Solar Tubes

Solar tubes, also known as tubular daylighting devices or sun tunnels, were first commercialized in Australia in the 1980s and have since become a popular solution for bringing natural light into interior spaces where traditional windows or skylights are impractical. The technology works by capturing sunlight through a transparent dome mounted on the roof, directing it down through a highly reflective tube lined with mirror-finish aluminum or prismatic film, and diffusing it into the room below through a ceiling-mounted lens. The reflective lining can redirect light around bends and through attic spaces, reaching rooms that are far from exterior walls. Modern solar tubes have become increasingly sophisticated, with options including integrated LED lights for nighttime use, dimmer controls, ventilation kits, and daylight-redirecting lenses that capture low-angle winter sunlight more effectively. They are significantly less expensive and less invasive to install than traditional skylights, requiring only a small roof penetration typically 10 to 14 inches in diameter. For interior designers, solar tubes offer a way to transform dark hallways, bathrooms, closets, and interior rooms with natural daylight, enhancing the sense of spaciousness and connection to the outdoors while reducing dependence on electric lighting during daytime hours.