Velux or SolaTube skylight?

[villages07]

I was at Market of Marion last week and both SolarGuys (Solatube brand) and SkyTec (Velux brand) solar tube vendors were there. To my uneducated eye, the Velux brand seemed to have improved on the design of the solatube (the original patent) in how its mounted to the roof and attached to the ceiling. Velux seems to be less expensive too.

Anybody else do product research to compare the two? Anybody use SkyTec to install? Comments on their price/performance.

Thanks...

[handieman]

I studied them all and went with solarlights Inc out of Ocala. Good product, right price, wonderfull installation. We installed 2 10" in the bathrooms and one 14" in the kitchen. Donna did the same thing, check with her also.
handie :joke:

[villages07]

handie...thanks for the info; do you know the name of the manufacturer of the product? also, how much did they charge for the 14"?

Good to see the 'old' handie avatar picture is back :o

[villages07]

greg..... I agree with you; after lots of study and asking a number of people, I decided to go with the Solar Guys and the solatube product. It is very bright and they did a good, efficient job on the install. Just remember to ask them to show you all the diffuser (light covers) styles they have....the standard one is plain; they have a fancier one for $20 extra.

[handieman]

Solarlights Inc in Ocala
2 -10" & 1- 13" $1138.00 installed and very pleased (2007 prices)
Handie :joke:

[golfnut]

I went with the solartubes from the solar guys and am very happy.

[zcaveman]

Solarlights Inc in Ocala
2 -10" & 1- 13" $1138.00 installed and very pleased (2007 prices)
Handie :joke:


Just out of cutriosity have you figured how many light bulbs you would have to replace to get the payback from the solar tubes?

I have lived here for 7 years and have had to replace two recessed lights at $7 a piece.

[golfnut]

I like the ambiance of natural light much more than light bulbs. Plus, it just seems silly to leave lights on all day long.

[zcaveman]

I am a lights on/lights off person. I can still hear my mother say "why is there a light on in this room when no one is in it?"

I have those special bulbs in some of the rooms. But they never seem as bright as a regular bulb.

[SteveFromNY]

Solarlights Inc in Ocala
2 -10" & 1- 13" $1138.00 installed and very pleased (2007 prices)
Handie :joke:


Handie - 2008 prices are exactly the same. I just purchased the same 3 (2 - 10" and 1 - 13") for the exact same $1138! They were at Spanish Springs last Saturday and we set up the install for a couple of weeks from now.
I can't wait - they are a great product. We saw them at a neighbor's and my wife and I both walked out saying "We have to get those".

And it doesn't matter that it will take 6,000 years for them to cost-justify themselves - the light is just great!

[KathieI]

Maybe this was discussed before and if so, I'm sorry but I have never heard of solar tubes until I visited TV. In L.A., we use skylights that are larger and give much more natural light than those smaller tubes. Is there a weather related reason why no skylights are used in TV or is it just more a preferential thing? Can someone explain it to me? Thanks, Kathie

[SteveFromNY]

Kathie,
We had skylights in NY and they are generally large openings (2'x4' being the ones we had), and they let light straight in, without filtering in anyway. They also let in heat, so in the winter are a great source of supplemental heat (not so much in the summer).
These solar tubes take in the light, reflect it around inside somehow, and then diffuse the light out through what almost look like LED lenses. No heat comes out, just really soft light that is incredibly white.
I'd heard of them but never seen them until we were in our neighbor's last week. My wife and I were amazed at what they did to the dark rooms of the Gardenia we were in. The laundry room and bathroom were literally as bright as day.
You can spot them on folks houses all over the place. Small round plastic bubbles on roofs - they are everywhere. Find somebody with them and take a look!
Steve

[Boomer]

Maybe this was discussed before and if so, I'm sorry but I have never heard of solar tubes until I visited TV. In L.A., we use skylights that are larger and give much more natural light than those smaller tubes. Is there a weather related reason why no skylights are used in TV or is it just more a preferential thing? Can someone explain it to me? Thanks, Kathie


Hi KathieI,

We had never seen solar tubes either until we were in TV. I think the purpose they serve is to light those inside rooms that have no windows anywhere. No light whatsoever. Someone told us that at first, they kept trying automatically to turn off their bathroom light even though it was not on.

We thought we would really like solar tubes in windowless rooms.

Mr. Boomer, who makes a study of this sort of thing, thinks that maybe solar tubes are easier to install. He is not home right now or I would ask him why he thinks that. I know that with skylights, the installer needs to have a major clue or you can have some leak problems so it seems. Solar tubes, too, maybe. Don't know. I also don't know about cost difference. Or maybe skylights would let in too much Florida sun. Actually all I do seem to know is that I don't know what I am talking about here.

But when I saw solar tubes for the first time, in a windowless room in TV, I said, "I don't know what it is, but I want it!"

Boomer

[KathieI]

Thanks Steve and B3:

I have rented houses here that have had the tubes and I like them, except I find the light is very intense and glaring and wonder if there is a way to diffuse this. In LA I have a skylight that is frosted glass (or whatever the material is) and it lets in much more light and no sunlight, which I prefer if a room is small and dark.

Just a thought. Thanks, Kath

[F16 1UB]

Copious amounts of wine or a can of black spray paint. Guaranteed to dephooozzze.


;D

[samhass]

Z, I think you should factor in the heat generated by those bulbs and the electric used to light them. Granted, payback will take forever, but even going a little green feels great!




Just out of cutriosity have you figured how many light bulbs you would have to replace to get the payback from the solar tubes?

I have lived here for 7 years and have had to replace two recessed lights at $7 a piece.

[zcaveman]

Sorry. Still not convinced. I go to houses that have the solar tubes and am just not impressed.

I do try to be green. I have those special lights in a lot of rooms. I just hope I don't have to call hazmat when one of those bulbs blow.

[samhass]

That's true. I've heard they will be another environmental disaster. I don't know if it's true since I do not know what they are made of.

[zcaveman]

Apparently there is mercury in them. There is a procedure for when they break.

From the EPA website:

CFS Fluorescent light bulbs contain a very small amount of mercury sealed within the glass tubing. EPA recommends the following clean-up and disposal guidelines:
1. Open a window and leave the room for 15 minutes or more.
2. Carefully scoop up the fragments and powder with stiff paper or cardboard and place them in a sealed plastic bag.
� Use disposable rubber gloves, if available (i.e., do not use bare hands). Wipe the area clean with damp paper towels or disposable wet wipes and place them in the plastic bag.
� Do not use a vacuum or broom to clean up the broken bulb on hard surfaces.
3. Place all cleanup materials in a second sealed plastic bag.
� Place the first bag in a second sealed plastic bag and put it in the outdoor trash container or in another outdoor protected area for the next normal trash disposal.
Note: Some states prohibit such trash disposal and require that broken and unbroken lamps be taken to a local recycling center.
� Wash your hands after disposing of the bag.
4. If a fluorescent bulb breaks on a rug or carpet:
� First, remove all materials you can without using a vacuum cleaner, following the steps above. Sticky tape (such as duct tape) can be used to pick up small pieces and powder.
� If vacuuming is needed after all visible materials are removed, vacuum the area where the bulb was broken, remove the vacuum bag (or empty and wipe the canister) and put the bag or vacuum debris in two sealed plastic bags in the outdoor trash or protected outdoor location for normal disposal.

[ejp52]

Solarlights Inc in Ocala
2 -10" & 1- 13" $1138.00 installed and very pleased (2007 prices)
Handie :joke:
Had the same deal installed today,very pleased,brightens up areas very nicely. :bigthumbsup:

[Hyacinth Bucket]

We purchased three solar tubes, after a long and lengthy discussion, from Solar Guys. Cost was approximately $1100.00 including the three extra filters and lenses I wanted.

We put one in each bathroom and one in the open room. The one in the guest bathroom not only lights up the bathroom but lights up the hallway.

After they did the installation, as agreed upon, they put in place different combinations of the filters that were available. I wanted a softer more natural light, rather than the brilliant light I had seen. They were very cooperative in assisting me with making a decision, I am extremely pleased with.

We have an amber filter on the bottom of each of the solar tubes. This amber filter, effects the light so subtly you do not realize it is there. The amber lens softens the light and the prism lens to diffuse the light.

Personally I wanted the one with the prism bottom because when the sun shines through the solar tubes there is a myriad of rainbows on the floors and walls.

We only wanted Solar Guys as they had installed our solar attic fan and we saw the professional way they did things. They were neat and clean. Answered all questions and made suggestions that were good for us.

We are more than pleased with the way they look and the amount of light that comes into the rooms. As others have stated, you think that someone left the lights on. The one in the open room lets in enough light so that each wall is lit up.

Cost, I do not know how many years it will take to pay off the solar tubes.

What I do know is that when we were in our home in TV earlier this summer, we had our blinds closed. Instead of the room being dark, the room had a cheery welcome feeling due to the solar tubes.

I do not know how to put a price tag on this.

Hope this info helps anyone making a decision.

HB

[samhass]

Thanks, Z, for the heads up on this issue. I am surprised. See all the great info you can find on TOTV???



Apparently there is mercury in them. There is a procedure for when they break.

From the EPA website:

CFS Fluorescent light bulbs contain a very small amount of mercury sealed within the glass tubing. EPA recommends the following clean-up and disposal guidelines:
1. Open a window and leave the room for 15 minutes or more.
2. Carefully scoop up the fragments and powder with stiff paper or cardboard and place them in a sealed plastic bag.
� Use disposable rubber gloves, if available (i.e., do not use bare hands). Wipe the area clean with damp paper towels or disposable wet wipes and place them in the plastic bag.
� Do not use a vacuum or broom to clean up the broken bulb on hard surfaces.
3. Place all cleanup materials in a second sealed plastic bag.
� Place the first bag in a second sealed plastic bag and put it in the outdoor trash container or in another outdoor protected area for the next normal trash disposal.
Note: Some states prohibit such trash disposal and require that broken and unbroken lamps be taken to a local recycling center.
� Wash your hands after disposing of the bag.
4. If a fluorescent bulb breaks on a rug or carpet:
� First, remove all materials you can without using a vacuum cleaner, following the steps above. Sticky tape (such as duct tape) can be used to pick up small pieces and powder.
� If vacuuming is needed after all visible materials are removed, vacuum the area where the bulb was broken, remove the vacuum bag (or empty and wipe the canister) and put the bag or vacuum debris in two sealed plastic bags in the outdoor trash or protected outdoor location for normal disposal.

[handieman]

Procedure for disposing of broken fluorescent lights:

Break if up further with your foot (shoes required) till it fits in your dust pan
Sweep contents into dustpan and throw sweepings in the trash
I have been doing this since they invented fluorescent bulbs ( yes I'm that old) and I ain't dead yet. Probably not a good candidate for a cannibal's dinner cause I'm contaminated
Handie :joke:

[samhass]

Handi, son, you ain't right!!! 1rnfl 1rnfl 1rnfl 1rnfl 1rnfl 1rnfl
Stay out of Donner Pass for the immediate future..

[F16 1UB]

Procedure for disposing of broken fluorescent lights:

Break if up further with your foot (shoes required) till it fits in your dust pan
Sweep contents into dustpan and throw sweepings in the trash
I have been doing this since they invented fluorescent bulbs ( yes I'm that old) and I ain't dead yet. Probably not a good candidate for a cannibal's dinner cause I'm contaminated
Handie :joke:


Handie please stay down wind from me. 2 reasons. Oh I'm sure you can think of the 2nd. ;D

[samhass]

I have decide to use Solatube. They will be installing our tubes on Monday. The outfit out of Ocala was much cheaper, but for some reason I feel The Solar Guys might be a better choice for us.

[barb1191]

I have decide to use Solatube. They will be installing our tubes on Monday. The outfit out of Ocala was much cheaper, but for some reason I feel The Solar Guys might be a better choice for us.


Deb....

Solar Tube was installed in our home by the former owner. We're very pleased with the tubes and would like to add that the company has excellent customer service. A leak sprung in our kitched tube and the company was out the next day, fixed it at no charge and even spray painted the water stain.

Good luck

[samhass]

Thanks, Barb. How long ago was your tube installed? I wonder if the stain will come back?
I am using The Solar Guys because they are registered roofers and they did a job for the man that did our solar panels on the roof. He spoke very highly of them.

[SteveFromNY]

I have decide to use Solatube. They will be installing our tubes on Monday. The outfit out of Ocala was much cheaper, but for some reason I feel The Solar Guys might be a better choice for us.


Deb, Aren't the Solar Guys the outfit form Ocala that installs Solatubes? We had Solar Guys install our solatubes....I think....I'm getting confused with all this Solar this and solar that!!!!.
They were great. Is Ashley the lady in the office that makes the appointment? If she is, those are the folks we used.

[samhass]

Steve, I think Solatube is sold by The Solar Guys in Summerfield..not Ocala.

[SteveFromNY]

Did they just open up a store on 441 south of the Market? I think they have another locations as well - maybe in Ocala. Again, I'm real confused.
The guys we used had Solar in their name, and the product they installed was also a Sola something or other! The install was quick and clean and the light is great!

[Hyacinth Bucket]

Hi Sam, we used Solar Guys also. We are extremely pleased with each job they have done for us.

When we had the solar tubes put in they brought three different lenses, I requested this, and then I chose the two I liked. Am very happy with the decision.

They have an amber lens that I put in, it gives a softer light.

HB

[samhass]

The installer from The Solar Guys just finished up here and has gone to Mallory to put one in our other house. While here, the installer's ladder hit our fully restored 1956 T-bird and left a scratch. We did not see this happen. He came in and told us about it.
I am so impressed with this company. We might not have noticed the scratch for months.
The integrity displayed by this man amazed me. Wow.
I also love the lights!

[Hyacinth Bucket]

Sam, now you know why we recommend them so highly.

Have you started to try to turn off lights yet? It is amazing how much extra light the solar tubes provide.

Do you have the amber lens in yours?

Let there be light.

HB

[samhass]

HB, I looked at it both ways and prefer the bright white light. Yes, three times already I have gone for the switch. Had one put in the Mallory house today also but I have not seen it yet.
I had a hot mahjong game to attend!!

[F16 1UB]

Solar lights Inc in Ocala
2 -10" & 1- 13" $1138.00 installed and very pleased (2007 prices)
Handie :joke:


I called the Solar joint in Ocala and the fellow told me they've installed 40,000 in homes in TV. For the same ones mentioned above in Handiemans post, the cost now is $1178, 25 yr mfg warranty, 5 yr installation warranty (leaks). I'll take pics of before & after soon. Installation is July 7. And the installation "may" qualify for rebate from the feds.

Yes you can buy a helluva lot of light bulbs for the cost of the solar tubes but the natural lighting is much more preferred. We had the huge rectangular sky lights in our former KY home and if you've not seen these solar tubes you'll be amazed how much light they produce.

Ejp52 (Eddie) said the only thing wrong with them is that when he leaves a room, he's looking for the light switch.

F16

[Taj44]

I called the Solar joint in Ocala and the fellow told me they've installed 40,000 in homes in TV. For the same ones mentioned above in Handiemans post, the cost now is $1178, 25 yr mfg warranty, 5 yr installation warranty (leaks). I'll take pics of before & after soon. Installation is July 7. And the installation "may" qualify for rebate from the feds.

Yes you can buy a helluva lot of light bulbs for the cost of the solar tubes but the natural lighting is much more preferred. We had the huge rectangular sky lights in our former KY home and if you've not seen these solar tubes you'll be amazed how much light they produce.

Ejp52 (Eddie) said the only thing wrong with them is that when he leaves a room, he's looking for the light switch.

F16

Does anyone know if these solar tubes qualify for tax rebate?

[gratton]

We went with the Velux, the light is not as intense as the Solar Tube, The price was 1 for 600.00 and if we chose to have the 2nd one installed it would be 1000.00 for both, We chose the 2 and are very happy with them

[skip0358]

The info I got from solar guys said there is a tax credit, also said there is a solar powered attic fan that qualifies. Has anybody got one? If so how good is it?

[Larryandlinda]

I was at Market of Marion last week and both SolarGuys (Solatube brand) and SkyTec (Velux brand) solar tube vendors were there. To my uneducated eye, the Velux brand seemed to have improved on the design of the solatube (the original patent) in how its mounted to the roof and attached to the ceiling. Velux seems to be less expensive too.

Anybody else do product research to compare the two? Anybody use SkyTec to install? Comments on their price/performance.

Thanks...

We just arrived yesterday for 5 days to check on the house. Electric meter running in reverse even with AC thanks to the PVs

We had Solar guys out yesterday for estimate
They said the steep roof required a second person would be needed, an extra
Ten feet of tubing, and some extra bucks . No worries

They came out promptly today with two guys and a second vehicle

After dropping the cloths, climbing in the attic, and getting on the roof, they sadly bailed due to the steepness

It would take special safety gear they don't have

We then called SolarLights and More and they, too, don't do light tubes on steep roofs.

Ideas, anyone?
We are somewhere between 10/12 and 12/12 pitch

And kinda high too

Thanks in advance
L and L

[laryb]

We just arrived yesterday for 5 days to check on the house. Electric meter running in reverse even with AC thanks to the PVs


L and L
This is probably a dumb question, but what are the PVs?:confused:

[Larryandlinda]

This is probably a dumb question, but what are the PVs?:confused:

Sorry
The only dumb questions are the ins not asked....
We thought in the solar/contractor thread that abbreviation had been common.
PhotoVoltaic cells on the rooftop make money which the sun shines or Even behind lighter clouds.
While we were up north a silly little fuse blew during a spike/strike.

Tough to find but it will be here tomorrow.
I wrapped just the right doublemint foil around one of the old ones and we've already sold 12 kWh to Seco in a few hours.

We think we found a company that works on these steep roofs in case anyone cares. Both Solar Guys and
Solar Lights and More said no way
Solar will visit Thursday and give it a shot

L and L