Comments on: solatube - solar tube skylight installation how-to

By: dean

dean — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 00:42:06 +0000

Hey Rahul! Sorry I’ve been off the website for a while. The 14″ ran somewhere in the $5-600 if I remember. Installation costs are around $150, plus there may be costs added for additional length of the reflective tubing if your run from the ceiling to the roof is longer than the length included in a normal install (something like 10 feet). The length of that run would be something worth measuring yourself to allow an installer to give you an accurate quote, or to know how many panels to purchase if you’re installing them yourself.

We purchased our Solatubes at a local arts & crafts festival that SolarTex Austin had a booth at. They were offering significant discounts on installation for those that signed up in the booth. You may check your local Solatube dealer’s website to see when they might be showcasing at an “event” or having an open-house, as they will likely be providing discounts.

These would be great in a living room, and two 14″ will provide a LOT of light. Be prepared for having a fully lit room during the day. They do offer an electronic dimmer that I think works like a shutter in the tube. You may consider this option as I can imagine there might be times in a living room where you might need to control the light level.

I’ve never heard any clicking noise from these. Not sure what others have experienced but we’ve had these with weather in the 20s - 100 and haven’t noticed any expansion or creaking noises.

Thanks! I’m glad that this information & pics help.

By: rahul

rahul — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 04:27:10 +0000

1. What was the total cost break up for your 14 inch light? It would be great if you can split it between product cost and installation cost.

2. Also - I am planning to use two of these in my living room. What are your thoughts on this.

3. Another website said that these may make soft ‘clicking’ sounds sometimes due to contraction and expansion in tne heat. Is it true?

Great tutorial btw - way better than the one on lowes website

By: dean

dean — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 01:24:35 +0000

Howdy Rick! Yes - Austin, Texas that is. A dark hallway is a perfect use for these solar tube skylights. You’ll never have to switch a light on again during the day. I have to assume that they will perform very well in Canadian climates, as ours puts out a good amount of light even on very overcast days. The technology that the Solatube brand utilizes (proprietary dome, reflective tube, and dome reflector) seems to suck all the available natural light down the tube and into the house. That’s what they sold me on, and I have no reason to believe their product isn’t the best at it. I wouldn’t want more light, actually, than we get with these tubes as they can be amazingly bright at times.

As for Solatube dealers in your area, I did a search on their website and found these Toronto dealers. If these aren’t near you, just put in your zip code in the search box and it will give you more local Solatube dealers. Good luck!

By: rick.proctor@rogers.com

rick.proctor@rogers.com — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 18:51:31 +0000

Hi there. Great page. You mention Austin, safe to assume the one in Texas, yes? I would love to install one of these in my house to brighten a dark hallway. How do they perform in Canadian climates? If there is anyone you could recommend in the Toronto area selling this product, I would appreciate the info.

Thank you in davance.
Rick Proctor