Solar Tube Recommendations: How many, what size, locations?

[Troy8432]

Bought a new Begonia and close next month. I plan on having developer install prior to closing to avoid any possible conflicts between developer and non-developer installer in case of a leak. We know we want at least one in the kitchen over the sink and one in the master bath. Not sure what size or additional locations. Interested in recommendations.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

We have a begonia, have the large in the middle of the kitchen, and one in the bathroom. Also had extra light blocks installed for more light. The light during the day is amazing, and requires no artificial light the entire day.

If I have known, I might have put a tube in the living room but that might also make the TV harder to see with all the extra ambient light.. . We have no chandelier in the living room, but potentially that might work, but the original two is plenty for now.

sportsguy

[Arctic Fox]

One in master bath might cause bedroom to be too light at night in full moon - make sure they are not near a fan as rotating blade shadows very annoying

[Troy8432]

Not familiar with the term “light blocks”. What are they? Important to note, we’ve never lived in Florida and are relocating from Virginia. Came down there on two LSVs.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

Not familiar with the term “light blocks”. What are they? Important to note, we’ve never lived in Florida and are relocating from Virginia. Came down there on two LSVs.

translucent blocks put in place of cinder blocks to allow light through the walls instead of windows

many new houses have them in the bathrooms. . . worthwhile having them in the garage, I missed that one.

[Chatbrat]

There are two problems with any and all solar tubes-
1) additional penetrations to any roof, especially in a high wind area are not desirable
2) you can dim a solar tube

We installed additional recessed lighting & with the new LED lamps, very energy efficient if it matters to you

[Labanz]

Agree with last comment. I cannot understand installing solar tubes instead of additional LED fixtures. When I priced both payback on solar tubes were over 30 years.

[kidnerkim]

We have a begonia as well. We put them in kitchen, living room, guest bath, laundry & garage. They now have a night light thing as well that we added to laundry & garage

[Ga.dawg]

We have a Begonia also , we have the big size in center of kitchen and it’s perfect, wish we had and probably Will and I highly recommend you put one in the utility room ,

[retiredguy123]

Another problem with solar tubes is the you will always try to turn them off when you leave a room. The LED "daylight" bulbs provide light that is similar to natural light and they only use about 20 percent of the energy of incandescent light bulbs.

[VApeople]

I plan on having developer install prior to closing to avoid any possible conflicts between developer and non-developer installer in case of a leak.

I don't think the developer installs solar tubes.

Wait until you move in to determine if you need solar tubes. Our house faces east and we have a couple windows on the south side, so we get plenty of natural light.

Our neighbors have a house like ours that faces south and they did not get much natural light in their kitchen and living area, so they had solar tubes put in.

[LizzieBorden]

We had ours installed after build, and used “Solar guys”, they are the best. One Regular size in the guest bath, one in the Laundry room, one in the master bath, and a larger one over the island with chairs. I had the natural window light over the sink, so didnt put one there. We love them.

[woderfulwendy1]

Agree with last comment. I cannot understand installing solar tubes instead of additional LED fixtures. When I priced both payback on solar tubes were over 30 years.
Have 3 tubes, wish I would have put 2 more. Love them, nothing like "real" light.

[sallyh26]

Solar Guy’s did all 3 of mine. I love the solar tubes. I live in a Patio Villa. In the main area I had the biggest 24”, each bath I added the 10”. What a difference.

[rambleon]

The small ones are fine for the bathrooms. Install the bigger ones in any other room such as a kitchen or family room. I have 4. Garage entry, both baths and the kitchen. They are fantastic. Get the Solar Tubes. I have 4 in my other house up north.

[sueblack]

We had large sola tubes installed in kitchen, living room & garage. Two smaller ones installed in two large closets. True you do think the light is on at times and realize it is the natural light. The closets are great because you can see everything in there in its true color. No confusion over dark green, black or gray. I would not put one in the bedroom, I find I have to ensure the closet doors are closed if I wish to take a nap during the day. I like a dark room to nap in and dark shades help on the windows. We also used Solar Guys and they were great. Installed 10 years ago and no problem so far.

[cwhitecat]

I have one in kitchen, both bathrooms and master closet.

[Wing-nut2]

We have one in the kitchen, one in each bath and one in the dining room. If you put one in the bedroom, a lighting storm will turn your room into a disco.

[Fostercc]

We have one in each bathroom and one in center of kitchen area.
They give off a lot if light.
Our kitchen one also has a built-in light with switch to turn on at night
I would never put one in living room/den, it could hamper light on TV....or bedroom.
Our master bath has vanity/mirror area adjacent to bed area with solar tube overhead. It is too bright early morning, no door there to shut, wish I could cover it somehow.
...my opinion

[retiredguy123]

We have one in the kitchen, one in each bath and one in the dining room. If you put one in the bedroom, a lighting storm will turn your room into a disco.
Is that good or bad?

[Mikee1]

Unless something has changed, the developer will NOT install solar tubes. You will need to arrange for them after closing.

[Toymeister]

The large brand name solar tube brands offer important accessories not available from the off brand. I am not sure which brand the builder uses.

Velux, offered by the Markets of Marion dealer and the Brand from the Solar guys both offer a means to darken the tubes. Both offer different types of light defusers and LED options

Velux offers triple glazing at the lens for energy efficiency. It is an option. Velux also offers a sun filter which filters out some of the sun as it approaches solar noon.

With the triple glazing the Velux is roughly as efficient as the worst window sold, as measured by U value. Any brand tube is horrible in the efficiency department as they are installed. Triple glazing is the only way to go.

The high noon screen is an effective way to lessen the solar gain.

I installed both of these options. They were not even mentioned by the dealer. I passed on the darkening devices. There are two of those, manual and automated.

[Rzepecki]

I usually follow your same logic, not wanting to mix companies because, if there’s a problem, they’ll get into the blame game. But with solar tubes, it’s a different situation IMO. I think you need to live in your new house, see where the dark areas are that you’re always turning on lights during the day, then decide where to locate the solar tubes. Solar Guys does such an excellent job that I don’t think you’ll regret waiting. Also, I prefer solar tubes to electric light during the day, but you may find, after living in your house, that you prefer an electric solution.

[Bethwill]

Another problem with solar tubes is the you will always try to turn them off when you leave a room. The LED "daylight" bulbs provide light that is similar to natural light and they only use about 20 percent of the energy of incandescent light bulbs.
I'm not a fan of the light solar tubes provide. I prefer to use 100 watt led DAYLIGHT bulbs over the kitchen sink (pendants), daylight fluorescents in laundry room, and daylight LEDs above vanities in bathrooms. It's like sunshine everywhere.

[CBarrett]

I wish we would have put one in the laundry room and in the guest bath. Both are very dark w/o turning on the light.

[islandtiempo]

Agree with last comment. I cannot understand installing solar tubes instead of additional LED fixtures. When I priced both payback on solar tubes were over 30 years.
Another vote for Led dimmable recessed lighting. You are unnecessarily penetrating the roof for lighting you can't control. We had five. One stated leaking. Took them all out when we redid the ceiling.

[tshirt]

Make sure they are licensed and have guaranteed not to leak!

[Slakeforest]

Bought a new Begonia and close next month. I plan on having developer install prior to closing to avoid any possible conflicts between developer and non-developer installer in case of a leak. We know we want at least one in the kitchen over the sink and one in the master bath. Not sure what size or additional locations. Interested in recommendations.

We bought a six year old Begonia last year. We decided to add two skylights, one in the kitchen and one in our laundry room. We purchased and installed by the Solar Guys. Very reputable and treated us with respect as a customer, The kitchen has a 12 inch skylight and the laundry room was a 10 inch skylight and we added a nightlight to the laundry room skylight. No regrets and would highly recommend both contractor and the skylights. What a difference the skylights make, Hope this helps

[Chatbrat]

By changing the lamps in a Begonia (laundry room) from soft -white, to ultra daylight you have equivalent of daylight, did the same in the garage--now you can see your cars' true color & way brighter too

By the way lamps are also called bulbs/flourescent tubes

[ProfessorDave]

Love our solar tubes. Don't put in bedrooms. We have in master closet, kitchen, family room. See lots of comments about issue with penetrating roofing. Conceptually, sounds right but reality - not a risk. (I was "senior executive" of the largest roofing manufacturer in the country for years - and never heard of a solar tube caused leak - and currently do consulting for a group of 350 large roofing contractors across the country.)

[Jane G]

The Solar Guys are the best in my opinion. Plus there was a tax write-off if you install a solar powered tube!
Do be careful about glare on the tv though, if you want to install one in the family room.

[Toymeister]

You are unnecessarily penetrating the roof for lighting you can't control.

Absolutely incorrect, you can black out light tubes and return them to open.

This is quite easy to verify by a Google search.

[ProfessorDave]

Love our solar tubes. Don't put in bedrooms. We have in master closet, kitchen, family room. See lots of comments about issue with penetrating roofing. Conceptually, sounds right but reality - not a risk. (I was "senior executive" of the largest roofing manufacturer in the country for years - and never heard of a solar tube caused leak - and currently do consulting for a group of 350 large roofing contractors across the country.)

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

5 homes in villages I put 3 in kitchen large and small bathrooms , non n some models the light will spread out of small bath and give you light in hall way . They don’t leak in fact , my roof was wrecked during tornado the solar tube was I damaged when roof was replaced they just worked around it , there is not that much of a glow at full moon to worry about

[tophcfa]

One in master bath might cause bedroom to be too light at night in full moon - make sure they are not near a fan as rotating blade shadows very annoying

I was thinking kind of the same thing, but opposite. It might be too light early in the morning when the sun comes up, which could be a problem if you are not an early bird. In general, solar tubes are great, but avoid light you can not control in sleeping areas. Also, never put a solar tube in a closet, the constant UV rays will quickly fade the color in your clothes.

[rphil11ort]

I just had one installed. they came out and gave me advise on where to install it. Gave me several options and had it installed in about 2 hours. totally clean job. they also guarantee no leaks for the life of the roof. I too used the solar guys. I asked some contractors who to use and they said only use Solar Guys..

[Skoego]

We bought our home here two years ago and it already had 2 solar tubes - one in the living room, one in the second bathroom. I wish I had more (master bath and kitchen.) I had never seen them before. LOVE the natural light. Our living room solar can does not interfere with the TV.

[Heytubes]

I own a solar tube business and will recommend the 290 which is 14 inches in diameter for both rooms. Also, with the solar night light there is a 26% Federal tax credit on all materials and labor. The IRS forms are supplied by the vendor. They do not leak as the same principle flashing system is used as a plumbing boot for your stack pipes. Plumbing boots are more prone to leak as they are rubber and the UV rays deteriorate them, whereas the solar tubes use a metal flashing. I recommend the Solar Guys as they’ve been in business for many years as others have come and gone. The payback is not 30 years, but the benefits are instant. I have 5 here in my home in The Villages. My business is in Atlanta so I can’t help you.

[New Englander]

In the hot/sunny summertime, do solar tubes bring heat into the area where they shine light?

[cathiehines]

Eric Tackett with Solar Tube Guys is excellent. He can advise you on exactly what you need. He's their number one guy and has been with them for many years.

[Raine700]

I think it depends which way your house is facing. I have a Gardenia, similar to Begonia. My living room windows face north so my house is dark. We put a solar tube between living and dining rooms. The master bathroom windows face south and it’s very bright, no solar tube necessary .

[lwmilo]

Consider a solar tube ,midway between living rm area and dinning area. 24 inch will do. You'll be looking for a switch to shut the light off during the day time. That is , until you get use to it. Maybe a small yube in the master bath room.

[dkaufnelson]

I agree that you should wait until after you move in as the sun and the direction you're home and windows face will make a huge difference as to whether you do or don't need solar tubes.the solar guys are fabulous and know exactly where to place solar tubes in every model home built here in The Villages. LED lights might help some people but there is nothing better than natural light and it definitely cheers me up when my home is filled with natural light versus LED light bulbs. I had 2 installed in my wisteria model home. One large one in the living dining area and one smaller one in my kitchen sink area has made a huge difference in the lighting in my home. Many people such as myself are affected by lack of sunlight and this has now made my home so cheerful and bright I just love it. LED light bulbs would never have worked for me as I need natural light. It would be smarter to wait until after you move in before you decide if you do or do not need solar tubes and where you need them. The night light addition allows you to declare the price of those solar tubes as a credit on your income tax now and it gives a nice subtle night light in those areas at night. I just love mine.

[Toymeister]

In general, solar tubes are great, but avoid light you can not control in sleeping areas.

Again, this is incorrect light tubes are controllable. That said bedrooms are a bad choice for the tubes I doubt the OP considered them in the BR.

It goes to show two things:. People don't read the replies and people do not believe things if they haven't heard of them before. And that, friends, is sad.

[coffeebean]

There are two problems with any and all solar tubes-
1) additional penetrations to any roof, especially in a high wind area are not desirable
2) you can dim a solar tube

We installed additional recessed lighting & with the new LED lamps, very energy efficient if it matters to you

I think you mean you can NOT dim a solar tube. This is the one reason I would not have one in our home. If our pre owned home had one, I would not have considered purchasing the home at all.

I feel very strongly against solar tubes but I know I'm in the minority of folks who live here. There are lots of solar tubes around. You can see all the light shining into the dark sky at night. Beam me up Scotty! LOL.

[coffeebean]

I usually follow your same logic, not wanting to mix companies because, if there’s a problem, they’ll get into the blame game. But with solar tubes, it’s a different situation IMO. I think you need to live in your new house, see where the dark areas are that you’re always turning on lights during the day, then decide where to locate the solar tubes. Solar Guys does such an excellent job that I don’t think you’ll regret waiting. Also, I prefer solar tubes to electric light during the day, but you may find, after living in your house, that you prefer an electric solution.

We have a window in the kitchen so really don't need to put on lights during the day to see. Having said that, one of the best things we had done was LED lights above and below the cabinets. The glow of those soft white LEDs is so glorious, I do put them on during the day just because they look so pretty and highlight the items I have on top of the cabinets. At night, there is nothing better than those LED lights above and below the cabinets.

[coffeebean]

I'm not a fan of the light solar tubes provide. I prefer to use 100 watt led DAYLIGHT bulbs over the kitchen sink (pendants), daylight fluorescents in laundry room, and daylight LEDs above vanities in bathrooms. It's like sunshine everywhere.

I'm not a fan either. I find the light to be too bright and harsh. Maybe the manufacturers have made improvements in them.

[coffeebean]

I wish we would have put one in the laundry room and in the guest bath. Both are very dark w/o turning on the light.

We have an interior laundry room. I keep a night light on during the day so I can easily see when I walk through the room to go into the garage. No need to turn on a light.

[coffeebean]

Absolutely incorrect, you can black out light tubes and return them to open.

This is quite easy to verify by a Google search.

Just did a Google search as you suggested. I found out that the light can be adjusted from 100% down to 2%. That is a good option but the only way I would consider a solar tube is if 100% of the light could be blocked when I do not want any light at all coming in.

[cbmerl]

Bought a new Begonia and close next month. I plan on having developer install prior to closing to avoid any possible conflicts between developer and non-developer installer in case of a leak. We know we want at least one in the kitchen over the sink and one in the master bath. Not sure what size or additional locations. Interested in recommendations.

I have a new Begonia and the kitchen was terribly dark. I had the Solar Guys install two tubes in the kitchen. One is just over the counter along side of the sink and the other is back by the table nook. I love the results. I do not want to have the lights on all day and this completely solved the problem. I'm all for natural and bright light so to me this is an amazing solution to a very dark room. The front of my house faces west so your orientation and sunlight may differ. I don't need any in any other place in my house except, maybe the laundry room. I haven't decided yet. But, Solar Guys are definitely the ones to use.

[Baywayric]

Not sure what size or additional locations. Interested in recommendations.
12-14”, dead center, guest bathroom. Perfect!

[donassaid]

Large one in the middle of the kitchen, smaller one in the laundry room. Get the kind that have a built in night light.

[Red Rose]

I have a Whispering Pine and put 1 solar tube between the living room and dining room and 1 in the guest bath. Have had them for 14 years and love them. We have had many storms and 1 tornado during that time and the solar tubes sustained no damage whatsoever. The Solar Guys installed them and they are the best.

[Troy8432]

Many thanks to all respondents. Plenty of good information to consider. I contacted my Villages realtor to verify who does the work. After all, the Villages realtor was the person that suggested I get it done before closzing to avoid blame game.

[Toymeister]

Just did a Google search as you suggested. I found out that the light can be adjusted from 100% down to 2%. That is a good option but the only way I would consider a solar tube is if 100% of the light could be blocked when I do not want any light at all coming in.
I am glad that you Googled it and pleased that you took the time to come back here and share the results.

[MandoMan]

Bought a new Begonia and close next month. I plan on having developer install prior to closing to avoid any possible conflicts between developer and non-developer installer in case of a leak. We know we want at least one in the kitchen over the sink and one in the master bath. Not sure what size or additional locations. Interested in recommendations.

First off, don’t ever put real skylights in your ceiling in Florida. They will really heat up the house. Solar Tubes, of course, are different because they are smaller and well sealed. But, they will also need to be between two and five feet long to penetrate your ceiling and your roof, and that decreases the light. They take the place of insulation, and they do heat up a little, so are they energy efficient? No, not really. Only get them if that is the sort of light you want.

I have three Solar Tubes in my house in Pennsylvania, all 10”. My dad has a couple 14”. I like them.

Do NOT trust the web site when it says it lets a lot of moonlight in. It doesn’t. My dad has them in two small white bathrooms. When the moon is shining, I can see, but sort of like a one watt nightlight diffused over a bigger area. In the daytime, in the bathroom, I don’t need to turn on a light. I usually do, but I don’t need one. It makes the bathroom brighter and more pleasant, though.

In my house, one is in my bedroom. In the winter it adds a bit of light, but in the summer it adds very little due to tree shading. In the guest room, one 10” solar tube adds a LOT of light, doubling what I get from a large window and making the room bright and cheery. Not necessarily a place for a nap if you need darkness. I have one in the bathroom, which has only a small window. The 10” there is enough so I don’t need a light to look in the mirror, but it’s not nearly as bright as in the bedroom. Still, I like it a lot.

I would say think about one in a bathroom without windows. Possibly think about one in your shower stall. Both make the rooms more welcoming and less cave-like. Over the kitchen sink? If the window isn’t enough, perhaps a light would be better. My living room is 20x35’. One end has two double French doors. The other has no windows. I might put a big one there.

You have a shingle roof, and that makes things easier. My roof in Pennsylvania is steel, and that is harder. My dad has a built up roofing roof, and that is harder. Still, the flashing around SolarTubes has to be meticulous. It’s not a good do-it-yourself project. You do not want a leak during a heavy storm that soaks your insulation and drywall and then drops it onto your bed. Leaks can be expensive to repair.

I bought my Solar Tubes from the company. I think they were about $250 each. I think I paid my contractor $400 each to install them. Cost effective? Not at all. Nice? Yes. As someone here says, there are LED ceiling mounted lights (that don’t penetrate your ceiling) you could burn for a century for much less money. I would recommend against putting a SolarTube in a walk-in closet for that reason. An LED light in your closet might use a quarter’s worth of electricity in a year in a closet, compared to, say $800 installed for a SolarTube..

[CoachKandSportsguy]

Agree with last comment. I cannot understand installing solar tubes instead of additional LED fixtures. When I priced both payback on solar tubes were over 30 years.

I don't financialize every decision, I like the way they operate, I like the switches which were included, and the night time dimmer.

sportsguy

[CoachKandSportsguy]

We have one in the kitchen, one in each bath and one in the dining room. If you put one in the bedroom, a lighting storm will turn your room into a disco.

Best comment yet!


:1rotfl:

[CoachKandSportsguy]

Unless something has changed, the developer will NOT install solar tubes. You will need to arrange for them after closing.

Something has changed, the developer installed our solar tubes during construction of the begonia in Marsh Bend.

sportsguy

[Hopeful2]

In the hot/sunny summertime, do solar tubes bring heat into the area where they shine light?

No, they do not bring in any heat at all, just beautiful natural light with no glare. We have 4 solar tubes (kitchen, living room, guest bathroom, laundry room) and we love them. Yes, at first you will think that someone left the light on. (We get a kick out of guests telling us that they can't figure out how to turn the bathroom light off.) We used the Solar Guys and they were excellent.

[TomPerrett]

Go to “The Solar Guys” great product great honest company I’ve had no problems in 15 years.

Only put them where you want constant light cause you can’t shut them off. I would not put them in the living room or the bedroom.
Bathrooms, laundry room, kitchen den or office. Once you have them for a while you’ll know why not the bedroom and living room.

[gossie16@comcast.net]

we have 3 one in kitchen, one over kitchen sink, one between dining rm and living rm. lg size

[Peterriess]

I had Solar Guys install three. One 10" with highlight in the the guest bath, one 14" with night light in the middle of the kitchen and one 14" without nightlight in the dining area of the great room. I couldn't be happier with the result. Installation was very neat and very quick. They have made a HUGE difference. I thought the house seemed a little dark before, but not anymore.

[TheSolarGuys]

Thanks for all the kind words. As most have mentioned we recommend waiting until after you have moved in. That way your furniture placement and window treatments are in place. We can come in to give location and size recommends based on how you are using the home. We also have different style fixtures that allow you to customize and match decor. Thanks

[golfjuly11]

Bought a new Begonia and close next month. I plan on having developer install prior to closing to avoid any possible conflicts between developer and non-developer installer in case of a leak. We know we want at least one in the kitchen over the sink and one in the master bath. Not sure what size or additional locations. Interested in recommendations.
We have six in our Lantana. Three have night lights in three of them. They operate with rechargeable batteries inside the tube. We have had them for approximately 5 years and no problems. The night lights work great in our guest bathroom, master closet, and hallway before garage door entrance. We went with Solar Guys. Do not know if the energy tax enhancement is still available. But I would wait until you move in. If you have a pool and are considering solar panels we recommend you coordinate both installs. Good luck.

[rde3036]

We live in a Manatee and had a 24" tube put in over the sink in the kitchen. It really brightens up the kitchen area.

[Fredman]

Bought a new Begonia and close next month. I plan on having developer install prior to closing to avoid any possible conflicts between developer and non-developer installer in case of a leak. We know we want at least one in the kitchen over the sink and one in the master bath. Not sure what size or additional locations. Interested in recommendations.

Put them in bath rooms but not in bed room too much light

[Troy8432]

We decided to go with an 18” centered in the kitchen and a 13” centered in the master bathroom. The Villages does indeed install them, or they contract it out. I am kind of hoping they contract it out to Solar Guys because I’ve heard so many good things. Regardless, they will be part of the warranty. So, my primary concern about contractor finger-pointing is reduced or eliminated. Once again, thank you to everyone for their feedback. See you in July.

[TheSolarGuys]

We decided to go with an 18” centered in the kitchen and a 13” centered in the master bathroom. The Villages does indeed install them, or they contract it out. I am kind of hoping they contract it out to Solar Guys because I’ve heard so many good things. Regardless, they will be part of the warranty. So, my primary concern about contractor finger-pointing is reduced or eliminated. Once again, thank you to everyone for their feedback. See you in July.

We certainly respect everyone’s right to make an informed choice. To that end, though, you will want to keep in mind that the off-brand tubes that are installed at the time of the home being built don’t offer the same light performance or the same product quality and energy efficiency that our genuine Solatube brand lights do. Our 14” Solatube will often even outperform the much larger 18” off-brand model because of its exclusive design patents. As to having peace of mind about the installation, we offer an airtight, written guarantee against leaks for the life of the roof as long as you own the home, which isn’t available when having the work done by a subcontractor at the time of the home’s being built. You also give away the option of getting a 26% Federal Tax Credit with our new solar NightLight as well as customizable options like different ceiling fixtures. Our record of customer satisfaction as shown by the other comments here show it’s worth it to go with the experts. Please let us know if we can do anything for you in the future. - The Solar Guys.

[NoMoSno]

We certainly respect everyone’s right to make an informed choice. To that end, though, you will want to keep in mind that the off-brand tubes that are installed at the time of the home being built don’t offer the same light performance or the same product quality and energy efficiency that our genuine Solatube brand lights do. Our 14” Solatube will often even outperform the much larger 18” off-brand model because of its exclusive design patents. As to having peace of mind about the installation, we offer an airtight, written guarantee against leaks for the life of the roof as long as you own the home, which isn’t available when having the work done by a subcontractor at the time of the home’s being built. You also give away the option of getting a 26% Federal Tax Credit with our new solar NightLight as well as customizable options like different ceiling fixtures. Our record of customer satisfaction as shown by the other comments here show it’s worth it to go with the experts. Please let us know if we can do anything for you in the future. - The Solar Guys.
Do you carry a model that would withstand a golf ball strike?
A neighbor had a direct hit that broke one.
Not sure what brand it was tho.

[TheSolarGuys]

Do you carry a model that would withstand a golf ball strike?
A neighbor had a direct hit that broke one.
Not sure what brand it was tho.
Short answer yes.
Long answer our units are made to withstand HVHZ (High Velocity Hurricane Zones) wind zones meaning they can be installed anywhere in Florida including right on the coast. To get that rating they have to be stress tested at a lab by shooting different objects at different speeds and surviving. With that being said we have an optional secondary dome that can be installed incase the first one failed. Hope that answers your question.