Did you know, “What are the drawbacks to solar tube lighting?” It’s true! Solar tubes have a few disadvantages, but they can still be a very useful and effective way of adding light to your outdoor living space.
In this post, we will explore and refine some disadvantages about it!
What Are The Drawbacks To Solar Tube Lighting
Powering your home with solar tube lighting has drawbacks, just like any other method. To begin, let us avoid the hazards. So what are the drawbacks to solar tube lighting? The following are some of the most obvious drawbacks:
A single energy source
Relying on a single energy source might be difficult, especially if you want a constant power supply. Solar-powered systems only have one way of providing this vital form of energy. That is via sunlight.
So, solar tube illumination will be ineffective if you live in a region without enough direct sunlight to power your system. You may need to store energy for bad weather and use it when necessary instead of batteries.
Take up more space
If you live in a tiny house, solar tubes may not be for you. Not only do they take up more space, but installation is also time-consuming, and every inch matters!
As a result, if you want a significant amount of solar energy to enter your home, you’ll need a larger and more expansive space.
Not appropriate for every home
The kind of roof on your property may affect how solar tubes are installed.
Most roofs have a slope between 15-60 degrees, but if it’s steeply pitched or flat, the installation process might pose some challenges. That regards slippery surfaces and maybe even risk in retrofitting parts into existing buildings!
Also, your building’s roof material roof may need the use of an adaptor during installation, which might be difficult. The solar tube lighting systems are only on the roof.
So, the system will not operate effectively in regions on the bottom level of a two-story structure. That necessitates longer tubes to channel the sunlight.
Ventilation is not feasible.
When it comes to home design, skylights are an excellent way of adding both ventilation and illumination. A conventional skylight allows you to open the windows to release heat and enjoy a pleasant breeze without walking outdoors.
But, what are the drawbacks to solar tube lighting in this case? The solar tube illumination can’t work to vent heat or allow in the fresh air. It’s also worth noting that as the solar tube lengthens, the amount of light transferred into the home decreases.
As a result, they are ineffectual in some locations.
No outside views
The biggest disadvantage is you cannot see the sky through it. Since there’s no direct connection outside, you get only outdoor light but no views from your home’s exterior or interior spaces inside. If you want to see the outside, a skylight is a preferable alternative.
Durability
Another option to address the question “what are the drawbacks to solar tube lighting?” is that it is subject to damage at high temperatures. When the weather becomes hot or cold, the acrylic dome frequently seen on the outside of the solar tube might shatter.
A skylight may be a better alternative if you live in an extremely hot or cold area since the glass is more durable.
Water condensation problems (Thermosiphoning)
The majority of light pipes are composed of aluminum, which is a powerful heat conductor. However, if you live in high humidity levels, moist air enters the solar tube, causing water condensation. You may see that collected water builds on the light’s dome, drastically diminishing its lifespan.
Furthermore, the water that has gathered might make its way into your rooms. Water may harm your walls and damage your paint if it leaks into your home. With R-15 batt insulation, you can reduce this issue. It helps reduce moisture levels before they damage surfaces inside the homes.
Untrustworthy
Solar power is a low-cost, high-quality energy source that may help you save money on your monthly utility bills. However, this style of illumination is only appropriate for non-critical situations.
Even though this technology has progressed over the years, it is still unreliable for all occasions. It only functions well in bright, sunny conditions. As a result, solar tube illumination is not appropriate in all settings.
Generally, all of the disadvantages listed above are critical for answering the question, “what are the drawbacks to solar tube lighting?”.
Is Solar Tube Lighting Worth It?
After discussing the question, “What are the drawbacks to solar tube lighting” let’s look at some of its advantages.
Half of all home power expenditures are accounted for by cooling, heating, and lighting systems. Solar tube lighting harnesses the energy of the sun to illuminate your house.
You may save up to 10% on your monthly in-home energy bills by converting to solar tube lights.
Using solar tube lighting allows you to save both money and energy. You may save a lot of money and use it towards other important costs, such as paying your children’s school tuition.
So, if you would like to save money on your power costs, solar tube lighting is a good investment. It’s also a sensible alternative if you don’t want to create a big difference in your area’s overall design and feel.
Conclusion
Don’t miss out on these tips when deciding whether or not to use solar tube lighting in your home! If you have any questions about “what are the drawbacks to solar tube lighting” in your own home, don’t hesitate to reach out!
