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At the roof level, there are two main optical technologies used in the domes of Solatube®Daylighting Systems: LightTracker™ and Raybender® 3000. The LightTracker Reflector captures low-angle sunlight, specifically in early morning, late day and winter, that would otherwise pass through the dome, and redirects it into the tube. In this way, the system collects the maximum amount of light possible throughout the day and year. This, in turn, yields greater light output in the interior space. Raybender 3000 Technology is a patented daylight-capturing Fresnel lens integrated into the dome that provides consistent daylighting throughout the day. It accomplishes this by redirecting low-angle sunlight to increase early morning, late afternoon and winter performance. It also rejects overpowering midday sunlight, especially in summer, to reduce glare and heat offering a more consistent daylighting experience.
Light Transfer Efficiency (LTE) measures how effectively and consistently daylight is transferred through a TDD’s optical tubing system and into a room for all daylight hours of the year. This factor is closely linked with the specular reflectance associated with a system’s tubing material. The higher the specular reflectance, the more efficient and consistent the transportation of light is. A high LTE typifies a product that limits light loss and, therefore, delivers an even and dependable amount of light to an interior, regardless of season or weather condition.
Solatube Daylighting Systems utilize two technologies to eliminate ultraviolet (UV) radiation and reduce heat from infrared (IR) wavelengths entering the building interior. The first technology is related to the domes. Solatube acrylic outer domes have special UV inhibitors designed to block 100% of UVB (280 to 315 nanometers), 100% UVC (100 to 280 nanometers) and 98.5% UVA (315 to 400 nanometers) rays.The second technology is related to the tubing. Spectralight® Infinity Tubing transmits the visible spectrum of light (400 to 760 nanometers). A minimal amount of the infrared spectrum of light (above 760 nanometers) is transmitted by the Spectralight Infinity Tubing.
Solatube® Daylighting Systems maximize the amount of daylight available for lighting your interior, regardless of sky conditions. Our proprietary Raybender® 3000 and LightTracker™ Technologies in our domes combined with our Spectralight® Infinity Tubing transfer the maximum amount of daylight from the rooftop down into the interior with minimal light loss, even on cloudy days. Keep in mind your light output is always relative to your light input. There will be a noticeable difference in light intensity between a clear, sunny day and a heavily overcast day. Our diffusers and Decorative Fixtures keep a consistent diffusion pattern, regardless of light intensity.
The advantages of Solatube lighting system are;
For residential applications
While Solatube® Daylighting Systems and Solar Star® Attic Fans are engineered for easy installation, you’ll get the best results when you hire a professional who has been factory-trained and certified to install our products.A general contractor, roofer or local building material supplier may also be able to assist you.
For commercial applications
When arranging installation, we recommend you hire a Solatube Premier Dealer who is licensed, bonded and factory-trained on Solatube products to ensure a proper install and protection from unforeseen circumstances.
No. To transfer the most light possible to your interior, Solatube®, Inc. International uses a 1-to-1 product design that matches the dome to the diffuser. There is no "Y" tubing adapter available for Solatube Daylighting Systems that connects two diffusers to one dome.
Under the product warranty, Solatube® Daylighting System components are covered for 10 years, most electrical components for 5 years, and Solatube Smart LED™ electrical components for 3 years.
Solatube Brighten Up Series exist optional accessories which provides day and night artificial lighting. Solatube exists extra 2 artificial lighting choices.
Compact Fluorescent Artificial Lighting; exists 1 peace 26Watt fluorescent lighting for 190DS and 2 peaces for 290DS.
Traditional Lightening Kit; 26Watt fluorescent lighting or 100Watt incandescent lamp.
Yes. Unless the application area allows the tubes passage, it is possible to transfer daylight from roof to other levels. You can reach the potential tube lengths from the product pages.
Yes. The Solatube® Light and Ventilation Kits can be added to the Solatube Daylighting System 160 DS model to create a dynamic 3-in-1 fixture that includes daylighting, night lighting and venting functions in one ceiling location.
No. Once installed, the dome, tubing and other components that make up the Solatube® Smart LED™ System will require no maintenance. You won’t even have to replace light bulbs because they are designed to last up to 20 years. Occasionally, you may need to wipe dust off the diffuser or decorative fixture, but that’s it. See our Ownership & Care Guide for more information.
No. When the wall switch is in the “off” position, it will override the entire system and prevent the LEDs from coming on.
A Solatube® Smart LED™ upgrade kit is not currently available, so you will need to purchase a new system. Contact your local Solatube daylighting expert for more information.
No. The LEDs in the Solatube® Smart LED™ are not dimmable. They only operate on an on/off basis.
No, the “smart” components in the Solatube® Smart LED™ System are factory-set for maximum energy efficiency. The LEDs will only come on when the Daylight Sensor determines light levels are low enough to trigger the LEDs. As an alternative, you may consider a Solatube Light Add-On Kit to a Solatube Daylighting System 160 DS or 290 DS unit, which gives you convenient on/off control through a wall switch.
There are no batteries on Solar Star® Attic Fans that will store energy. Thus, they only run when daylight is available on the solar panel.
The Solar Star® Attic Fan runs best when the solar panel is in direct sunlight. Although the unit will continue to operate in the shade (provided the sky is bright), it will run at a reduced speed. On a roof that is heavily shaded for most of the day, a Solar Star Roof Mount 1200 Add-on Panel is recommended. The extra panel can be placed up to 15 ft (4.5 m) away from the main roof unit—if possible, in an area that has all-day sun exposure—to boost performance.
The Solar Star® Attic Fan is designed to work in the harshest of climates, from the scorching southwestern regions of Arizona and Texas to the frigid northern areas of Canada and Alaska. Featuring a Venturi design for maximum airflow capacity and durable polymeric fan blades for high performance and reliability, the Solar Star Attic Fan equalizes interior and exterior temperatures to safeguard your home against the extremes of summer and winter.
Attics are meant to be ventilated year-round, and the Solar Star® Attic Fan is designed to run whenever daylight strikes the solar panel. While the Solar Star Attic Fan does not have an on/off switch, the optional Solar Star Thermal Switch can be added to turn off the fan when the temperature in the attic is cooler than 65° F (18° C). It will also turn on the fan when the temperature in the attic is warmer than 85° F (29° C), giving you greater control over the operation of your Solar Star Attic Fan.
Solatube Solamaster with 21inch diameter, has two security options. The first one is the stainless steel security bar, which is installed throughout the radius of the tube, and controls the inlets. The second option is the dome security kit, which prevent the dome from being removed.
The domes used with most Solatube® Daylighting Systems are injection-molded with impact modified acrylic. The Solatube SkyVault® Series dome, intended for commercial use, is made of high-impact, vacuum-formed polycarbonate that is 43 times stronger than acrylic. A different material is used with this model due to the dome’s massive 29 in. (74 cm) size. An acrylic dome with that diameter would be too flexible and not strong enough to withstand high impact conditions. This model is also available with a dual-glaze dome assembly that includes an outer and an inner dome for added durability.
Most Solatube® Daylighting Systems feature tubing with a specially designed notching system that allows one tube to telescope into the next, so they rarely have to be cut to length. High-quality foil tape is used to seal all tubing seams.One exception is the Solatube SkyVault® Series, which features a patented Tab-Lock Connection System that guarantees proper assembly. Additionally, Tube Belts ensure structural integrity by cinching the tube connection to prevent gaps and provide a tapeless, self-sealing joint. This combination of features simplifies installation and reduces labor costs.
