Resources

What is the Solar Electric NightLight? The Solar Electric NightLight is an integrated solar-powered nightlight that offers soft, ambient light that helps homeowners navigate their home from sundown to sun up.

How does the Solar Electric NightLight work? The Solar Electric NightLight has an integrated solar panel that collects and generates energy from the daylight coming down the Solatube system, recharging the two (2) onboard AA NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride) rechargeable batteries.The Solar Electric NightLight has a sophisticated Dusk-to-Dawn Sensor that recognizes when there is not enough daylight (waning hours of the day) and automatically turns the NightLight on.The NightLight includes two LED emitters requiring no bulb replacement over the life of the product.

How much does a Solatube Daylighting System Cost?

Solatube Daylighting Systems vary in price based on the size, the addition of extension tubes and accessories, and different roof types. Prices include product plus a consultation and installation by a Certified Installation Consultant. State and federal tax credits can lower your cost. The Solatube ISn Daylighting System with Solar Electric NightLight qualifies for a federal tax credit on cost of the product and installation, saving well over $100 on a single unit. Tax credits available in the U.S. only. Call us for details.

How large of an area does the Solatube Daylighting System light?

The light coverage area for Solatube 160 DS (10 in/250 mm Daylighting System) is approximately 200 square feet (19 sq meter), for a Solatube 290 DS (14in/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 mmDaylighting System) illuminates areas up to approximately 500 square feet (46 sq meter). For Commercial Building applications, please consult a SolatubeDaylight Consultant as acceptable illuminated areas will greatly vary due to ceiling heights and space uses.

• These estimated lighting areas are based upon an average 6' (1.82m) tube length and 8' (2.4m) ceiling height, with the dome being in direct sunlight.
• Light output will vary depending on the intensity of the sun. For example, there will be more natural daylight at mid-day than in the early morning orevening. Light output may also decrease as the length of tube increases beyond the recommended distances.

Are there any condensation problems?

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 warm moist air enters into the tubing. Most likely, if there is condensation occurring in the Solatube Daylighting System, there is probably condensation around other parts of the building such as on windows, doors and skylights. Because there are so many variable factors that may contribute to condensation in a home, Solatube International, like most window and skylight companies, does not cover condensation under the manufacturer’s warranty.  Recognizing that condensation cannot be eliminated, Solatube International has made design changes to its Daylighting Systems over the years to help address this subject.  Your local Solatube specialty dealer is best suited to determine if these improvements or other modifications will help minimize condensation in your Solatube Daylighting System. Please be aware that because condensation is not covered under warranty, there may be a charge for the service call and/or additional parts.  Your Solatube specialty dealer may suggest adding additional components that have been developed to minimize condensation such as a Dome Upgrade Kit, Flashing Insulator, Climate Control Lens or Severe Climate Glazing.

Are Solatube Daylighting Systems maintenance free?

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.

Plant Growth

There are a few factors to consider when determining if a Solatube Daylighting System will have an effect on plant growth in conjunction with the above information.  The first factor would be how much UV, if any, the particular plant will need for proper growth.  Second, the size of the product you are using may impact how much light the plant will be able to obtain.  It is also important to point out that the Solatube Daylighting System removes a majority of the infrared wavelengths, which only provide heat to the plants.  This substantially reduces any heat related stress problems that may occur with indoor plants.

Typically plant growth occurs between 400 and 1000 nanometers.  Based on this data, it would be safe to say that in general a Solatube Daylighting System will have a positive effect on plant growth depending on that particular plants UV requirements.

Solar Heat Gain

With the infrared blocking capabilities of the Spectralight Infinity tubing, removing greater than 50% of the heat from the infrared wavelengths (>900 nanometer's) of the sun with every reflection on the tube surface, the Solar Heat Gain of Solatube products is greatly reduced, which in turn will reduce the air conditioning load requirement for the space being daylit.  These technologies allow Solatube Daylighting Systems to provide the highest light output performance with minimal thermal impact.

UV Effect on Skin and Vitamin D

The different UV wavelengths effect skin in the following ways:

• UVA - The lowest energy range, UVA causes little burning ordinarily, but it penetrates deeply, beyond the surface layer of the skin.  Over long periods of exposure, UVA causes wrinkling and premature aging of the skin.
• UVB - More energetic, the chief burning and tanning rays which area major factor in producing skin cancer, although not penetrating beyond the skin.
• UVC - The most energetic, intensely burning rays.  Fortunately, UVC is mostly absorbed by the earth's sunscreen, the ozone layer.

Concerning Vitamin D it is synthesized in the skin when UV rays react with a compound within skin between the 270-300 nanometers wavelengths, with peak synthesis between 295-297 nanometers.  Based on this information the Solatube Daylighting Systems do not transfer the required UV for Vitamin D synthesis as it will block all of the UVB and UVC rays, which fall between the 100-315 nanometer range.

Note: The UV information in this article is specific to Solatube Daylighting Systems - other TDD products may not provide the same performance standards.

How long can the tube be?

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)

What happens if the dome gets covered with snow?

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.

Have other questions? Contact us and we'd be happy them answer them for you!