What is a solar tube?

The solar tube is also known as the sun tube, light tube, sun tunnel, tubular skylight and daylight pipe. It looks exactly like a tube, thus its name. The solar tube mentioned here is not to be confused with thin-film agri voltaic solar tubes and photovoltaic solar tubes which are mainly made for generating electricity.

What are the different types of solar tubes?

Broadly speaking, there are two types: rigid and flexible. The rigid type is straight. The flexible type is either bent or curved. A rigid solar tube gives off more light than a flexible one because it offers a straight path for sunlight down to the end of the tube. This makes the rigid solar tube better for longer distances.

How do solar tubes work?

Solar tubes bring daylight into your home in one of the most enjoyable and simplest ways. The light shines on a clear acrylic dome on your roof, which is attached to a reflective metal tube that runs to an interior ceiling. A solar tube can be anywhere from 10 to 22 inches wide, and provides lots of natural sunlight, even on cloudy days.

What do solar tubes look like?

Their solar tube models look like small skylights embedded into the face of your roof instead of bulky domes. If sleeker aesthetics are important to you, they are worthy of your careful consideration. Most sun tubes come with a UV ray protection system, either at the source of sunlight on your roof, or in the light diffuser at the end of the tube.

What is the difference between a skylight and a solar tube?

Here are some key differences: Appearance: Skylights are generally larger and can be seen as a window in the ceiling, providing both light and a view of the sky. Solar tubes are more discreet, with a dome on the roof and a diffuser on the ceiling, providing only light.

What are the components of a solar tubing system?

The following are the primary components of a solar tubing system: Rooftop dome: Collects and focuses sunlight into the tube. Made of UV-protected acrylic or glass. Reflective tubing: Lined with a mirror-like film that reflects up to 99.7% of light. Angles down into interior space.