Skylights add rays of natural sunshine that can instantly transform and brighten a room as well as save the homeowner a good amount of money on lighting costs.  Some rooms, however, are just perhaps too small to accommodate a traditional skylight, but such small spaces may be perfect for a relatively inexpensive alternative – the solar tunnel.

Solar tunnels are a great way to add extra illumination to a windowless bathroom or a cramped guest bedroom.  They can also add architectural interest to a master bedroom or provide a way to cost costs without sacrificing quality as a part of an attic remodeling project.  The only question you may still need answered is exactly what is a solar tunnel anyway?

Solar tunnels – or sun tubes as they are also called – are installed into the roof in much the same way as a traditional skylight but take up a fraction of the space.  The average solar tunnel consists of a reflective tube between nine and twenty one inches in diameter that runs from a hole in the roof to the ceiling below.  The opening in the roof is covered by a clear dome to keep the elements out and the natural sunlight is directed down the reflective tunnel to effectively flood the room with light during the daytime or even at night time if the moon is bright.  Some brands of solar tunnels also make use of a prismatic dome that is designed to capture the maximum amount of sunlight possible and distribute it more effectively around the whole room.

A professional can usually install a solar tunnel in just a single day, as they do not require the framing or sheet rocking work that most traditional skylights do, making the installation of solar tunnel an easy and eco friendly way to bring a little extra light into your life.