Highlights
Solar tube lights offer a less expensive, easier option than skylights.
Installers typically charge per light.
You may need to pay extra for adapters, insulation, or other extras based on the specifics of your home and roof.
You may need to have a larger size custom ordered if you have an irregular roof.
Solar tube lights work throughout every season of the year.
Installing solar tube lighting can improve energy efficiency, not to mention brighten up your home. Adding a solar tube will cost between $600 and $1,000 per tube, with most homeowners paying around $800 per tube with installation included. But you may need to pay extra for adapters if your roof is made of wood, metal, tile, or another material other than asphalt. Let’s break down all the costs associated with installing a solar tube.
Average Cost to Install Solar Tubing:
| Typical Low Range | National Average | Typical High Range |
|---|---|---|
| $600 | $800 | $1000 |
Solar Tubing Prices
Solar tubing is priced by diameter size. While pricing varies based on the manufacturer chosen, homeowners can generally expect costs for tubing materials alone to look like this:
10-inch solar tube: $150–$350
14-inch solar tube $400–$550
18-inch solar tube: $600–$750
19-inch solar tube and above: $800 and up
If your home has rafters that are positioned 24 inches on center instead of the traditional 16 inches on center, you'll need to have a 21-inch tube specially ordered for your project. These can cost as much as $1,000 each.
Solar Tube Installation Labor Costs
Labor costs for solar tubing installation range from $150 to $250 per tube. You can hire a local skylight installation pro to handle the job. Expect installation costs to be higher if you have a roof that requires an adapter. If you have a roofing material other than asphalt, add another $50 to $100 to the project for the work needed to install the adapter.
Installation costs cover tracing the tube, cutting holes in the roof and ceiling, fitting roof flashing, fitting the tube, attaching tube extensions, and attaching the light diffuser.
Solar Tube Installation Cost Factors
The biggest factor is the number of tubes you're installing at once. Contractors generally charge per tube versus hourly work.
Rafter Spacing
If you don't have standard rafters that are spaced 16 inches on center, you'll need to have a 21-inch tube specially ordered. This can cost between $900 and $1,000 per tube.
Local Climate
If you live in a humid climate, yourinstaller may recommend taking steps to reduce condensation on the interior of your tube. The most common option is to wrap the tube with R-15 or R-19 insulation. While insulation costs roughly $0.90 per square foot, you might pay between $50 and $100 extra for this service if your contractor typically charges $20 to $25 per hour.
Roof Type
Solar tubes are designed to work with asphalt roofing. If you have a tile, metal, or wood roof, you'll need to use a flashing adapter to prevent roofing damage. While adapters cost between $70 and $100, you might pay between $100 and $150 with installation included.
Cost to Install Solar Tube Lights Yourself
You can buy solar tube kits for between $200 and $700, and it’s a fairly doable project for a handy homeowner. If you want to DIY, and you’re weighing whether to choose skylights or solar tubes, keep in mind that solar tubes are easier to install on your own compared to skylights because they aren't as heavy. In addition, you aren't required to deal with new drywall, repainting, and alterations to framing with tube lights the way you are with skylights.
DIY vs. Hire a Solar Tube Installation Pro
While installing a solar tube is a manageable DIY project, homeowners shouldn't be deceived by how easy some kits can make this project look. You will be cutting into both your ceiling and roof.
There is always a risk for water damage that can destroy your roof if a solar tube is not installed perfectly. If solar tubing is installed improperly by a homeowner, it's possible that you could void your roof's manufacturer warranty.
FAQs
Do you have to climb on the roof to install solar tubing?
Yes, it is necessary to get on the roof to cut a hole for solar tubing. It's not possible to complete the job from inside your house by simply cutting through the ceiling. So you if you want to go the DIY route, remember to use safe ladder practices.
Are solar tubes easier to install than skylights?
Yes! Solar tubes can be installed for a fraction of the cost of skylights. In addition to being lighter and smaller, solar tubes do not require changes to framework.
How long do solar tubes last?
A typical solar tube is intended to provide up to 3,000 hours of light before you begin to notice some dimming. This could mean 20 years of "free" lighting at your home before you need to repair or replace solar tubes.
Do solar tube lights work at night?
Most solar tube lights are designed to provide light for at least a certain amount of time at night. However, you may not have much control over the brightness provided at night.
Do solar tube lights work in the winter?
Yes, solar tubes are able to use natural light during winter to continue to provide light in your home.
