Solatube makes tubular daylighting systems — basically highly engineered light pipes that capture sunlight on your roof and deliver it to interior spaces. They’ve been the pioneer in this category since the 1980s, originating from an Australian invention that revolutionized skylighting. The company describes itself as a wholesale building materials manufacturer focused on daylighting systems and ventilation products.
Their core business breaks down into four categories: daylighting systems (the bread and butter), LED lighting systems, solar-powered attic fans, and ventilation products. But it’s the tubular daylighting devices where they’ve staked their reputation.
Core Daylighting Systems: The 160 DS and 290 DS
The workhorse products are the 160 DS and 290 DS — the numbers roughly correspond to the square inches of daylight capture area on your roof. These aren’t just holes with mirrors. The systems use Spectralight Infinity tubing with 99.7% specular reflectivity and Raybender 3000 Technology that captures low-angle sunlight while rejecting overpowering midday sun.
| Specification | 160 DS | 290 DS |
|---|---|---|
| Tube Diameter | 10 inches (250 mm) | 14 inches |
| Coverage Area | 150-200 sq. ft. (14-19 sq. m.) | 250-300 sq ft |
| Maximum Tube Length | Approx. 20 ft (6 m) | up to 30 feet |
| Reflectivity | 99.7% (Spectralight Infinity) | 99.7% (Spectralight Infinity) |
The system’s optics, including patented features like the LightTracker reflector and Raybender 3000 dome lens, enhance light collection and reduce glare, especially at low sun angles. These advanced materials and design elements contribute to Solatube’s strong brand reputation for durable, high-performance tubular skylights that deliver brighter, more consistent natural light over time.
The 160 DS handles your typical residential spaces — bathrooms, hallways, closets. The 290 DS tackles larger areas or spaces where you need serious light output. Both systems include LightTracker Reflectors inside the dome, leak-proof flashing, softening effects lenses, and operate passively without external electricity.
Ventilation Add-On Kit: Two Problems, One Hole
Here’s where Solatube gets clever. The Ventilation Add-On Kit provides both natural daylight and mechanical ventilation from a single ceiling fixture, keeping ceilings orderly and uncluttered by eliminating separate exhaust fan housings. Perfect for Montana bathrooms where moisture control matters as much as natural light.
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Airflow (Nominal) | 110 CFM | Manufacturer |
| Airflow (Tested) | 145 CFM | Tested |
| Power Consumption | 25.7W to 27.6W | Manufacturer |
| Voltage Options | 115V AC 60Hz (standard), 220-240V 50Hz (optional) | Manufacturer |
| Ducting Required | 4-inch insulated flexible (Class 1) | Manufacturer |
| Moisture Rating | Suitable for wet or damp locations | Manufacturer |
The twin opposing-rotation motors overcome static pressure for increased airflow volume, and the motor can be mounted away from the ceiling plane to minimize interior noise. It effectively removes steam, humidity, and odors from bathrooms or laundry rooms and is designed to install directly into the Solatube 160 DS daylighting housing.
Solar-Powered Daylight Dimmer: Light Control Without the Electrician
Sometimes you want daylight, sometimes you don’t. The solar-powered Daylight Dimmer features an integrated solar panel mounted on roof flashing with no hard-wiring required, allowing continuous light adjustment from full brightness to darkness in seconds with zero electricity cost.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Control Method | Wireless RF remote |
| Remote Capacity | One remote controls up to 10 dimmers |
| Design | Patented butterfly-style baffle inside tube |
| Auto Feature | Jumper-activated auto-close at night |
| Compatibility | Retrofit compatible with existing 160 DS and 290 DS |
The solar angle works perfectly for Montana’s abundant sunshine — even in winter, you’re getting enough light to power the dimmer. Multiple dimmers can be synced via a single remote command. No electrician needed, no permits for electrical work, no ongoing power costs.
Installation Components That Actually Matter
The Shingle/Shake Flashing Kit deserves mention because it’s engineered for real-world roof conditions, not just flat demonstration decks.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Pitch Range | 4:12 to 12:12 (universal) |
| Material | Zinc-aluminum alloy (seamless) |
| Height Options | 4-inch (ribs < 2.5”), 6-inch (ribs 2.5-4.5”) |
| Compatible Sizes | 10-inch and 14-inch tubes |
That pitch range covers everything from low-slope commercial to steep Montana snow-shedders. The seamless construction means one less place for water to find its way in.
The Verdict on Solatube
Contractors view these systems as highly effective, especially appreciated for quick installation — often less than two hours with professional help. The products are backed by a 5-year installation warranty and a unique guarantee of superior annual light performance, with the company offering a money-back guarantee if their products don’t outperform comparable passive tubular daylighting devices.
Solatube works for spaces where traditional skylights won’t — interior bathrooms, hallways with no roof access, anywhere you need controlled natural light without the heat gain and leak potential of a skylight. The ventilation kit solves the eternal bathroom problem of needing both daylight and moisture control without cutting two holes in your ceiling.
Skip it if you’re looking for the cheapest solution or if the space already has adequate natural light. These systems cost more than basic skylights, and installation requires cutting through your roof — not a DIY Saturday project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much light does a Solatube actually provide compared to a regular window?
The 160 DS covers 150-200 square feet with natural light, while the 290 DS handles 250-300 square feet. Think of it as having a window in your ceiling that doesn’t leak, doesn’t create heat gain, and works even when the sun is low on the horizon.
Q: Can these be installed on any roof type?
The systems can be mounted on any roof type with leak-proof options. The flashing kits handle pitches from 4:12 to 12:12, which covers most residential roofs. Metal roofs, shingles, shakes — they’ve got flashing solutions for all of them.
Q: Do I need an electrician for the ventilation fan or dimmer?
The ventilation kit requires 115V AC power, so yes, you’ll need an electrician for that. But the solar-powered dimmer requires no hard-wiring — it runs entirely on its own solar panel mounted on the roof flashing.
Q: How do these hold up in extreme weather?
The 290 DS can be installed in high-velocity hurricane zones with advanced hurricane-resistant material. The systems feature leak-proof flashing with one-piece roof flashing to prevent leaks. They’re known for durability, impact resistance, and leak-proof installation, suitable for all US climate zones.
Q: What’s the real difference between the 160 DS and 290 DS besides size?
Beyond the obvious diameter difference (10 inches vs 14 inches), the 160 DS maxes out around 20 feet of tube length while the 290 DS can run up to 30 feet. The 290 DS also accommodates up to 2 light bulbs in the Light Add-On Kit versus just 1 for the 160 DS. Pick based on room size and how far you need to run the tube.
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