation and better lighting performance. Also, traditional skylights do not offer any optical enhancement devices to help increase performance. On the north side of a sloped roof, the light output from a regular skylight is significantly reduced without these devices. The Solatube Daylighting S  More...
  • 22. How long does it take to install a Solatube Daylighting System? Views: 924 Public
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    It takes approximately two hours or less on shingle asphalt roofs, while other roof types may take slightly longer. The Solatube Daylighting System feature factory assembled parts for faster, easier, more professional looking installations.
  • 23. Will a Solatube Daylighting System work in cold climates and northern latitudes? Views: 923 Public
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    Yes. For more than 10 years Solatube Daylighting Systems have been installed in Northern USA, Canada , and in Nothern European Countries.
  • 24. How short can the tube be? Views: 898 Public
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    There is no minimum distance! Applications without an attic space, vaulted ceilings or open beam ceilings are quite common. In very short spaces the tubing may need to be modified to fit the space. This can be done easily by cutting the tubing to the desired length. Note that is recommended to have a straight tube run when installing into small spaces.
  • 25. Can I split the tubing and light two rooms from only one dome? Views: 844 Public
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    No. It is not possible to connect 2 diffusers to one dome. In order to gain the maximum light possible to your room, Solatube International uses a 1-to-1 product design matching the dome to the diffuser. There is no Y adapter available for Solatube Daylighting System.