Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
ThatPainter is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More
Solatube daylighting brings sunlight into rooms that a conventional window or skylight cannot easily reach. A roof dome captures available daylight, reflective tubing carries it through the roof space, and a ceiling diffuser spreads it indoors. The system transfers sunlight rather than storing it, so light output follows outdoor conditions; an optional electric Light Add-On Kit can provide illumination after dark on compatible 160 DS and 290 DS installations.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The practical decision is less about a headline lumen number than about your room, roof exposure, tube route, ceiling and installation conditions. Solatube’s published coverage figures are manufacturer estimates under specific assumptions, not guarantees for every room. Use them to shortlist a model, then have the exact roof opening, obstructions, flashing, local requirements and warranty terms confirmed in a written quote.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →What Solatube daylighting is—and what it is not
A Solatube residential system is a tubular daylighting device (often called a tubular skylight). Instead of creating a large shaft between the roof and ceiling, it uses a relatively narrow roof opening and a reflective tube. The roof component captures sunlight; the tube transports it; a diffuser or decorative fixture distributes the light at the ceiling.
#1 Best Overall
- COMPLETE 5-PIECE BRUSH SET FOR EVERY PAINTING TASK — Includes 1 Inch Flat, 1.5 Inch Angle, 2 Inch Flat, 2 Inch Angle Stubby, and 2.5 Inch Angle brush giving you every size professional painters use daily. Get all 5 for less than the price of a single brush from hardware store brands — professional grade performance at a fraction of the cost. Perfect for walls, trim, cabinets, doors, furniture, and detailed cutting-in work on any project.
- ZERO BRISTLE LOSS — GUARANTEED BY PRECISION ADHESIVE BONDING — Every bristle is locked in place with precision-set adhesive that keeps them in the brush — not in your paint job. The coated steel ferrule provides structural support while the adhesive bond ensures clean performance on every stroke. Premium SRT synthetic filaments load more paint and release it evenly for a smooth streak-free finish on walls, ceilings, and trim. Works with latex, oil-based paint, primer, sealer, and wood stain.
- INCLUDES THE ANGLE STUBBY MOST SETS LEAVE OUT — Professional painters know the 2 Inch Angle Stubby is the go-to brush for tight cabinet interiors, window sashes, inside corners, and detailed trim where standard angle brushes are too long. Combined with the 1.5 and 2.5 inch angle sash brushes you have precision cutting-in covered at every scale — baseboards, crown molding, door casings, and ceiling lines.
- FLAT BRUSHES FOR BROAD SMOOTH COVERAGE ON ANY SURFACE — The 1 and 2 inch flat brushes deliver even coverage on walls, furniture, shelving, doors, fences, decks, and wood surfaces. Ideal for applying primers, stains, varnishes, polyurethane, and specialty coatings. Solid wood handles provide all-day comfort and control for both professional contractors and weekend DIY homeowners tackling interior or exterior painting projects.
- TRUSTED BY PROFESSIONAL PAINTERS AND CONTRACTORS NATIONWIDE — Pro Grade delivers professional-grade results at a price that makes sense for crews who go through brushes on every job. Ideal for property managers, remodeling contractors, apartment turnover crews, maintenance teams, and commercial painting operations. Backed by thousands of verified reviews from working painters. Washable and reusable for multiple projects.
That arrangement can place daylight in bathrooms, hallways, closets, interior kitchens and other spaces where a window would provide little privacy or where a conventional skylight would require a larger structural opening. Tubing can be routed around some obstructions, according to the manufacturer, but every bend and extra length affects the available light and must be checked against the selected system.
The system does not collect daylight in a battery or reservoir. It only transfers sunlight that is available during the day. Cloud cover, season, time of day, roof orientation, shading and tube length therefore change the result. A compatible electric Light Add-On Kit is the separate solution for ordinary electric illumination at night; it does not turn the daylighting tube into an energy-storage device.
How the system moves sunlight into a room
1. Roof dome
A clear roof dome sits above the roof covering and admits sunlight from the sky. Its position determines how much direct exposure the system receives. Nearby buildings, chimneys, trees, parapets and roof peaks can shade the dome even when the room itself seems bright.
2. Reflective tubing
Solatube identifies its Spectralight Infinity tubing as the reflective light path. The residential product page claims 99.7% tubing reflectivity; that is a Solatube specification, not an independently verified comparative test. A shorter, straighter route generally preserves more light than a long route with multiple changes in direction, so the installer should measure the actual path rather than assume the tube will perform like a nominal sample length.
Rank #2
- Great Value Pack Artist Paint Brushes: Soucolor 20 brushes in 10 sizes professional paintbrushes set — no shedding, holds paint well, cleans easily, Acrylic, watercolor, oil, gouache, Halloween pumpkin decoration & face painting, rock painting, ceramics. Fantastic high quality gifts for creative, artistic siblings to share!
- Awesome Set of Paint brushes: Professional paint brushes can cover all of your needs. The multi-purposed brushes are ideal for Watercolor, Oil, Gouache, enamel, Acrylic Painting, Body, Nail, Face Painting, Miniature, Model, Wood, Glass, Cup, Ceramic, Fine work, Art class, Craft Art Painting, DIY Art Crafts etc.
- Soft and long-lasting: The bristles are soft and strong, with nickel metal ferrules and blue wooden handles. After cleaning, the bristles will become soft and fluffy again and will not fall off.
- Easy to clean: it’s very convenient to Wash well in soap and water. Retain shape after drying. the brushes hold up very well. Nice selection to beginners and professionals. Keep them clean and they last a long time.
- Halloween Pumpkin Ceramic Crafts Supplies: A Great painting gift for family, friends, kids, girls, women, student, classmate, teacher. For using in school, travel or used in the home and office.
3. Ceiling diffuser or fixture
At the ceiling, a diffuser spreads the incoming light over the room. Solatube’s residential range includes the Brighten Up series and ThinLine and Contour collections, along with a 21-inch option. Product names and available configurations can change, so verify the current selection guide and the exact diffuser, trim and accessory compatibility on your quotation.
Model sizes and the manufacturer’s coverage estimates
The two commonly cited residential models differ in tube diameter and the area Solatube says they can cover for ambient light. The figures below apply only under the manufacturer’s stated assumptions: an average six-foot tube, an eight-foot ceiling and a dome in direct sunlight.
| Model | Nominal tube diameter | Manufacturer’s ambient-light estimate | Conditions and cautions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 160 DS | 10 inches (250 mm) | Up to 200 square feet | Estimate assumes a six-foot average tube, eight-foot ceiling and dome in direct sunlight. Output varies with sun intensity and tube length. |
| 290 DS | 14 inches (350 mm) | Up to 300 square feet | Estimate assumes a six-foot average tube, eight-foot ceiling and dome in direct sunlight. It is not a guarantee of a particular task-lighting level. |
“Up to” means a best-case coverage boundary under those assumptions, not a promise that every 200- or 300-square-foot room will look equally bright. A dark room with a shaded dome, a long tube or a heavily obstructed roof can receive less light. Conversely, a small room with strong direct exposure may need careful diffuser placement to avoid an overly bright patch on one surface.
Ask the installer to state the proposed model, tube length, number of bends, roof exposure and intended room area in writing. If you need reliable task lighting for food preparation, reading or detailed work, treat the daylighting system as one layer of lighting and retain an appropriate electric fixture.
Rank #3
- 【All sizes of art brushes】: The 10 sizes of multi-functional brushes have various shapes, making the mixing color easier, which is very suitable for artists, students, teenagers, children and painters at all levels. Wonderful Present ideas for friends and family who like painting!
- 【general brush set】: Professional paint brush can meet all your needs. Multifunctional brush is very suitable for watercolor, oil, gouache, acrylic painting, body, nail, face painting, miniature, model, ceramics, arts and crafts painting, etc.
- 【high quality process】: It is designed with anti falling bristles, anti-rust nickel ferrule and solid wood handle. You can use the brush to focus on the painting and always be creative.
- 【easy to maintain】: After using the brush, it is very convenient to clean the brush with warm soapy water and reshape the tip of the brush. Air dry the brush and place it on top of the top for long use.
- 【100% satisfaction guarantee - buy now】1 packs of set brushes, you can also get friendly customer service, any questions feel free to contact us, within 24 hours to help you! There is no risk in buying our paint brush kit.
Roof orientation and placement
North-facing roofs
Solatube says a system can work on a north-facing roof, but performs better when the dome receives direct sunlight. In some north-side situations, a turret extension may raise the dome above a roof peak to improve exposure. The useful direction reverses in the Southern Hemisphere, where the favorable orientation is generally toward the sun-facing side of the roof. Orientation advice must be applied to the actual hemisphere, roof pitch and surrounding obstructions rather than to a compass label alone.
Interior location and tube route
Start inside the room and mark the ceiling point where light will be useful. Then trace a feasible path upward through the attic or roof space. Check for rafters, trusses, ductwork, plumbing, wiring, insulation depth and roof valleys. A point that looks ideal from the floor may require an awkward route or several bends above the ceiling.
- Measure the vertical and horizontal distance from the ceiling to the roof deck.
- Identify anything that can shade the dome during the part of the day when the room needs light.
- Confirm that the roof location can be flashed and sealed for the existing roof material.
- Check ceiling joists and framing before cutting any opening.
- Decide whether the diffuser should be centered, aligned with a work surface or placed to spread light across a circulation area.
Do not choose a roof point solely because it is the shortest route. A shorter tube with persistent shade may provide less useful daylight than a slightly longer route with unobstructed exposure.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Installation: professional service or DIY?
Solatube recommends factory-trained Premier Dealers for residential installation. Its installation guidance describes these providers as trained and says DIY kits are available at select building-supply stores. The manufacturer’s FAQ limits DIY to people who have the necessary tools and training and are comfortable creating and weather-sealing a roof penetration.
Rank #4
- Bates paint brushes come in a convenient 6 pieces with 3 flat and 3 angled bristle styles, including (1”, 1.5”, 2”) flat and (1.5”, 2”, 2.5”) angled bristles, perfect for tackling any surface painting or staining job.
- The sturdy natural bristles of each brush are designed to hold more paint, creating a smoother finish with fewer streaks and saving you time on the job.
- The lightweight wooden handles provide extra comfort and ease during long painting processes like walls, trims, cabinets, and doors.
- These versatile brushes are ready-to-use, easy to clean, and can be reused multiple times, making them economical as well as reliable tools for any painting project.
- Bates paint brushes can be used for both oil-based paints as well as latex stains and are ideal for home or commercial projects such as decks, fences or DIY painting jobs.
What a professional assessment should cover
- Room survey: The installer measures ceiling height, room area, desired diffuser location and existing electric lighting.
- Roof and attic inspection: The installer checks roof covering, pitch, framing, insulation, obstructions and the safest dome location.
- Model and route selection: The quote identifies the tube diameter, total tube length, bends, diffuser, flashing and any extension or turret.
- Opening and flashing plan: The installer explains how the roof penetration will be cut, flashed and integrated with the existing roof material.
- Interior finish: The ceiling diffuser and trim are installed, and the installer confirms that the opening is sealed and the room is left weather-tight.
- Accessory check: If nighttime lighting is requested, the installer verifies compatibility of the Light Add-On Kit with the exact 160 DS or 290 DS configuration and the home’s electrical requirements.
How long does installation take?
Solatube says a typical installation on a shingle asphalt roof can take two hours or less, and its installation page promotes installations in as little as two hours. These are manufacturer statements, not guaranteed schedules. Tile, slate, metal or other roof coverings; difficult attic access; structural conflicts; long tube routes; interior ceiling repairs; weather and electrical work can all extend the project.
Before work begins, ask whether the quoted time includes interior patching, electrical connection, disposal of removed roofing and any permit or inspection coordination. Confirm who is responsible if hidden framing or services prevent the planned route.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Daylight by day, electric light by night
Without an electrical accessory, the system’s output follows the sun. It will be brightest when the dome has strong direct exposure and dimmer at dawn, dusk, in heavy cloud and after sunset. That behavior is useful for reducing daytime reliance on electric lights, but it is not a substitute for a complete room-lighting plan.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
The manufacturer’s FAQ names the 160 DS and 290 DS as compatible with the Light Add-On Kit. Compatibility can depend on the specific fixture and configuration, so request the accessory part number and wiring requirements rather than assuming any diffuser accepts it. Have electrical work completed in accordance with local rules by a qualified person.
Best Value
- 2 Inch Angled Paint Brush for Precision Cutting-In – Designed for clean, sharp lines around trim, baseboards, ceilings, corners, and detailed edge work. The perfect size for control and coverage.
- Value 3-Pack for Pros & DIY Projects – Includes three professional 2-inch angled sash brushes — ideal for contractors, remodelers, and homeowners tackling multiple rooms or repeat paint jobs.
- Smooth Results on Walls, Trim & Cabinets – Great for interior wall painting, cabinet edges, furniture projects, and trim work where a smooth finish and crisp control matter most.
- Works with Latex Paint, Oil-Based Paint & Stains – Premium synthetic filaments hold more paint, reduce streaks, and provide a clean finish with latex paints, oil coatings, and wood stains.
- Works with Latex Paint, Oil-Based Paint & Stains – Premium synthetic filaments hold more paint, reduce streaks, and provide a clean finish with latex paints, oil coatings, and wood stains.
Solatube versus a conventional skylight
Available published material does not establish an independent, side-by-side performance ranking showing that a tubular daylighting device is better than a conventional skylight in every home. The choice depends on what you want from the opening and what your roof can accommodate.
| Decision factor | Tubular daylighting device | Conventional skylight |
|---|---|---|
| Primary benefit | Moves daylight through a narrow tube to a ceiling diffuser. | Provides daylight through a larger glazed opening and can provide a view of the sky. |
| View outside | Typically no direct view; the ceiling diffuser is the visible interior element. | Can provide a view, depending on glazing, pitch and placement. |
| Interior route | Reflective tube can route around some obstructions, subject to length and bend limits. | Usually requires a larger, more direct shaft or opening between roof and room. |
| Key roof questions | Dome exposure, tube route, roof covering and flashing. | Structural opening, shaft construction, glazing, flashing and shading. |
| Best fit when | You want diffuse daylight in an interior space and do not need a sky view. | You want daylight plus a view and have a suitable location for a larger opening. |
Use the table as a decision framework, not a performance guarantee. Compare the actual proposals on roof exposure, room geometry, installation scope, total quoted cost, maintenance access and warranty language.
Warranty, condensation and documentation
Solatube’s FAQ states ten-year coverage for daylighting-system components and five years for most electrical components. The exact terms, exclusions, registration requirements and transfer rules should be read in the warranty supplied for your product and region. The same FAQ says condensation is not covered under the manufacturer’s warranty.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesCondensation risk is a design and installation question, especially where warm, moist indoor air meets a cold roof-space component. Ask how the tube, roof flashing and ceiling assembly are insulated and air-sealed for your climate. Get the answer in writing, and ask what maintenance or ventilation conditions the warranty requires.
What is known about price?
The available manufacturer material does not establish a universal installed price, local labor rate or current retail availability. Cost varies with model size, tube length, bends, roof covering, attic access, interior finishing, electrical accessories, permits and the dealer’s scope. A “two-hour” installation statement is a time estimate, not a price proxy.
Obtain itemized quotes from qualified installers. The quote should separate the daylighting unit, flashing and roof work, tube extensions or turrets, diffuser and trim, electrical accessories, ceiling repairs, permits, taxes and any follow-up inspection. Compare like-for-like configurations; a lower headline quote may omit roof repairs, electrical work or interior finishing.
Questions to settle before ordering
- Which model is proposed, and what room area and ceiling height were used to select it?
- What are the measured tube length and number of bends?
- Where will the dome sit, and what shades it during the hours the room needs light?
- Does the roof covering require a special flashing kit or a roofing contractor?
- Will framing, ductwork, plumbing or wiring require rerouting?
- Is a turret extension needed to clear a roof peak or obstruction?
- What diffuser, trim and optional electric kit are included?
- Who performs electrical work, and is a permit or inspection required locally?
- What parts and labor are covered for ten-year daylighting and five-year electrical terms, and what exclusions apply?
- How will condensation control, air sealing and insulation be handled?
- What happens if the measured route cannot be installed as drawn?
- Does the final price include ceiling repair, cleanup and disposal?
A practical decision checklist
- Define the goal: Decide whether you need ambient daylight, task illumination, a view of the sky, or daylight plus nighttime electric lighting.
- Inspect the room: Measure area and ceiling height, note the darkest zones and identify where a diffuser would improve daily use.
- Inspect the roof space: Map framing, services, insulation, roof covering and potential obstructions.
- Evaluate exposure: Check orientation and seasonal shade, not just the compass direction.
- Select a model using assumptions: Treat the 160 DS and 290 DS coverage figures as conditional manufacturer estimates.
- Compare installation proposals: Require tube length, bends, flashing, interior work, electrical scope and warranty terms in writing.
- Plan for night: Add compatible electric lighting if the room must remain usable after sunset.
- Verify final documents: Keep the product model, installer details, warranty, maintenance guidance and inspection records.
The Bottom Line
Solatube is most suitable when you want daytime natural light in an interior room without the view and larger opening of a conventional skylight. Choose the model only after checking real roof exposure, tube routing and ceiling conditions; treat the 200-square-foot and 300-square-foot figures as conditional manufacturer estimates, and settle installation, condensation, electrical compatibility and warranty details in the written quote.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
