The only time we specify black out shades is if a client works swing shifts or requires complete darkness during the day lighting hours. The insulated unit will temper the sun's intensity as a standard but if you need it darker...get the shades. FYI...the Solar powered skylights qualify for the Energy Start Credit.

based on what my local skylight company quoted - something like $1500 or $1800? i can't remember - the tax credit and rebate still don't make it quite affordable... i guess the question is: would there really be a noticeable difference between the low-e and the acrylic - significant enough to make a replacement of a new skylight worthwhile for the first price quoted? i know that's a subjective question since $800 means different things to different people - but i guess another way to ask the question is: do you really believe in the low-e glass and think i'll really feel the difference? i should say that said skylight is in my studio workspace/converted 2 car garage which i work in every day - the ceiling isn't insulated and it has a metal garage door so i'm battling a lot of heat sources....and it's hard to tell how much of it is coming from the skylight per se - but it's one thing i can change so wondering if it's a good idea....

I am having a tough time understanding from your post. Please post some pictures if you can as they may help explain it. As far as cutting flashing on your new unit if that's what you mean, IN NO WAY CUT THE FLASHING.

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