Solatube FAQ's - Additional Information

Can a Solatube store light for use at night?

No, the Solatube only transfers the available sunlight that enters through the dome. However, the optional Light Add-on Kit may be used so that the Solatube doubles as a standard lighting fixture with just the flick of a switch at night.

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What happens on full-moon nights?

The Solatube captures ambient light so well that you can actually get a nice glow on full-moon nights.

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How long can the tube be?

Recommended Maximum Tube Run
10" (250mm) Brighten Up: 20' (6m)
14" (350mm) Brighten Up: 30' (9m)
21" (530mm) SolaMaster: 40' (12m)

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How short can the tube be?

There is no minimum distance. No attic applications with vaulted or open beam ceilings are quite common.

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What if it's too bright?

We offer a secondary diffuser that fits under the dome to soften the light if necessary. You can also use heat and flame retardant "theatrical gel" light sheeting used in stage lighting to adjust output and color if desired. The optional Solatube Daylight Dimmer can also be installed to allow control of the light output. Never use standard window tinting or any flammable material to block the incoming light. This is an extreme fire hazard. Only approved theatrical gels or Solatube products should be used with a Solatube.

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What if there is no attic space?

Solatubes are designed for installation even where there is no access to the attic or no attic at all. Our unique telescoping tubing allows complete installation from the roof and inside the building.

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When do you install the Solatube when re-roofing?

Generally, after the new roof is in place. However, the Solatube can easily be installed in most cases at the same time the roof is going on.

When installing a Solatube on a tile roof, installation is usually done after the roof is completed. On hot mop applications installation can be done during or after.

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Can the dome be raised higher above the roof?

All flashings can be modified by adding a turret extension. The turret extension raises the turret of the flashing so the dome will clear thicker roofing materials or roof obstructions, such as multiple roofing layers, HVAC units or extra thick shingles. Turret extensions are available in 2", 12", 24" & 36" and 48" heights.

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How does the tube attach to the ceiling?

The factory assembled injection molded and durable ABS ceiling ring terminates the tube covering and finishing the opening in the ceiling. It anchors to the ceiling with our patented zip tie system and serves as a receptacle for the diffuser.

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How are the extension tube sections fastened together?

Solatube kits include high quality foil tape to seal all tubing seams. This keeps bugs and dust from entering the system ensuring maintenance free installation. The tube sections are also fastened with provided self-taping screws for further structural integrity.

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Will I have to cut the tubing?

All of Solatube's tube sections are designed to telescope together for ease of installation. Tube length can be easily adjusted by simply overlapping so trimming is rarely necessary.

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What if the protective liner won't come off the inside of the tubes?

If the tubes have been left in the sun or exposed to heat, the protective liner may not want to come off. Try soaking the tubes for a few minutes in ice water. Don't apply any harsh or corrosive cleaners or the finish will be further damaged.

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How do I remove my Solatube diffuser?

Your ceiling diffuser is quite easy to remove and clean. Please note that older Solatubes (Installed before the year 2000) have twist-lock diffusers for the 10" (250mm)& 16" (400mm) models. For these older units the diffuser twists off counter clockwise when looking up at the diffuser.

To remove the diffuser from current 10" (250mm) and all 14"(350mm) Solatubes simply pry down one edge of the white trim ring using something flat such as a butter knife. Continue to work your way around the ring until you have a 1/4" (7mm) or so gap all the way around. Then simply grab onto the edges and pull straight down. The diffuser lens can be cleaned with soap and water. To re- install the diffuser position the 4 zip style ties into the 4 holes on the ceiling ring and push up until the diffuser is flush with the ceiling.

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