Benefits of Installing Kennedy Solar Tubes for Natural Lighting

Introduction to Kennedy Solar Tubes

Kennedy solar tubes, also known as tubular skylights or sun tunnels, are an innovative way to bring natural light into any room of your home. These tubular daylighting devices collect sunlight on your roof and transfer it down a highly reflective tube with special lenses that spread the light evenly into an interior space.

Kennedy solar tubes offer many benefits over traditional skylights. They can brighten up any dark room with free, natural light to create a healthier, more enjoyable living environment. Unlike skylights, they don't leave you exposed to weather elements or drastic temperature fluctuations. They also don't take up usable space in your attic. And the flexible, easy installation process causes minimal disruption to your home.

How Kennedy Solar Tubes Work

The Kennedy solar tube system has three main components - the rooftop dome, the reflective tube, and the diffuser assembly. The rooftop dome sits above your roofline to capture the most sunlight throughout the day from all angles. It features impact-resistant acrylic or polycarbonate construction with UV protection.

Inside the dome, a reflective tube lined with highly polished mirror film channels harvested light down into the attic and living space. The tubes range from 10-22 inches in diameter and can be bent and angled around attic obstructions as needed. At the end of the tube, a ceiling-mounted diffuser with frosted plastic lens evenly spreads incoming sunlight into the room below.

Benefits of Installing Kennedy Solar Tubes

Here are some of the top advantages of using Kennedy solar tube skylights:

• Provide free solar lighting to reduce electricity usage
• Brighten up any dark, windowless interior rooms
• No heat or UV light is transmitted into living spaces
• Minimal installation disturbance to ceilings/roofs
• Durable systems with 25+ year lifespan
• Lower cost than traditional skylights

By harnessing free sunlight, Kennedy solar tubes can save homeowners money on electricity needed to light up dark areas of their house during the daytime. The bright lighting also creates a more uplifting, positive ambience. Plus, they require almost no maintenance over decades of use.

How to Choose the Best Kennedy Solar Tube

When selecting a Kennedy solar tube, there are a few key factors to consider so that you choose the right size and type for your space.

Measure the Room Size

First, determine the square footage of the interior room you want to illuminate. As a general rule of thumb, you’ll need 1 square foot of solar tube diffuser for every 2 square feet of room area. Kennedy offers round diffusers ranging from 10 inches (fits rooms up to 125 square feet) up to 22 inches (fits rooms up to 500 square feet) in diameter.

Calculate Light Tube Distance

Measure the distance from your roof to the interior ceiling where the diffuser will mount. This will determine the length of the tubing required. Kennedy provides standard tubes ranging from 2 feet long up to 30 feet long for vaulted ceilings. Custom extra-long tubes are also available if needed.

Pick Dome Style

Kennedy solar tubes come in single-domed models that capture sunlight from one direction or low-profile dual-domed models that harvest light from two sides. Dual-dome tubes collect more sunshine in attics with obstructions like ductwork that might shade a single-dome. Acrylic or polycarbonate plastic domes are available.

EXTRA: Choose Electric Light Add-On

For rooms that need supplemental lighting on overcast days or at night, Kennedy offers solar tubes with integrated LED light bands. The daylight/electric combo units provide maximum versatility for anytime brightness.

Kennedy Solar Tubes Buying Guide

When browsing for Kennedy solar tubes online or in store, you’ll encounter a few key specifications to compare. Use this buying guide to pick the best model for your space and lighting needs.

Tube Diameter

As mentioned previously, wider tube diameters equate to more light output. Measure your interior room size and opt for a 10, 14, 18, 22 inch width tube accordingly.

Dome Size

Single acrylic domes measure 32 inches across. Dual polycarbonate dome models span 25 x 47 inches to reach maximum sun exposure from all angles.

Reflectivity Percentage

The higher the reflectivity rating, the better. Kennedy reflective tubing offers 95% to 99% reflectivity to optimize light transfer efficiency.

Diffuser Style

Kennedy solar tubes come with either a Ceiling Ring or Open Ceiling diffuser. Ceiling ring models mount flush against the ceiling surface. Open ceiling diffusers hang down below the ceiling similar to a ceiling light fixture.

Optional Accessories

Kennedy provides light dimmers, remote controls, curb caps, and extra extension tubes if you need to increase the length for special installations.

How Much Do Kennedy Solar Tubes Cost?

On average, Kennedy solar tube prices range from $300-$800 depending on size and configuration. Their most affordable 10-inch acrylic models can be installed for as little as $300. Larger 22-inch tunnels with dual domes, electric lights, and premium features run up to $800.

Compared to $1,000+ for conventional skylights, Kennedy solar tubes provide exceptional value. And if you do the installation yourself, you can save even more on the total project cost versus hiring an electrician or roofer.

Visit the Kennedy Solar website to view their latest solar tube models and pricing. Use their savings calculator to estimate energy/utility bill reductions in your home after installation.

FAQs

How much sunlight do Kennedy solar tubes provide?

Kennedy solar tubes can produce light equivalent to 1,000+ lumens, similar to a 100-watt bulb. Light output depends on tube size, weather, and orientation towards sunlight.

Can Kennedy solar tubes be installed on flat roofs?

Yes, curb mount accessories allow Kennedy solar tubes to be mounted securely on flat commercial roofs. Dome rings elevate them to maintain proper angle towards sun.

Do Kennedy solar tubes leak?

No, Kennedy tubes form a sealed, watertight system. Roof domes and flashing kits integrate with shingles and seals to prevent any moisture issues.

Can you remove Kennedy solar tubes easily?

Kennedy tubes don’t require special framing or roof reconstruction so they can be cleanly removed. New shingles and repairs may be needed to patch small holes after uninstalling.