Solar Tubes Costs 2024

The cost of installing solar tubes in 2024 varies depending on several factors, including the size, quality, and installation complexity of the tubes. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Material Costs:
- 10-inch solar tube: $150 – $350, suitable for areas up to 150 sq. ft.
- 14-inch solar tube: $400 – $550, ideal for spaces around 300 sq. ft.
- 18-inch solar tube: $600 – $750, covering approximately 500 sq. ft.
- 21-inch solar tube: $1,000 – $1,150, suitable for larger areas up to 650 sq. ft.
Installation Costs:
- Professional installation ranges from $600 to $1,000 per tube, with an average cost around $800, including materials and labor. Factors such as roof type, accessibility, and local labor rates can influence these costs.
Additional Costs:
- If your roof has non-standard rafter spacing or requires special adaptations, costs may increase. For instance, a 21-inch solar tube for roofs with 24-inch on-center rafters can add $1,250 or more.
- In humid climates, additional insulation to reduce condensation can add $50 to $100 to the installation cost.
DIY Installation:
- DIY kits are available for $200 to $600, but you will need additional tools and materials, potentially bringing the total DIY cost to around $761 to $957.
Upgrades:
- Optional upgrades such as integrated LED light kits ($75), vent kits ($345), and daylight dimmers ($395) can enhance the functionality of your solar tubes.
Tax Credits and Incentives:
- Solar tubes may qualify for federal tax credits, reducing the overall cost by about 26%, making them a more cost-effective lighting solution.

Solar tubes provide a cost-effective, energy-efficient way to bring natural light into your home, particularly in smaller spaces like hallways, bathrooms, and closets. They offer significant savings over traditional skylights and have minimal maintenance requirements (Solar Power Fam) (RoofGnome) (Mission NewEnergy Limited).

How Do Solar Tubes or Tubular Skylights Work?

Solar tubes are commonly referred to as sun tubes, light tube, sun tunnels, or tubular skylights, and have a diameter of 10-inches to 14-inch tubing made from sheet metal and polished interior. The purpose of the interior is like a continuous mirror, which channels light over the entire length of the tube, which preserves the intensity of light. The daylight is captured at the roof, then delivered within the home.

Solar tubing gets capped with weather-proof plastic globes on the roof, while the tube ends within a port-hole style diffuser within a room below the ceiling. Light is collected by the globe on the roof, then light is spread by the diffuser to produce a pure white glow, providing a dramatic effect. A new installation frequently has homeowners reaching to turn the light switch off as they leave the room. Learn more about how solar tubes work.