In a bid to save more energy, you might consider using solar tubes in your building. Solar tubes help you get the natural light that skylights provide –but with less hassle and cost. Solar tubes provide plenty of warm, indirect light. They capture sunlight using a rooftop dome, then transfer it indoors through a reflective tube that runs from the roof to the ceiling. From there, the light is evenly dispersed into the interior space using a diffuser.

A Solar tube is also known as sun tube, sun tunnel, light tunnel, light tube or tubular skylight. A solar tube is 25cm to 35cm-diameter sheet-metal tube with a polished interior. The interior acts as a continuous mirror, channelling light along its entire length while preserving the light’s intensity.

On your roof, a solar tube is capped by a weather-proof plastic globe. The tube ends in a porthole-like diffuser in the ceiling of a room below. The globe gathers light from outside; the diffuser spreads the light in a pure white glow. So you won’t need to switch you lights during the daylight hours. It helps add more daylight to the kitchen, hallway, Stairway, Walk-in closet, Bathroom or a Laundry room. The only unsuitable place for a solar tube is above a TV or computer screen where it might create uncomfortable glare.

A 25cm tube, the smallest option, is the equivalent of three 100-watt bulbs, enough to illuminate up to 20m square meters of floor area; 35cm tubes can brighten as much as 28 square meters.

Why you should install solar tubes.

It is “green.” Solar Tubes allows switching off electric lights during the day, which reduces energy bills and environmental pollution.

It is good for one’s health. It has been shown in several studies that daily exposure to natural light can enhance mental and physical well-being, boost concentration and energy levels.

It is cost-effective. Product and installation costs for a solar tube are considerably less than other daylighting options, such as windows and skylights.

It is highly adaptable. The compact and flexible design of solar tubes allow them to be installed in just about any interior, including small spaces or locations on lower floors where daylighting would usually not be an option i.e. areas without direct roof access.

They offer better heat insulation properties and more flexibility for use in inner rooms, but less visual contact with the external environment compared to conventional skylights and other windows.

They don’t require electric installations or insulation and thus can further be efficient for indoor wet areas such as bathrooms and pools.

Benefits of Natural Daylight.

1. Daylight entering through the eye triggers hormone production that promotes healthy sleep/wake cycles, so we wake up feeling well-rested.
2. Sunlight causes our brains to produce serotonin, a hormone that can improve mood by alleviating pain, providing energy, and making us feel happy.
3. People who get regular exposure to sunlight tend to be more optimistic, sleep better at night and have a better sense of well-being.

Cost

A solar tube costs about Ksh45, 000 when professionally installed. Or if you’re comfortable installing it on your own, you only need a kit which costs about Ksh20, 000.

Solar Tubes and Hospitals, Care Centres

Due to the many benefits highlighted above, solar tubes would be ideal for hospitals, especially the one-storied building. The installation is easy and affordable for such. As already highlighted above, solar tubes or light tunnels increase the amount of natural daily light exposure.

Installation

Installation is best done under the supervision and coordination of an architect. The solar tube is connected to a bent duct on a void in the roof that is covered with a glass dome to bring direct sunlight into a room. A single tube can lit up a dark space of up to 17sqm. In the other rooms, solar tubes can be an additional source of light. To regulate the amount of light, you can put a flap or a light filter above the diffuser to restrict incoming light. The solar tube is on the roof and no water penetrates to the light receiver because it has a special flash sink.

Installers and Suppliers in Kenya:

Steam Plant Ltd.

Classic Mouldings Ltd.

You can reach out to us at editor@eeekenya.com for any further information or inquiries about solar tubes or light tubes/tunnels.

Other Solar Tubes Resources:

1. Residential Show Case
2. Commercial Show Case
3. Solar Tube Commercial and Residential Product Bronchures
4. Solar Tube Product Installation Videos

Solar Tube Applications:

Retail

A bright idea for ringing in more sales.

Residential

Natural daylight brings every room to life.