Introduction to Solatube®
The original tubular skylight
The roots of Solatube International Inc, originator of the tubular skylight, go back to the 1980s and inventor Steve Sutton. At a time when poorly designed – and often leak-prone – traditional skylights had become the scorn of home and business owners, the inventor had a revolutionary idea: a compact, leak-proof and effective alternative.
His concept incorporated a light-capturing system on the rooftop that redirected light down through a highly reflective cylinder to a diffuser at ceiling level. The system would be simple to install without structural modifications and provide exceptional lighting.
The next step was making it happen. In 1986, a patent was sought and four years later, Solatube Pty was established with a group of Sydney-based entrepreneurs providing the marketing and manufacturing expertise necessary to launch the new product. The first Solatube® was sold in 1991 and sales that first year made the Solatube® the best-selling skylight of any kind in Australia. Following this phenomenal success, the founders decided to take the skylight to the North American market.
In 1992, Solatube Inc was established and an office was opened in Carlsbad, California. Over the next few years, Solatube Inc added the 350 and 530mm diameter units to the market, along with accessories such as the integrated electric light fitting and ventilation kits that further enhanced the skylights. Solatube Inc became a major contender in the sky lighting industry.
By 1998, opportunities were escalating around the globe. The company was restructured and Solatube International Inc was established to manage worldwide operations. In 1999, having outgrown its existing building, Solatube International Inc moved into a new 55,000sq ft world headquarters in Vista, California, which allowed the company to further grow its operations and develop new technologies.
2002
Solatube International introduces Spectralight® Infinity to the product line.
This new reflective tubing material sets a new standard for the industry by providing unprecedented reflectivity, allowing for optimal lighting performance for low angle light conditions and on long tube runs.
2003
Solatube International launches an entirely new concept to the tubular skylight category - dimming capability.
The patented Solatube® Daylight DimmerT is developed as an optional feature to provide user-controlled, adjustable daylighting at the flip of a switch.
2004
Solatube International earns
the prestigious ENERGY STAR® energy-efficiency rating as well as the rigorous Miami-Dade County approval for high-velocity rain and wind zones.
2005
Solatube International introduces the 0-90 Degree Extension Tube Adaptor
the only one of its kind in the industry, which allows the tubing to be twisted and angled like never before for unprecedented installation versatility - without compromised lighting performance.
2007
Solatube International launches a completely redesigned Solatube® Daylighting Systems and moves beyond being just the “Miracle Skylight”.
Solatube International introduces the Solatube® 160 DS Daylighting System and the Solatube® 290 DS Daylighting System utilizing breakthrough technology, design and materials to provide exceptional natural lighting from a compact fixture.
Raybender® 3000 Technology
The Solatube® Daylighting System introduces Raybender® 3000 Technology to maximize the opportunity to collect low-angle sunlight and deflect over-powering mid-day rays, easy snap and preinstalled components to simplify installation and also introduces the new Vusion™ diffuser, to add a sophisticated look to any room.
Continual product development
Despite having what we believe to be the best product of its type, we won’t be sitting back and relaxing. Our development team are always working on innovative new solutions to make our product even better – ensuring that we retain the mantle of the world’s leading tubular skylight.