Solar Tubes

[GmcKjc]

Good Morning,
Has anyone had solar tube lighting installed in their home?
Any recommendations on a company you used ? Was it very expensive?
Thank You

[dewilson58]

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/solar-tubes-320221/?highlight=solar+tubes

[Wanda GV]

We have several in our house. The Solar Guys did them. We like the way they light up the dark places. We have one in the garage that has a "night light" in it, a solar powered light for night as our garage has no windows. Never had a problem with any of them.

[Arctic Fox]

We have had four installed by The Solar Guys and are very happy with them.
They often have "multiple install" offers so keep an eye on their adverts.
The only problem we have had is with our new roof - a small leak around one of the tubes which the roofing company is having problems fixing.

An earlier thread (VillageTinker) suggested having LEDs in the ceiling instead, since they cost very little to run. No idea what install cost would be, but that would be the route we would take if starting afresh.

[JMintzer]

We have 3 in our kitchen/living/dining room area. They were installed by Solar Guys and came with the house.

We love them! We rarely have to turn on the lights during the day, except for some "task lighting" on some of the kitchen counters...

No issues at all with them...

[davem4616]

Solar guys...fast install, no problems going on 2 years

[Bonanza]

I had two installed by the Solar Guys. It cost around $1,700 but I paid a little more to also have the night lights which give you a little glow at night. If you do get the night light (I don't know what it's called) installed with the solar tubes, you can get a tax credit.

There is another company that has the solar tubes and skylights as well -- Corad, Inc., 352-600-2328, however, I do not know anything about this company. You might want to check them out as well and get their estimate.

[Challenger]

Good Morning,
Has anyone had solar tube lighting installed in their home?
Any recommendations on a company you used ? Was it very expensive?
Thank You

And The Solar Guys - Quality Job

[metoo21]

Had one installed in the second bathroom. It has the rechargeable nite light. And one installed in the kitchen. We have a patio villa and there are 3 lights over the island. We replaced the middle light with the solar tube and had them add their light kit inside. On a 14 inch tube, the light kit holds 2 bulbs. It is still switched with the other 2 lights like before but with the lights off, it provides a tremendous amount of light during the day. Oh, if you have special bulbs in your kitchen lights (we replaced all of the 2700K bulbs that are with the house with daylight bulbs), be sure to have 2 extra for them to use. They have "fluorescent" and LED but the kelvins didn't match what we had so they used our bulbs.

And we used The Solar Guys. I highly recommend them. Buying 2 tubes will get you a discount. If you want a solar attic fan they do that too at the same time. And The Gutter Guys is a sister company and you can get a discount by having the tubes or attic fan installed.

[JMintzer]

Does anyone know if you can add the solar powered night light to previously installed solar tubes?

[metoo21]

Does anyone know if you can add the solar powered night light to previously installed solar tubes?

Yes if it was from the solar guys. Not sure if it’s another brand. Don’t know how they are mounted inside.

[jojo]

Yes we did when we added another solar tube. They are great as a night light.

[Kenswing]

Does anyone know if you can add the solar powered night light to previously installed solar tubes?Yes. I think the nightlight was an $89 up charge. Don't know what the service charge would be to come out and install it after the fact.

[JMintzer]

Yes if it was from the solar guys. Not sure if it’s another brand. Don’t know how they are mounted inside.

Yes we did when we added another solar tube. They are great as a night light.

Yes. I think the nightlight was an $89 up charge. Don't know what the service charge would be to come out and install it after the fact.

Thanks for the replies. But I have been informed that WE don't want that upgrade... :icon_wink::1rotfl::icon_wink:

[metoo21]

Thanks for the replies. But I have been informed that WE don't want that upgrade... :icon_wink::1rotfl::icon_wink:

Well, I can tell you that if you have a solar tube in a second bath without a window, the night light is a very nice addition. We didn't put one into the tube in the kitchen.

[JMintzer]

Well, I can tell you that if you have a solar tube in a second bath without a window, the night light is a very nice addition. We didn't put one into the tube in the kitchen.

Both our baths have windows... I do think one would be nice in the laundry room, but apparently "WE" don't want one there, either... :icon_wink:

[retiredguy123]

Both our baths have windows... I do think one would be nice in the laundry room, but apparently "WE" don't want one there, either... :icon_wink:
Whoever "WE" is, I think you should listen to them. Just install a good LED fixture in the laundry room. No need to cut a hole in your roof.

[TheSolarGuys]

Thank you for all the kind words and recommendations. We would be happy to help with the Solatubes. You can give us a call 866-669-5259 or find out more information at The Solar Guys: The Villages & Central FL - Solatube(R) Skylight Experts (http://www.TheSolarGuys.com)
We also have a local showroom located at 120 S.E. Hwy. 484 open Monday through Friday.

[OronocoCharlie]

Good Morning,
Has anyone had solar tube lighting installed in their home?
Any recommendations on a company you used ? Was it very expensive?
Thank You

I'm having 4 solar tubes installed in my home very soon. I'm having a new roof installed by the The Roof Guys and their sister company "The Solar Guys" are doing the tubes. A neighbor used this company and liked them, so I went with them. Word of mouth is important to me. Good luck

[skippy05]

The MOST important topic regarding these tubes is never discussed. What "temperature" is the color of light that these emit? The answer is a HORRID blue/cold cheap LED appearing type of unnatural light. You want light around 2500 to 3000K in your house. These tubes (due to the type of lining) are in the range of 4900 to 6500k. Therefore only consider having these things installed if you don't mind your house having a halloween type of lighting theme going on inside.

[JudyLife]

Had 3 installed July 2019 by Solar Guys. Excellent service. Around $1700 for 3. One in master bath & guest bath, and one in master closet. Makes a huge difference & well worth every penny.

[westernrider75]

Good Morning,
Has anyone had solar tube lighting installed in their home?
Any recommendations on a company you used ? Was it very expensive?
Thank You

We had 3 tubes installed by Solar Guys about 6 months ago and love them. They were 600-700 apiece depending on size and discounts.

[thevillages2013]

Just remember with light comes heat so you are effectively putting a heater in that is on all day when the sun is shining.

[bowlingal]

another vote for Solar Guys. I had 2 installed for $1150 about 6 years ago. Keep in mind there are different sizes..... no heat difference at all. looks like you left a light on in the room it is so nice and bright

[Serendipatti]

The MOST important topic regarding these tubes is never discussed. What "temperature" is the color of light that these emit? The answer is a HORRID blue/cold cheap LED appearing type of unnatural light. You want light around 2500 to 3000K in your house. These tubes (due to the type of lining) are in the range of 4900 to 6500k. Therefore only consider having these things installed if you don't mind your house having a halloween type of lighting theme going on inside.

The natural light is that color OR the light from the optional night light? My sister has some undercabinet lighting that is that blueish light and I hate it.

[Loriana]

Good Morning,
Has anyone had solar tube lighting installed in their home?
Any recommendations on a company you used ? Was it very expensive?
Thank You

We just installed 3, 14 inch solar tubes at close to $900 per tube w night light. Add on $150 per tube placed where a light fixture had been with existing light switch (for day time use.)

[StateRobinbird]

We used the guys at Market of Marion 3 years ago. Put one in the great room & one in guest bath (with night light). We are happy with the company & the product.

[Cindymae27]

Good Morning,
Has anyone had solar tube lighting installed in their home?
Any recommendations on a company you used ? Was it very expensive?
Thank You

Hi, yes!! And one of best upgrades I have ever done!
Recently used Solar guys and recommend them all the way, no leaks!
About $700-800 per light. Get the night light too!

[HiHoSteveO]

I also considered solar tubes for the three dark areas of the house but the expense was too much. That along with new perforations in the roof.

Decided to go with Occupancy sensors (motion sensors) installed in place of regular light switch. $33 at Home Depot or at Amazon probably cheaper. They turn on and off automatically when you walk in the room. Quick and easy install. Very satisfied with my decision and they work at night.

[JMintzer]

Whoever "WE" is, I think you should listen to them. Just install a good LED fixture in the laundry room. No need to cut a hole in your roof.

Oh, I listen...

You know, "Happy WE, happy life"... Er, wait, that's not right... :icon_wink:

[reliablejim111]

Good Morning,
Has anyone had solar tube lighting installed in their home?
Any recommendations on a company you used ? Was it very expensive?
Thank You
I used Solar Guys and after they were done and I turned on my ceiling fan I had to turn it back off. It drove me nuts seeing the strobe light effect coming through the blades and onto my wall. Make sure you place the tube in a place that keeps this from happening.

[t&akea]

Solar Guys installed 3 about 12 years ago. In bathroom, laundry and kitchen. No problems whatsoever. Love the light.

[snbrafford]

Good Morning,
Has anyone had solar tube lighting installed in their home?
Any recommendations on a company you used ? Was it very expensive?
Thank You

I used Solar Guys to install two solar tubes. We already had several but we put additional ones in the master bedroom closet and guest bathroom - both with solar night lights. We are the 4th owner of this home and when solar guys got here - discovered they had installed the previous solar tubes. Not very expensive and they often run deals if you purchase more than one. Remember to get the right diameter tube for the area you want to light - I used small ones. I was very happy with their work.

[cherylncliff]

Good Morning,
Has anyone had solar tube lighting installed in their home?
Any recommendations on a company you used ? Was it very expensive?
Thank You

We have three SolaTubes installed by The Solar Guys. We have a Lily model and installed large ones in the kitchen and "living" room. We had a smaller one put in the maser closet. They were installed about 10 years ago so I do not know current pricing but were not very expensive. We have had no issues with them and they add a lot of light to the rooms. The install went very well with no mess and very little disruption.

[Heytubes]

Natural sunlight beats electric every time. With the solar powered night light you are eligible for a 26% Federal Solar Tax credit. No restrictions as to income or having used other tax credits. Also, an optional electric light for nighttime is available.
Retired from 26 years in the solar tube business and thousands of installs. Only complaint is, “now I see the dust.”

[metoo21]

Yes, there is a solar tax credit available but if you rent the home part of the year you can't take the full deduction.
federal tax credit for solar energy (https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/going-green/federal-tax-credit-for-solar-energy/L7s9ZiB4D)

[brfree1411@aol.com]

Good Morning,
Has anyone had solar tube lighting installed in their home?
Any recommendations on a company you used ? Was it very expensive?
Thank You

Yes, Solar Guys. I did not opt for fancy cover just plain white. I got 2. Quick & polite.

[PurePeach]

Good Morning,
Has anyone had solar tube lighting installed in their home?
Any recommendations on a company you used ? Was it very expensive?
Thank You
Weave had two installed. The Solar Guys did them, as well as a Solar fan in our attic. Ours are the larger ones in diameter and they run about $800 ea. one of them was installed where there was an existing light fixture and they installed a light i the tube as well, so we have light day and night there. Both of our tubes have night lights In them which give off a very low light at night which is just perfect for us. We love them.

[EdFNJ]

Does anyone know if you can add the solar powered night light to previously installed solar tubes? Yes, we did immediately after having 2 installed ~5 years ago but it is possible the tubes already had the brackets. It can also be an easy DIY project. The bulbs they use are like 2-3 watts and powered by 2 rechargeable nicad AA's. You can probably cannibalize one of those outdoor path lights they sell for $2 at Home Depot and stick it at the bottom of the tube with Velcro.

They also installed a regular 110V light bulb in our tubes because they replaced our hallway recessed light and one of our 2 kitchen lights. So we have both in each.

Edit: I just Googled it and found this: DIY: Solar Night Light - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7LhjCTeb73w) and this: Solar Night Light - SolarSkylights.com (https://www.solarskylights.com/solar-night-light/)

[Dreamofsheep]

We have The Solar Guys scheduled to install 4 solar tubes in a few days. Total cost estimate is $3,172 for one 14" and three 10" tubes with the nightlight feature.

Evidently the nightlight classifies them as solar lights, which qualifies for a 26% tax credit. Our credit will be $825. So total cost $2,347 after tax credit.

Hope that helps!

Also learned that The Solar Guys do roofs. They're going to inspect ours and price out replacement, which will be due soon for our 15 year-old roof. If they do the roof they will continue to guarantee the solar tubes will be leak free. If someone else does the roof, the new roofer will be responsible for guaranteeing against leaks.

Cheers! ~Katie

[tibbetts]

Get the Sun Newspaper, the Solar guys advertise specials every so often. We had one put in and it really brighten up the dinning and kitchen area. ALSO, had and solar fan put in the roof and works good.

[nob77@comcast.net]

Good Morning,
Has anyone had solar tube lighting installed in their home?
Any recommendations on a company you used ? Was it very expensive?
Thank You

Just had one installed in June. The solar guys. Quick, reasonable and neat. I love mine.

[RMarkland]

Good Morning,
Has anyone had solar tube lighting installed in their home?
Any recommendations on a company you used ? Was it very expensive?
Thank You

From the numerous replies it seems fair to say a "tube" installed will cost in the neighborhood of $750 +.
Consider placing an equivalent to 75 watt incandescent bulb with a LED lightbulb, which the internet indicates burns only 7.5 watts.
If you burn this LED bulb 18 hours a day (probably less) you would consume 135 watts/day, (.135KWH per day)
The yearly cost would be 49,275 watt hours. Say 50 Kilowatt hours. (KWH)
We currently are using SECO paying about 12 cents per KWH., crank in inflation, etc and use 20 cents per KWH.
This would mean for you to use a LED light source you would pay $10.00 per year.
The break even point would be 75 years.
Moral of the story... Do a solar tube because you like it, not because its cheaper.

[Ramone]

Yes, if u have a dark area of house like our kitchen well worth it. Couple local contractors both good.

[LianneMigiano]

One was already here when we bought the house and we liked it so much that we had 2 more installed. It makes a tremendous difference in the kitchen! Solar Guys were great... Some other company also installed a solar fan in the attic and I, honestly, see NO DIFFERENCE. It was a total waste of money at my house.

[Ironnan]

My neighbor turned me on to putting solar tubes and the solar fan in the shower. [I know, I know] Residual light keeps the shower/bathroom very dim but lit at night and the fan removes steam exceptionally well. Midnight trips to the bathroom now are made without lights which means I fall back asleep faster as the overhead lights didn't wake me up.

I also had tubes installed in the kitchen and living room and best decision ever. It went from dark to a very comfortable bright room night an day. Installation was easy, installation team perfect.

Two minor negative items: Your roof at night looks like you have pimples with the residual light from the domes (not a biggie). The company surcharged me for LED bulbs which you SHOULD PRE-BUY and have on hand and they will install for free. I have high ceilings so I ate the cost, but as an elderly person, I realized I was getting price gouged for inexpensive bulbs I could have purchased at a fraction of the cost anywhere.

[jimjamuser]

We have had four installed by The Solar Guys and are very happy with them.
They often have "multiple install" offers so keep an eye on their adverts.
The only problem we have had is with our new roof - a small leak around one of the tubes which the roofing company is having problems fixing.

An earlier thread (VillageTinker) suggested having LEDs in the ceiling instead, since they cost very little to run. No idea what install cost would be, but that would be the route we would take if starting afresh.
We had trouble stopping ours from leaking.

[GmcKjc]

Thank You

[GmcKjc]

Thank You

[GmcKjc]

Thank You

[GmcKjc]

Wow…thanks for the heads up

[GmcKjc]

Thank You