skip to main content

Solatube vs. Velux

Ratherbgardening

17 years ago

Does anyone know if there's much difference between the Velux Sun Tunnel (if i remember that correctly) and the Solatube SolaMaster Series, both around 20 inches? I have a kitchen/family room that is on the dark side during our overcast winters and I'd like to bring in more natural light, but don't want the expense of skylights. I know Solatube has been around quite a while, but I know that Velux has some good products too and have never found a discussion on Velux.

Thanks!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

dunwell
17 years ago
I'm a researcher, and when I built my house recently, I looked into both Solatube and Velux. I ended up going with the Sun Tunnel because it was more cost effective and seemed to be user friendly (I like doing things myself).

Lots of people swear by Solatube, but when I went to see their rep., he was deadset on convincing me that I couldn't do the job myself and that I needed professional installation. That almost doubled the price.

My only problem with Velux (or rather the HD where I bought it) was that I told them what type of roof I had (metal simulated tile), they ordered the wrong item and I got stuck with it--it's really for a clay tile, not metal.
Anyway, good luck with your decision.
Ratherbgardening
Original Author
17 years ago
Thank you for your reply. What I need is to see them installed for a good comparison. I did see a solatube installed at a dealers house, but it didn't seem to add much light on a cloudy day, which we have a lot of during the winter. It might have been a 14", though.
It sounds like HD should've corrected their mistake.
Do you have it installed and if so, how do you like it?
Related Discussions
Tubular skylights: Velux vs. Solatube vs ?
Q
Comments (14)
Hello My name is Christine and I am the owner of Brighter Homes, the local Solatube Premier Dealership. I would be happy to set a time to discuss the features and benefits of a Solatube Daylighting System in detail. In the meantime I did want to clarify the inaccurate information that was posted in response to your question. I have never had a customer complaint that either the Effect Lens or the Diffuser discolor over time; furthermore, I called Solatube International and was told they do not have a problem with discoloration of the lens. Next, considering the climate in Virginia there should not be a problem with condensation however Solatube Daylighting Systems are designed to allow some air transfer from the interior of the system to the exterior. This allows moist air to escape, while also enabling any droplets of water, which may have formed on the dome, to escape via weep holes in the dome. Solatube Daylighting Systems is by far the best product on the market with four patents on the technology that the competition does not have. Our product has patents on Spectralight Infinity Tubing that is 99.7% highly relective, the LightTracker Reflector inside the dome, the Raybender technology of the dome and the Dual Lens Array. Please check out our website for a more complete discussion of the patented technology that Solatube Daylighting Systems have. Please do not hesitate to call me for more information at 460-0703 Here is a link that might be useful: Hampton Roads Daylight
...See More
Electric vs Manual Velux Skylight
Q
Comments (8)
I wish my Velux was electric! Unfortunately we did not have time to order an electric Velux before the new roof was put on, so had to buy a manual from HD. While I love having a skylight, I wish it was electric. We have a split level home with 8' ceilings and a foyer with a balcony and a 23' vaulted ceiling. Every evening and every morning during the summer I walk up a half flight of stairs to the balcony to manually open and close the skylight and vent the hot air out. Sacramento is even hotter than Napa .... get the electric. You don't mention how many or where the skylights will be, but if cost is an issue, maybe you could get by with only one or two electric units and the rest manual. My one small unit (20x36 ??) does a good job venting because its in the highest part of the house. Even tho our skylight has a SW exposure, I did not get the blinds bec I didn't like the look of the screen with a "puckery" hole to access the operator. And I guess that's one more thing that would have to be dealt with when I manually opened the skylight. Another option might be a whole house fan ..... but that might be more expensive than the electric upgrade.
...See More
Solatube vs Skylight
Q
Comments (2)
I agree with the above comment. The nice thing about a Solatube is that you can angle the tube. So if it is possible to angle to the dome to a south facing roof line, you can capture better light. Solatubes bottom tube and top tube have 'angle adapters' which give you flexibility in where you place the tube. With skylights you are generally limited to straight up. If you cannot angle the tube, another option may be to raise the dome up on the roof using a turret extension. Turrets extensions can go as high as is aesthetically pleasing. We have raised domes up as high as 8' feet on the roof. We do this to capture better light on exposures that limit the amount of light collected. In closing, as the 'windowsonwashington' commented, the reflective material used by the Solatube and the dome technology should ensure more light than a traditonal skylight. If you have any questions, you can email me at sales@solabrite.com or call 800-846-6621. Best regards, John @ Solabrite Here is a link that might be useful: SolatubebySolabrite
...See More
Tubular skylights Velux vs. Solatube vs ?
Q
Comments (10)
We put one in our bathroom downstairs. Had it for maybe 4 or 5 years now. Works great, it's mounted inside the shower which is white tile, so nice sunny environment there. It lites up the whole bathroom well, even at dawn and dusk, which kinda surprised me. Saves a lotta electricity as the florescent lites took up about 80 watts and they were on/off numerous times per day. We bought the one with the light fixture in it for night use, I installed a 13 watt florescent in it and it is plenty of light for the bathroom at night. I guess you get the idea, I'm very happy with it! We have 2 more bathrooms upstairs, our master which has windows, and a guest that does not, even thou this bathroom does have an outside wall, I'm still leaning towards another Sola Tube for this bathroom, as the bathroom is just not used enough for the expense of adding a window, and the Sola tube will lite it up real good. HTH's! Gary
...See More
jcorak_yahoo_com
12 years ago
I have a basic Sun Tunnel, 14" small, in my new bathroom & LOVE it!! I have had it for about 2 years now. After 30 years in the summer dark, I can finally see my makeup!
We live deep in the woods surrounded by 30' trees & most of our rooms are like caves under the dense summer leaf canopy. Great for keeping it cooler but lousy light!
I am getting two more installed in my den, but am not sure which brand. I think Solatube is the only one with a switch controlled diffuser to control the amount of light. Do you have any more info?

Related Stories

GREAT HOME PROJECTS How to Add a Skylight or Light Tube

By Mariana Pickering (Emu Building Science)

New project for a new year: Increase daylight and maybe even your home’s energy efficiency by opening a room to the sky

LIGHTING 10 Reasons to Love Skylights

By Laura Gaskill

Get beautiful, mood-boosting natural light where you need it most, without sacrificing your privacy

REMODELING GUIDES Tubular Daylighting Devices Bring In Natural Light

By Lindsey M. Roberts

More advanced and less pricey than traditional skylights, TDDs are the most modern way to let the light in

WINDOWS Small Skylights Add Comfort and Light Where You Need It

By Steven Corley Randel, Architect

Consider this minor home improvement in rooms that don’t get enough natural daylight

LIGHTING The Glorious Benefits of Skylights

By Jen Dalley //

Discover the wonders of overhead openings beyond just the extra illumination

WINDOW TREATMENTS A Surefire Way to Prevent Sun Damage Indoors

By Becky Dietrich, Interior Designer

Why let light ruin your furniture, floors and artwork, when the solution could be as simple as applying high-quality window film?

UNIVERSAL DESIGN Universal Lighting Design Strategies for 4 Key Home Areas

By Sheridan Interiors, Kitchens and Baths

Brighten the way for eyes of any age with ambient and task lighting that supports safety and imparts beauty

KITCHEN DESIGN 20 Kitchen Must-Haves From Houzz Readers

By Jennifer Ott Design

We asked you to tell us your top kitchen amenities. See what popular kitchen features made the list

COLOR Want Gorgeous Interior Colors? Look to the Light

By Buckminster Green LLC

See how to manipulate natural and artificial light — and learn about those baffling new bulbs — to get the exact room colors you want

LIGHTING House Hunting? Look Carefully at the Light

By Alison Hodgson

Consider windows, skylights and the sun in any potential home, lest you end up facing down the dark

Sponsored

Winks Remodeling & Handyman Services

1 Review

Custom Craftsmanship & Construction Solutions in Franklin County

More Discussions

Window contractor problem

15

Marvin Windows Cracks/Flaking Warranty no Help

21

Plantation Shutters

0

Kitchen window and outlet dilemma

6

Need opinions on windows

16