Sep 28 2007
Passive light is defined as light without the heat emitted by electrical sources. It's a form of natural light, but in this age of green building it has acquired an upscale name. No matter what it's called, it's still one of the best lighting methods available. It's free, effective and efficient.
And it's easy to bring into homes through tubular skylights without flipping an electrical switch, especially to smaller interior areas including hallways, laundry rooms, closets, or windowless bathrooms.
According to Tim Johnson, product manager with VELUX America, SUN TUNNEL(TM) skylights can bring passive natural light to areas where traditional skylights aren't needed or won't fit, while admitting very little of the heat that windows and other light sources produce. They capture light very efficiently through a clear, weatherproof dome on the roof. The light travels into the home through highly reflective tubing, ending at a diffuser in the ceiling that looks like a traditional in-ceiling light fixture. The units offer a choice of highly reflective rigid tubing between the roof and ceiling or flexible tubing to easily bypass HVAC equipment or other obstructions in the attic. They are less expensive than many traditional skylights and easier to install.
The easy-to-install skylights are available in a variety of models in 10", 14" and 22" diameters for different spaces and lighting needs.
"The installation process is very straight-forward," Johnson says, "with many components pre-assembled right out of the box so a handy homeowner can handle the installation in two to three hours if a professional installation is not preferred."
The skylights are available at big box stores, building supply dealers, and specialty retail outlets. Optional light kits are available that install inside the tunnels for nighttime use.