Many people are looking towards energy-efficient light sources for their homes to reduce electricity bills. One popular way to take advantage of direct sunlight is to install solar tube lights.
However, these aren’t the right choice for every style of building.
This solar-powered system has many advantages, but there are drawbacks to solar tube light sources. Many have asked, “what are the drawbacks to solar tube lighting?”
Solar light tubes do have their fair share of pros and cons.
This page will discuss the drawbacks to solar tube lighting systems so you will know before installing tubular skylights in your home.
What is solar tube lighting?
Solar tubes allow natural light into your home during the day. This energy-efficient sun tunnel can brighten your room during the day without turning on a light fixture.
As a result, solar tubes are often nicknamed sun pipes or daylight pipes.
What are the drawbacks to solar tube lighting for your home?
If cutting your electricity bill is one of your current goals, you may be interested in solar energy sources. Many light sources help with energy efficiency.
However, installing solar tube lighting isn’t the right choice for every home style.
Let’s take a look at some reasons why solar tube lighting may not be the right choice for your home:
They don’t work with every roof type.
If you want to install solar tubes, you will need to examine your roof first. Solar tube lighting will present many difficulties if you install these sun tunnels in a flat or pitched roof.
In addition, the design of solar tube domes makes them difficult to install on nontraditional roofs.
This is mainly because solar tube lighting is designed to fit perfectly along sloped roofs. Specifically, roofs are inclined at an angle between 15 and 60 degrees.
So while solar energy is a great way to reduce electric lighting, it’s not right for every roof type.
Not efficient for multiple-story homes
Many challenges exist when installing solar tube systems, mainly because an adapter is required for conventional roofs. However, the biggest challenge is providing an efficient lighting system with solar tube lighting for all building stories.
The soft, bright glow solar tube lighting provides on the top floor won’t be the same on the main level. You will need a longer solar tube to get natural lighting on the main level of your home, and it won’t be nearly as bright.
Solar tube lighting is only efficient for some regions of your home.
While you will likely have no trouble using sun tubes to provide natural daylight to a bigger and more spacious area, there will be less light in smaller areas like laundry rooms. This is because longer light pipes don’t allow as much sunlight to get through.
A small solar panel means a limited view of natural light
One of the main reasons people prefer natural lighting over artificial lighting is because it provides a great view of the outdoors. This makes it easier for them to see the weather and allows natural UV rays to warm up the room.
However, solar tube lighting doesn’t allow much of a view.
Solar tubes may provide free lighting, but that’s about the extent of it. Compared to other natural light systems, solar tube lighting doesn’t provide any upgrades to the home aesthetically.
Solar tube lights are not a source of ventilation.
On a nice day, one of the perks of a renewable light source is creating a natural ventilation system. Unfortunately, you cannot let it in with solar tubing if there is a gentle breeze outside.
While these tubes channel sunlight well, you will be unable to install a source of ventilation along with them.
This means that you will need to find another alternative when you want to let some fresh air inside. Unfortunately, there is no option to let out heat or fresh air using solar tube lights.
Solar tubes are way too loud.
Solar-powered systems like solar tubes are made with reflective material. This helps provide solar light throughout the day.
The problem with this material is that it can be noisy when it’s windy or raining.
The sound of the rain hitting the solar tubes has been very aggravating for some homeowners. This is especially true when a storm is in the middle of the night.
If you are looking for a quiet energy source, tubular skylights are not the right choice.
Only one energy source
Solar tube lighting isn’t the best renewable energy source because they are useless on gloomy days. Most solar tubes will not provide any incoming light if it’s raining or cloudy.
This means people will have to flick their light switch and use electricity.
While solar tube lighting may be more reliable in sunny areas, you should look into other solar energy sources if you live in a location with a lot of rain or gloomy days.
Solar tube lighting needs a lot of space to be efficient
Installing solar tube lighting systems may not look like they take up much space. However, during the installation process, you’ll realize quickly that this is not the case.
Solar light tubes need a lot of space while being installed. This will cause a problem in smaller spaces.
Solar tube lighting may not be the right choice if your rooms are more minor. Solar tubes need to be placed in a spacious area to be efficient.
Solar tube lights could lead to mold or mildew.
This problem may occur if you live in a humid area. Since there is no option for ventilation with solar tube lighting, water condensation could form around the solar tubes.
If there isn’t an efficient airflow, this moisture could lead to mold or mildew.
If you live in a humid area, you should consider installing a solar light that allows ventilation. Light tubes could present problems later on from excess moisture.
Solar sun tubes don’t have extra features.
Solar tubes work by allowing natural sunlight into your home during the day. However, one significant drawback to solar tubes is that there are no extra features for comfort or aesthetics.
There are limited designs for solar tube lights, and they don’t add anything extra to the room.
Other renewable lighting systems allow the homeowner to enjoy neat features like a daylight dimmer for when it’s too bright or even a window film to make things more comfortable.
Unfortunately, these aren’t available with tubular skylights.
Is a solar tube light worth it?
A solar tube lighting system has many pros and cons. However, many believe this renewable light source is well worth it because a better solar tube will be a cost-efficient and practical solution.
In addition, the upfront cost of solar tube installation is very affordable compared to other methods.
Most homeowners will spend less than $1000 for a quality system, including the installation work. However, depending on your roof style and where you live, a solar tube lighting system may not be worth it.
Deciding on whether or not tube lighting is proper for you, you need to consider a few things.
- Is your home in an area that receives a lot of natural light?
- Will you keep up with the maintenance of other renewable lighting systems? (Solar tubes need little to no maintenance. They are solid, so they likely won’t get damaged.)
- Do you have the time and skills to install a more complicated lighting system?
Why do people choose solar tube lighting?
With so many disadvantages, you may be wondering why people would consider installing solar tube lighting. One of the main reasons why they are a popular choice is because they are environmentally friendly.
Unlike other energy sources, they don’t give off any harmful emissions.
They are also very reliable. As mentioned above, they require very little maintenance. These tubes are solid and won’t leak.
Even during the heaviest rain or snowstorms, homeowners won’t have to worry about their solar tubes leaking.
While there may not be many design options, they will work well with your room’s design. The good thing about installing solar tubes is that they are not invasive and won’t require homeowners to change the setup of their homes.
Do Solar Tubes Cause Roof Leaks?
Solar tubes are usually a safe and secure addition to your roof, as they should effortlessly attach to the existing materials while defending against any water damage or leakage.
However, you must still take caution during installation to guarantee that everything is sealed correctly; thus, an experienced roofer is always recommended to inspect the tube for any needed fixes or modifications.
Do Solar Tubes Make Your House Hot?
Solar tubes can help keep your home cool throughout summer—but only if properly installed by strategically trapping heat from the sun and reflecting it away.
It is essential to look for a qualified roofer to guarantee accurate installation to avoid potential overheating problems.
Vigilantly monitoring the area after installation should also be part of your regular maintenance plan as an extra precaution against extreme temperatures inside your house.
Do Solar Tubes Work In Winter?
Solar tubes remain a brilliant option for your home despite the frosty winter weather.
Although they may not be as effective in producing warmth during this season compared to warmer months, they still collect and spread light throughout your dwelling.
In addition to brightening up your space, these tubes can provide added insulation and supplement the natural heating system inside your abode.
How Long Does A Solar Tube Last?
Generally, a solar tube should provide you with more than ten years of service. However, its lifespan depends on the construction quality and installation process.
It’s best to conduct regular check-ups for optimal performance, whereas some tubes may require periodic cleaning to prevent debris accumulation which could otherwise hinder their efficiency over time.
How Many Solar Tubes Do I Need?
To identify how many solar tubes you require, several variables include the size of your house and the natural lighting it gets.
Plus, extra solar tubes may be necessary if additional illumination is needed in a room or space with less sunlight.
Generally speaking, each room should have at least one sun tube installed to provide enough light!
How Much Light Does A Solar Tube Provide?
Illuminate your home in a much more vibrant and efficient way with solar tubes!
Not only can they provide up to 165% more light than traditional skylights, but their specialized diffuser also helps spread that incoming light throughout the room; this results in increased brightness and an illusion of expansion within the space.
Solar Tube Vs. Skylight
Solar tubes and skylights are two excellent options to achieve a brighter, more vibrant home environment.
Solar tubes stand out from their counterparts as they employ innovative reflective technology to deliver up to 165% additional light than regular skylights-all at a fraction of the cost!
Solar tubes are an increasingly popular choice for extra lighting, as they easily fit into small spaces and require less upkeep than skylights.
However, if you need a more expansive view of the outdoors that solar tube doesn’t offer, then perhaps a skylight is your answer.
Whatever decision you make should be based on your space needs and budget.
Solar Tube With Electric Light
Light up your home with a cost-effective and eco-friendly solution.
The combination of solar tube technology and electric lighting offers brighter, more balanced illumination while reducing energy costs over time.
Maximize natural light during the day through advanced reflective technology without worrying about darker hours – supplement it with electrical lights for round-the-clock comfort in any room!
Final thoughts – What are the drawbacks to solar tube lighting?
Many homeowners are looking at ways to make their homes more environmentally friendly and reduce the energy they use. Any homeowner who is considering installing solar tube lighting may want to reconsider.
While these tubes may be energy efficient, they do present many problems.
Before purchasing any tubes, you should weigh the pros and cons to ensure they suit your home. Weather conditions, humidity, and natural light in your area play a huge role in whether or not this style of lighting is worth it.
While a sun tunnel may provide free light, it may not be efficient enough for your home.
