Solar tubes?

[kandj]

I haven't seen this mentioned... I understand the solar tubes provide additional light in the areas they are installed. Do they also convey the heat of the sun to cause the areas to "heat up" more and therefore create additional cooling costs?

[OpusX1]

Solar tubes are great. We have three, one in each bath and a large one in the kitchen. They do not transfer heat.

[getdul981]

we have 4 and have not noticed any heat from them, just LOTS of light.

[tlb50]

Our home had several dark zones that really needed more illumination. We opted to put Sola-tubes in both bathrooms and a larger diameter one in the kitchen. What a difference! They are the best. They really brighten up the areas and no heat transfer at all. Get them installed. You won't be sorry

[Tbugs]

Solar tubes are the greatest invention possible. I have 6 in my house and they brighten it up wonderfully. No heat at all from the solar tubes. I recommend Solar Guys as the place to buy them.

[Russ_Boston]

Not to be a contrarian but why is low light a bad thing. I'm not talking about dark but if you can use your whole house without turning on the lights during the daylight hours why do you need more?

We kind of like the fact that the house is not in direct sunlight all the time but we have plenty of natural indirect light.

Just curious as to the reasons to put them in.

[F16 1UB]

Before & After

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22960&highlight=solar+tube

[Russ_Boston]

I like the pics but for me I don't mind not being completely lit up all the time. To each his own I guess.

[KittyKat]

Solar tubes are the greatest invention possible. I have 6 in my house and they brighten it up wonderfully. No heat at all from the solar tubes. I recommend Solar Guys as the place to buy them.

I agree. The guest bath is just so gloomy with no window. Now I keep wanting to turn the light switch off! I also take my shower around 7pm so don't need to turn the light on. I highly recommend The SOLAR GUYS in Summerfield. (352) 653-2000, 1-866-767-6527. We have an Amarillo ranch so have plenty of natural light in the living area. I'd love to have one in the laundry area but a little pricey for us.

[Russ_Boston]

I guess if your rooms have no direct/indirect light they would be a big boost. (we have glass block in both showers that seem to act like a solar tube!)

But they would take a long time to pay for themselves in energy savings if someone is thinking about that aspect. i.e. if you saved and extra 400w of energy for two extra hours per day your savings would be about $30-40 per year (depends heavily on kw/hr price but that was my latest research using my bill). And I think most people wouldn't even use an extra 400w, probably closer to 150 and that would only save about $15-20 per year.

But they do last forever I guess.

For reference: http://michaelbluejay.com/electricity/cost.html