How much is a Solatube sun tunnel to install

Let’s get straight to the point and give you some indicative prices, all including VAT:

The most frequent and common installation tends to be for a Solatube sun tunnel with 1.5m/5’ tube length, installed into a pitched roof.  So if you want to know how much a Solatube sun tunnel costs to supply and install, you need to be thinking of somewhere around the 2 prices above, £1,076 for the 25cm diameter and £1,358 for the 35cm diameter.

However, the longer the tube run, the prices goes up and the shorter the tube run, so the price goes down, by £70 and £96 respectively for each 60cm / 2’ tube length.

Comparing prices
Please be aware that there is a very big difference between different makes of tubular systems, which means that simply comparing the price of the same size system between manufacturers does not give you an accurate picture.  This is because a Solatube delivers a lot more light than other systems, thanks to the special dome on the roof and the use of the world’s most reflective tubing, which no other manufacturer uses.

• A 25cm dia Solatube sun tunnel should be compared with a 30cm or 35cm dia alternative rigid tube system in order to deliver a similar amount of light

• A 35cm dia Solatube sun tunnel should be compared with a 40cm or 45cm dia alternative rigid tube system in order to deliver a similar amount of light

Do bear in mind that a larger system may not fit between the joists and require additional cutting and bracing of structural timbers.

Because flexible tube systems are so ineffective we don’t even consider a comparison, but see this explanation about rigid versus flexible tube systems.

Price compared to a Velux style roof window or skylight

Many people compare a Solatube sun tunnel with a Velux style roof window, with a plasterboard light well beneath it.  A plasterboard light well is an old fashioned way of trying to get at least some light down from a roof window or skylight to a room below, but unfortunately is one that just does not work very well and is extremely inefficient.

Firstly, is the amount of light you get compared to a Solatube sun tunnel.  Start by taking a quick look at this blog comparing a sun tunnel with a light well and Velux style window.

Even though the Solatube is so much smaller (not to mention easier and cheaper to install), the light meter shows that the Solatube sun tunnel is delivering more than 1/3, or around 33%, more light, from a 5.5 times smaller aperture.  That’s a very big difference.

On top of that is ease of installation – a Solatube can be installed in a few hours and requires no make good or decoration.  A Velux – style window and lightwell require far more time and work, including building the light well, plastering and decorating it.  Even a Velux style window on its own will require plasterwork and redecorating afterwards; something that a Solatube sun tunnel does not.

And then there is the issue of thermal efficiency /insulation.  A Solatube sun tunnel is thermally efficient and well insulated.  In standard format it achieves a u-value of 1.3, equivalent to a good double glazed window; but also bear in mind how small it is.

A light well and a skylight/Velux style window on the other hand creates a very large hole in the ceiling, allowing lots of heat to escape up it, (not to mention heat gain during the summer when it’s sunny).

However, my next blog will explain the other very significant differences there are between different makes of system, resulting in a lot of misinformation (and unfortunately mis-selling too).

Everyone deserves daylight and across the south and west, Solatube Southwest is the recognised distributor and installer of Solatube sun tunnels (or tubular skylights); from Southampton and Bournemouth across to north of Bristol and down to Plymouth and beyond.

So, if you are interested in bringing natural light into your home or work place, why not contact us at Solatube Southwest; 07989 976 010) to find out whether a Solatube sun tunnel can help you.  Typically, a fully installed Solatube sun tunnel might cost anywhere between £900 – £1,300; that’s supplied, professionally installed and includes the VAT.