Solar Tubes vs. Skylights: Surprising Differences Between the Two

Did you know that the main difference between solatube skylights and traditional skylights is the direction of light? Both are useful for indoor illumination, but their applications are different. 

Solar tubes are illuminated from above and can be installed on any ceiling, while skylights are best fitted as a roof-top installation. If you are planning to install either of these lighting solutions at home, here’s a detailed comparison to help you decide which one will suit your needs better.

Solar tubes, also called sun tunnels, tubular skylights that consists of reflective tube installed between the roof and ceiling of a home. The tube is made of an acrylic polymer material and is fitted with a diffuser at the bottom, which evenly distributes the light into the room.

The reflective tube directs sunlight into the home, providing light during the day. Solar tubes are an energy-efficient alternative to traditional skylights, and they can be installed in homes with or without existing skylights.

How Do Solar Tubes Work?

A solar tube is a type of solar collector that captures sunlight and funnels it down a tube to a diffuser in the ceiling of your home. The light is then reflected off the diffuser, providing light for the room below. Solar tubes are an alternative to skylights, which are installed on your roof.



What Are Skylights?

Skylights are windows that are installed on a roof to let in light. They are a great way to add more light to a room without having to rely on artificial lighting. Skylights can be either fixed or operable letting in some fresh air and come in a variety of sizes and shapes.

How Do Skylights Work?

A skylight is a transparent window that is installed at the top of a roof. It is made of glass or acrylic and is fitted with an interior diffuser that allows light to pass through. When the sun rises, it travels through the skylight and illuminates the surrounding area.



Solar Tubes vs. Skylights

When it comes to letting brilliant natural light into your home, you have a few different options. Solar tubes and skylights are two of the most popular choices, but which one is right for you? Here’s a quick overview of solar tubes vs. skylights to help you decide:



Cost

Solar tubes and skylights both have the potential to save you money on your energy bills by reducing your reliance on artificial lighting. However, a solar tube is usually the more affordable option, with skylights costing about twice as much on average.

Winner: Solar Tubes

Design

When it comes to design, skylights have the upper hand. Solar tubes can be a bit of an eyesore, especially if they’re not installed properly. Skylights, on the other hand, are designed to blend in with your roof and add a touch of architectural interest to your home.

If you’re worried about aesthetics, skylights may be the way to go. But if you’re more concerned with function over form, solar tubes will get the job done just as well.

Winner: Skylights



UV Rays

One of the main benefits of solar tubes is that they don’t let in UV rays, which can cause fading and other damage to your furniture and flooring. Skylights, on the other hand, do let in UV rays (although there are now some options available with UV-resistant glass).

So if you want to protect your belongings from sun damage, a tubular skylight is the way to go.

Winner: Solar Tubes



Installation

Solar tubes are generally much easier to install than skylights, and they can be done as a DIY project if you’re feeling handy. Skylights, on the other hand, should always be installed by a professional.

So if you want an easy installation process (and a lower bill), a tubular skylight is your best choice. But if you don’t mind spending a little extra on a professional skylight installation, skylights may be the better choice.

Winner: Solar Tubes



Maintenance

Skylights acquire dirt and debris just like any other opening in your home, so they need to be cleaned on a regular basis to prevent leaks. Solar tubes, on the other hand, don’t usually require much maintenance beyond the occasional dusting.

So if you want a low-maintenance option, solar tubes are probably your best bet. But if you don’t mind climbing up on your roof every now and then to clean your skylights, they’ll still let plenty of natural light into your home.

Winner: Solar Tubes



Efficiency

Tubular skylights are typically more efficient than skylights since they don’t let in as much heat or cold air. Skylights can also leak energy, which means your home’s heating and cooling system has to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature.

If you want an energy-efficiency option, a tube skylight is probably your best bet. But if you don’t mind a little extra work for your HVAC system, skylights will still let plenty of natural light into your home.

Winner: Solar Tubes

So which one is right for you? It really depends on your needs and preferences. If you want an affordable option that’s easy to install and maintain, tubular skylights are probably your best choice. But if you don’t mind spending a little extra for a touch of architectural interest, traditional skylights may be the better choice.

Invest in a Solatube Skylights

Adding a Solatube skylight to your home is one of the smartest investments you can make. Not only will it help reduce your energy consumption, but it will also add value to your home.

BM Skylights is a Solatube skylights dealer and installer. We've helped countless homeowners take advantage of the wonderful benefits offered by Solatube. If you're thinking about adding a skylight to your home, call us today and we'll help you choose the right tubular skylight models for your needs.