The solar tube is a type of cylinder that is used to bring natural light into your home. These can help to replace or to add to the existing electrical lighting in a home. These tubes are referred to by a number of other names, including daylight pipes, light tubes, sun scopes and sun pipes. They are typically installed on a roof and come through the ceiling below it, much like a skylight or a periscope you would see on an old submarine movie. When you look at them, they will appear to be a small spotlight.
Technology Behind the Solar Tube
The idea of a solar tube is not a new one. Evidence of similar devices were found during ancient Egypt. The most common type of this tube utilises reflective material inside of the tube in order to help and amplify the light that comes into a room below. The clear dome placed at the tube’s top is what allows the sunlight to come in. In the interior of the home, the diffuser is responsible for spreading the light throughout the room. The light is going to be brightest if the tube is straight and short.
Other systems that can be installed utilise a more complicated technology, such as fluorescent polymer layers or optical fibres. Light tubes utilise technology that actually follows the sun’s movement and is found in a number of unique locations, such as Berlin subway stations.
Benefits of Solar Tubes over a Window
Much like a skylight, the solar tubes will provide light coming from above, which means you will get more sunshine inside. Solar tubes are also better insulated than ordinary windows or skylights, but you will not be able to see as much of what is outside. For an interior room with no outer walls, they can provide the ideal source of natural light. Due to the way that this technology works, they may actually provide more light than the traditional skylight that is actually much larger.
Additional Solar Tube Benefits
Any electric light in your home will use energy and even if you have solar panels installed on your roof, it is still a good idea to save energy whenever you can. Access to natural light can also help to benefit a person’s health in a way that artificial light cannot. Since the solar tubes do not require any type of electric installation, they can be used in areas that are wet, such as indoor pool rooms or bathrooms.
