New tests conducted to rigorous international illumination and energy efficiency standards demonstrate that Australia’s compact tubular skylights easily outperform traditional windows many times their size.
The research conducted against the stringent American Energy Efficiency legislation concluded that Solatube skylights retain an estimated 80% of heating in a building, emit 75% less solar heat and provide 23% more LUX hours compared to that of a standard square window.
The independent research commissioned by Solatube also shows the innovative Australian design of tubular skylight – which is now marketed worldwide – offers a performance that exceeds Australian testing standards. Using a patented reflector to direct sunlight down brilliantly polished 250 and 400mm diameter tubes, the light emerges into a room through a diffuser that spreads abundant clear natural light without the heat gains or losses associated with traditional windows.
“There is a strong concern within the skylight industry that the introduction of new Australian building energy efficiency legislation and testing techniques, to be finalised in 2003, will see a decline in sales of less efficient skylight designs,” said David McCallum, Solatube’s Technical Sales Manager. “Rather than being a concern for Solatube, the new standards will be an asset to us because our skylights have a positive affect on the energy rating of a home or building,” said Mr McCallum.
Solatube, which specialises in natural lighting and ventilation systems, has a unique injection-moulding process of manufacturing skylight components that enables it to provide a natural lighting system that reduces heat gain and loss.
“By manufacturing our Solatube dome and diffuser with a secret UV resistant formula and ensuring that our tube is totally sealed to prevent heat transfer, we have been able to achieve energy efficiency results not matched in the skylight industry,” said Mr McCallum.
Solatube pioneered in Australia the compact reflectorised tubular skylights now marketed around the world, including the USA, Japan and South Africa. Since their introduction in 1993, Solatubes have won both the New Product Award and the Australian Design Award. The highly successful initial product has since grown into a family of natural lighting and ventilation solutions for home and commercial use.