How does a Solatube work?
A rooftop dome captures daylight, an ultra-reflective tube carries it through the roof space, and a ceiling fixture softly spreads it through the room.
From the sky to your room in three steps.
The system uses passive optical technology. Daylight is redirected rather than generated, so its daylighting path has no motor or moving mechanism.
Capture daylight
The clear rooftop dome gathers direct and ambient daylight. On applicable models, Raybender® 3000 Technology and the LightTracker™ Reflector help redirect low-angle morning, afternoon and winter sunlight into the tube.
Transfer the light
Spectralight® Infinity Tubing repeatedly reflects visible light through the roof space. Straight and adjustable tube sections can help route daylight around many common obstructions.
Deliver it beautifully
At ceiling level, an optical diffuser or decorative fixture spreads the daylight through the room for a bright, comfortable result without a large traditional skylight opening.
More than a tube in the roof.
Each part of the light path is designed to collect, preserve and distribute useful natural light.
Raybender® 3000
The dome lens redirects useful low-angle sunlight while helping moderate overpowering high-angle summer light.
LightTracker™
An in-dome reflector targets low-angle daylight to increase light input when the sun is lower in the sky.
Spectralight® Infinity
Highly reflective tubing with specular reflectivity up to 99.7% moves daylight efficiently while maintaining natural-looking colour.
Optical diffusion
The ceiling assembly spreads concentrated tube light across the room. Fixture and effect-lens choices let you refine the finished look.
Designed for the changing sky.
Lower-angle sun
Morning, late-day and winter light arrives at a lower angle. Dome optics help redirect more of it toward the tube.
Midday sun
When daylight is strongest, the system continues to deliver broad natural illumination through the ceiling diffuser.
Overcast conditions
The dome can collect ambient daylight as well as direct sun. Room brightness will naturally vary with the available outdoor light.
Small roof opening. Powerful daylighting.
capture, transfer and deliver
Spectralight® Infinity material
for the daylight path
Common questions.
Open any question to learn more. If your roof or room is unusual, contact us before choosing a kit.
Ask a questionDoes a Solatube need electricity?
No electricity is required to capture and deliver daylight. Integrated NightLight and electric-light accessories are separate features available with selected systems.
Will it work when the sky is cloudy?
Yes, the dome can gather ambient daylight under overcast skies. Indoor light levels will be lower than on a bright sunny day because the system can only transfer the daylight available outside.
Can the tube bend around an obstruction?
Adjustable tubing and extension components can accommodate many common roof-space layouts. Every bend and added length affects output, so use the shortest, most direct route practical for your installation.
Does it bring in the same heat as a traditional skylight?
The compact opening and optical tube are designed to transfer visible daylight while limiting unwanted infrared heat transfer. Actual thermal performance depends on the complete model, installation and building conditions.
Can I control the daylight?
A compatible Daylight Dimmer can provide control where available. Decorative fixtures, diffusers and effect lenses can also change the appearance and distribution of light.
Ready to brighten your space?
Compare system sizes, included tube configurations and available options.