What is a Solar Tube?

  Velux, veluxusa.com

Here’s how they work: A tubular column is installed to penetrate your ceiling and roof, piping daylight, much light a skylight, into your interior spaces. Though they don’t offer the expansive overhead view that traditional skylights do, these tubes minimize solar heat gains and losses much better than skylights. Additionally, their relatively small size means they’re less intrusive to framing and drywall, making them more cost-effective than traditional skylights. Solar tubes are a smart option for smaller spaces with limited or no windows, such as interior hallways, bathrooms and closets.

See also Windows & Doors: Boosting Energy Efficiency