Solar Tubes?

[Rob Beckers]

We're in the process of designing and building a new office plus warehouse for the business, the plan is to make this a 'greener' building than the average industrial structure, and one of the items I am looking at is solar tubes.

Ideally, a solar tube would provide a great deal of light during the daytime, without adding heat, and without letting heat out of the building. The little research I have done suggests though there's another side to this coin: Problems with condensation, an R-value of around 2 at best (ie. barely better than a pane of glass, and worse than the average double-pane low-e skylight), and air leaks.

Does anyone have experience with, or suggestions for solar tubes that work? We're looking for the 'industrial' size ones, around 20 - 22 inches diameter. Any feedback would be appreciated!

-RoB-

[Dave Turpin]

I have installed a couple Solatubes, which are available in 10" and 14" versions.

I do t know about other brands, but these are sealed with a rubber gasket top and bottom. I don't see how an air leak is possible. I can't say much about R-value, though. They aren't insulated, per se, but have a large stagnant air volume. Mine usually feel warm to the touch.

[Penny Walters]

Some people I know have also fitted Sola tubes and I have only heard good things about them. Seems like they are the most reputable brand around...

[Marty Bennett]

Sorry, I know this post isn’t exactly timely. In 2014, I used the Sola-Tube brand 12-14” vent fan combo in two small bathrooms in our 1400sqft cottage. I never cease to be amazed at the quantity of light they produce! The comical part is when houseguests keep trying to ‘turn out’ the lights, especially on a full-moon lit night. Unless it’s cloudy or overcast we almost never use the LED fixtures. Based on this, I am completely convinced it would have great value on a larger scale as well.

[Mike Norman]

There should be no problems with condensation, if the solar tubes are made of good quality.