Sun tunnels (also known as solar tubes or tubular skylights) are an efficient way to bring natural daylight into dark interior spaces like hallways, bathrooms, closets, and kitchens—without the cost or complexity of a full skylight.
Here’s a clear breakdown of their pros and cons:
✅ Pros of Sun Tunnels
☀️ 1. Bright Natural Light
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Deliver concentrated daylight even to windowless or deep interior rooms.
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Helps reduce use of electric lights during the day.
💵 2. Cost-Effective
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Typically $500–$1,500 installed (much cheaper than skylights).
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Lower roof framing or structural modifications needed.
🛠️ 3. Easier to Install
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Installation can often be done in one day.
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Can be installed on most roof types, including tile and shingle.
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Flexible tubes allow for easier routing around rafters, plumbing, etc.
🌱 4. Energy Efficient
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Unlike skylights, they don’t add much heat gain or loss.
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Reduces dependency on artificial lighting—lowers electric bills.
🏠 5. No Glare or Fading
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Sun tunnels diffuse light evenly.
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No harsh beams of sunlight that fade fabrics or overheat rooms.
🌧️ 6. Leak-Resistant
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Smaller, sealed design is less prone to leaks than traditional skylights.
❌ Cons of Sun Tunnels
🌙 1. No Nighttime Light
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Only works when the sun is up.
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(Some models allow an add-on electric light kit for night use.)
🪟 2. No View or Ventilation
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Unlike skylights, you can’t see the sky or open them for airflow.
🚧 3. Limited Light Control
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You can’t “turn it off” or adjust brightness.
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Some models offer shades or dimmers, but they cost extra.
🎨 4. Interior Aesthetic Is Limited
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Usually just a flush-mount ceiling diffuser (like a large recessed light).
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Not a design feature like a window or full skylight.
🏚️ 5. May Not Work in Multi-Story Homes
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Best for single-story homes or top-floor rooms with attic access.
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Long or complicated ducting reduces light transmission.
🛠️ Bonus: Types of Sun Tunnels
| Type | Description | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| Rigid Tubes | Reflective metal tubes; more efficient | Long runs or high light output |
| Flexible Tubes | Bendable; easier to install | Short runs or where routing is tricky |
| Hybrid | Includes LED light + solar | 24-hour lighting |
💡 Best Places to Use Sun Tunnels:
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Interior bathrooms
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Hallways
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Laundry rooms
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Walk-in closets
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Kitchen nooks
🔍 Summary
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Low-cost natural light | No view or airflow |
| Quick installation | No light at night (unless hybrid) |
| Energy savings | Limited to top floor/attic |
| Leak-resistant & efficient | Fixed brightness |
Cost Estimates Based on Roof Type
Here’s a breakdown of sun tunnel installation costs based on roof type (specifically for Arizona homes):
☀️ Sun Tunnel Cost Estimate by Roof Type (Arizona 2025)
| Roof Type | Total Installed Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Asphalt Shingle Roof | $600 – $1,200 | Easiest and cheapest to install. Most common roofing in Arizona suburbs. |
| Tile Roof (Concrete/Clay) | $1,000 – $1,800 | More labor-intensive: tiles must be carefully removed and replaced. Flashing kit may cost extra. |
| Flat Roof (Foam or Rolled) | $800 – $1,400 | Common in modern AZ homes; requires curb mount or raised flashing. May need waterproof sealing. |
| Metal Roof | $900 – $1,600 | Installation is trickier due to standing seams; requires custom flashing. |
| Wood Shake or Slate | $1,200 – $2,000 | Less common in AZ, but expensive due to fragile materials. |
🔧 Additional Factors That Affect Cost
| Factor | Potential Cost Impact |
|---|---|
| Rigid Tube vs. Flexible Tube | Rigid is brighter but adds ~$100–$300 |
| Length of Tube Run | Longer = more labor and material |
| Interior ceiling type | Vaulted ceilings, double ceilings, or drywall archways cost more |
| Add-on Light Kit (for night use) | +$100–$250 |
| Dimmer or Shade Option | +$100–$200 |
| Attic accessibility | Difficult access adds labor time |
🏠 Example for Phoenix Home:
Typical 1-story shingle roof home:
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Velux 14″ rigid tube with diffuser: ~$350 (materials)
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Basic labor: ~$500
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Total: ~$850
Tile roof in Scottsdale or Mesa:
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Tile-safe flashing kit + extra labor: +$300
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Total estimate: $1,100–$1,500
🔍 Tips for Reducing Costs:
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Install multiple tunnels at once to reduce labor cost per unit.
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Use flexible tubes if direct path isn’t needed (cheaper install).
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Check for APS, SRP, or TEP daylighting incentives (occasionally offered).
Choosing Between Popular Brands: Velux and Solatube
Velux and Solatube are the two most trusted sun tunnel (tubular skylight) brands in the U.S., including Arizona. Here’s a head-to-head comparison to help you decide based on quality, brightness, accessories, cost, and Arizona-specific considerations.
🥇 Velux vs. Solatube: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Velux Sun Tunnel | Solatube Daylighting System |
|---|---|---|
| Brightness / Performance | Excellent, especially in rigid tube models. Uses high-quality diffusers. | Superior brightness, due to patented Spectralight® Infinity reflective tubing (99.7% reflectivity). |
| Tube Type Options | Flexible and rigid available | Primarily rigid (some flexible for short runs) |
| Roof Compatibility | Shingle, tile, flat, and metal roofs | Shingle, tile, and flat roofs |
| Style & Diffuser Options | Clean, modern ceiling diffusers (few styles) | More decorative diffuser options available |
| Add-ons | Optional night light kit, light dimmer, solar-powered vent fan | Integrated night lighting, dimmers, motion sensors, solar-electric options |
| Energy Star Certified | Yes | Yes |
| Installation Time | 1–2 days | Often same-day installation via certified dealers |
| Warranty | 10 years (with optional extensions) | Up to 25 years on parts and tube system |
| Cost (Installed in AZ) | $800–$1,500 | $1,000–$1,800, usually slightly higher than Velux |
| Best For | General daylighting, budget-conscious installs | Maximum light output and high-performance systems |
🌞 Which Is Better for Arizona?
| If You Want… | Go With… |
|---|---|
| Maximum brightness for deep interior rooms | Solatube |
| A balance of performance and value | Velux |
| Flexible tube routing (e.g., attic obstacles) | Velux has better flexible options |
| Decorative finishes and accessories | Solatube offers more customization |
| Budget-friendly single-room lighting | Velux is often $200–$400 cheaper |
💡 Real-World Arizona Use Cases
🏠 Phoenix suburban home with tile roof:
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Velux works great and costs less, but may require extra flashing.
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Solatube has certified installers (like Daylight Concepts) who specialize in tile roof sealing—worth the extra cost for long-term durability.
🏡 Tucson older home with flat roof:
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Solatube’s curb-mounted kits work very well here and perform better with intense southern sunlight.
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Can include a solar-powered LED night light, which helps with pitch-black bathrooms or closets at night.
🔧 Installation Availability in AZ
| Brand | AZ Certified Installers? | Same-Day Install Option? |
|---|---|---|
| Solatube | Yes (Solatube Home, Daylight Concepts, etc.) | ✅ Often available |
| Velux | Yes (through roofers & general contractors) | Sometimes |
🏁 Final Verdict
| For… | Choose… |
|---|---|
| Best light performance | ⭐ Solatube |
| Lower cost / flexible install | ⭐ Velux |
| Add-ons & night lighting | ⭐ Solatube |
| Simpler install or attic limitations | ⭐ Velux |
Elite Solar Lighting & Fans Is A Solar Tube Installer Located In Arizona
Elite Solar Lighting & Fans offers residential and commercial solar tube installation services throughout the entire United States, including Arizona, California, New Mexico, and more.
