The Sun, the Source and Force of All Life

With the holiday season and the long, dark nights of winter upon us, we find ourselves turning to cultural traditions while we await the return of the sun’s light. The sun has long been thought of as the source and force of all life. We need it to survive and thrive.

Nearly all cultures have celebrated the sun in one form or another. In fact, according to Caroline Casey, in her book Making the Gods Work for You, the Buddha statues, with outstretched and open hand, along with the rock carvings in the Sahara of an open hand, both represent the rising sun, with the fingers as the sun’s rays of light.

One of the most well-known celebrations is the Winter Solstice, which marks the longest night of the year. This is the start of winter, and after this night the sun begins its return to longer days as the season moves toward spring.

Casey tells us that in the days before the solstice, the point of sunrise moves south on the eastern horizon. The word solstice breaks down into sol, which means “sun”, and stice, which means “stands still,” telling us that on the Winter Solstice the sun appears to stand still at its rising point, before it moves north again along the eastern horizon.

In Casey’s chapter on the sun, she also tells us that many cultures have linked the winter solstice to the birthdays of important figures, such as King Arthur, Jesus, and others that are associated with the symbolic return of light to the world.

These cultural traditions and beliefs show us that the Winter Solstice celebration is much like a prayer for the sunlight to return, and to bring hope with it for new possibilities. These celebrations timed with the season help us to throw off our old restraints so that we may begin anew, revitalized by the sunlight.

This winter we celebrate the season and our hopeful expectation of the sun’s return with lights decorating our homes and trees, with the lighting of the menorah, and the cherished time we spend with friends and family. Sunlight is truly fundamental to our lives!
________________________________________

For the holidays our office will be closed from Monday, December 23, 2013 through Thursday, January 1, 2014. The office will be open for the new year starting on Friday, January 2, 2014.

No one will get on my roof! Naturalight Solar will.

There are often many jobs and repairs to be done around the home. And for what you can’t do yourself, who do you call?

Have you called three or four people and they all said, 

“We can’t do that”?

Naturalight Solar can do it.

Have you been told your skylight is impossible to replace?

Naturalight Solar can do it.

 Here's the crew using a crane to take
down an old skylight.

Are people unwilling to get up on your roof to make repairs?

Naturalight Solar can do it.

Here's the crew working with ladders on
a very steep roof. 

The new custom skylight being lowered into place.

We take care of what others can’t or don’t know how to repair. If you have one of these “impossible” jobs, call us today! We can help.

Call (707) 527-5330 for a Free Estimate

Wishing You A Joyful And Bright Thanksgiving

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." 

-John Fitzgerald Kennedy 

       

Here at Naturalight Solar, we hope you have many things to be grateful for this Thanksgiving season: a warm home, bountiful food, and good company among them!  

  

Holiday Hours:

We will be spending time with our own friends and family this holiday, so we will have the following hours this Thanksgiving week:

Monday and Tuesday: 10 am to 4 pm

Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday: Closed

We will be open again for our regular hours starting December 2, 2013.  

 

The Majority of Homes Need More Natural Light!

       You may have noticed times when you come inside from a particularly bright day and you stumble around the house for a few minutes as your eyes adjust to the much dimmer light inside your home. Our eyes are making these types of adjustments all the time, but usually less dramatically. But why make our eyes work harder, sometimes resulting in eye strain or headaches, when we have the option to add more light to our lives?

      

       What are the most important factors to improving indoor lighting? An article from CNIB says that one is increasing the quantity of light, and the other is reducing glare caused by contrasting amounts of light and reflections in the environment. Dr. Graham Strong is quoted in the article explaining, “Studies show that most households are significantly under illuminated.” These studies have also shown that people need more light in their homes as they get older—“about 10 percent more each decade.” This article suggests that you keep adding light to your home until it feels comfortable to your eyes for various activities. More concentrated activities require more light, such as reading, sewing, shaving, and applying make-up.

       

       What are the options for adding light to your home? Of course, additional electrical lighting can be beneficial. But what about skylights! Skylights offer an abundance of natural light. And they won’t add any monthly costs to your electrical bill. In addition, Velux tube skylights have diffusers that spread the light evenly around the room without creating glare. But what if you want natural lighting in your bathroom during the day and electrical lighting for night time? Velux tube skylights can be equipped with light kits that allow you to have natural day lighting, and, with the flip of a switch, plentiful lighting at night!

      

       According to Dr. Strong, some areas that need more lighting in the majority of homes are bathrooms, stairways and hallways, closets, and laundry rooms. Of course, kitchens, bedrooms, and living rooms are also important to have well lit. With better lighting, it will be easier to distinguish colors, read, measure, work on projects, and overall enjoy the time spent in your home.

       For the full article, check out this link: http://www.cnib.ca/en/your-eyes/eye-care/lighting-0607/Pages/default.aspx

The 30% Solar Tax Credit

You replaced your old skylight with a VELUX Solar Skylight and VELUX Solar Blind and you love them.

Now you wonder, "How do I get that 30% tax credit?"

Wonder no more! Here is all the information that you need to claim the 30% tax credit on your VELUX Solar Skylight and/or VELUX Solar Blinds:

Here's what you do:

When the product is installed:

Keep your receipts for total price paid (Product and installation) for one of the qualifying VELUX products and attach them to a completed 30% Federal Tax Credit - Manufacturers Certification and keep for your records.

When it is Tax Time:

Fill out IRS Tax form 5695 and submit it with your taxes. Enter this tax credit off of form 5695 on your 1040 form.

Tax credit PDF

Residential Energy Credits Form
















*IRS Notice 2009-41 suggests the taxpayer is not required to attach this certification statement to their tax return. However, the taxpayer should retain this certification statement as part of their tax records.

*As in all tax matters, the taxpayer is advised to consult their tax professional. VELUX America, Inc. assumes no liability regarding the homeowner’s ability to obtain tax credits.


Background

On October 3rd, 2008, President George W. Bush signed, into law, the Emergency Stabilization Act followed by President Barack Obama signing, into law, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) on February 17th, 2009.

The combined effect of these two laws provides a 30% Tax Credit on both the purchase and installation of qualifying products in renewable technologies such as; Solar Electric Property, Residential Solar Water Heating, Qualified small wind energy and qualified Geothermal Heat pump energy as well as others.

Under these laws VELUX Solar Powered Fresh Air Skylights as well as VELUX Solar Powered Blinds qualify under "Solar Electric Property" expenditures when purchased and installed from January 1, 2009 through December 31st, 2016. This tax credit is a direct debit of the taxpayers total tax liability.

Natural Light Keeps Seniors Safe and Healthy

We recently installed two VELUX Solar Fresh Air skylights and VELUX SUN TUNNELS in a residential care home for seniors.

These skylights opened up the space and brought in an abundant amount of natural light.

Care providers, and older adults who live by themselves are now realizing the importance of adequate lighting in their homes.

Abundant Natural Light in your home:
* Insures safety, health and quality of life
* Minimizes the effects of normal eye aging
* Uses less electricity
* Improves the quality of light in a home which  maximizes the abilities and independence of the occupants

One easy and affordable way to improve on lighting is to install a VELUX SUN TUNNEL.

SUN TUNNEL Tubular Skylights are especially great for bathrooms, one of the most notorious rooms for injuries.

The aging eyes of a 60 year old person require up to three times more light for tasks than they did as a
healthy 20 year old, and by the time they reach age 85 they may require as much as five times more light.

Careful consideration should be given to the design of both the day-lighting and electric lighting systems, as well as the materials used within the visual environment of older adults. The best lighting solutions use abundant natural light - daylight,daylight, and more daylight.

Sufficient exposure to bright light during the day and darkness at night naturally regulates your body’s rhythms.In addition, daylight also stimulates the production of serotonin, one of the body’s “feel good” chemicals. One of the most pleasant side effects of serotonin is its ability to cheer people up and feel alert.
It’s like a miracle drug from the sun.

In addition to light for vision, the effects of light on circadian rhythms and vitamin D synthesis are even more important to older people.

The best and most affordable source of the bright light necessary for synchronization of the circadian system is daylight.

Insufficient exposure to sunlight can lead to or contribute to
* Physiological disorders
* Cardiovascular problems
* Immune dysfunction
* Cognitive and functional deterioration,
* Depression
* Vitamin D deficiency and hip fractures

Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to an increased risk of falls among people over 65.

Call Naturalight Solar today for your free day-lighting estimate:
707-527-5330

Source: LIGHTING: PARTNER IN QUALITY CARE ENVIRONMENTS
Elizabeth Brawley, AAHID, IIDA, IESNA & Eunice Noell-Waggoner, IESNA, LC

You can read the full published paper at:
http://www.pioneernetwork.net/Data/Documents/BrawleyNoell-WagonerLightingPaper.pdf

Bringing Life to Small Spaces

I'm entirely satisfied with my new SUN TUNNELS; they do exactly what was promised, bringing lots of light into a formerly shadowy place. They are inconspicuous and seem as though they had always existed in the architecture of the house.

The installer, Al , was prompt, personable, responsive to my wishes of placement, and tidy.

I am seriously considering the installation of 2 more SUN TUNNELS in the same space, perhaps next year.

Thank you for everything.

~ Ross G., Santa Rosa

The Most Economical Way to Natural- Light Your Home

 My home is so dark that I have to turn on the lights during the day! What can I do to bring in some natural light?

Installing a skylight is a great way to bring in free, natural light into your home. 

 

 VELUX makes some of the world's best day-lighting products. They offer a large variety of skylights and shades to choose from. 

Getting enough natural light exposure each day makes you feel great.

Also traditional skylights and tubular skylights bring the light in while protecting your privacy. No staring at your neighbor's window or fence!

Traditional VELUX Skylights can be amazing for transforming a room, or getting fresh air into your home. With their many shade options, you can control how much light enters your home.

The price of having a brand new skylight cut into your roof varies depending on site conditions, and size and number of skylights. Usually the homeowner is looking at $5,000 or more.

VELUX SUN TUNNELS are economical alternatives to traditional skylights. They let in a lot of light and can fit in some smaller spaces that wouldn't be possible for  a traditional skylight. There is no heat transfer in or out of your home, and they are a fraction of the cost of a brand new skylight.  

VELUX SUN TUNNELS come in 3 sizes: 10", 14", and 22"

One 10" is enough to light an entire bathroom

and only costs around $500.

...And VELUX SUN TUNNEL Skylights bring in abundant daylight and all its related benefits. Daylight brings out the natural beauty of interior spaces in a way no other light source can. Colors become more vibrant and alive. Spaces become more inviting. 

How long does it take to install a  VELUX SUN TUNNEL?

If I schedule an installation today, will I still make it to my costume party?

Yes! Our experienced installers can have your SUN TUNNELS installed in 1-2 hours per tube!

Call Naturalight Solar today to schedule your

VELUX SUN TUNNEL appointment!

707-527-5330

Copyright © 2013  Naturalight Solar, Inc., All rights reserved.

Use the sun's power to cool your home this summer.

The Sun heats up your home, now let is cool your home with a SunRise Solar Attic Fan.

 SunRise Solar attic fans are unique, solar-powered vent fans that pull the heat right out of your attic.

They are so effective they can lower attic temperatures by as much as 50°.

This means less heat dissipating back into your living area, less drain on your air conditioning system, and less cost to you. In fact, up to 30% less money spent on air conditioning costs alone!  

SunRise Solar Attic Fans have a top and base made out of UV stabilized ABS plastic - the same material used for:

*car bumpers 

*kayaks 

*motorcycle helmets 

*playground equipment and much more.

It's completely noncorrosive, heat and flame resistant and can withstand environmental abuse that metals cannot.

Are there any tax credits/rebates available?

YES! The SunRise Solar attic fans qualify for a 30% federal tax credit.

Sample Installed Price

Sonoma County, 1 story, comp shingle roof

 

                 SRS 1050                   $595.00

                 Sales Tax 8.25%           $49.09

                 Installation Labor         $120.00

                 Fuel Surcharge              $10.00

                 Total                           $774.09

               

                 Tax Credit 30%         -$232.23

                 Total                           $541.86

Keep your attic and home cool this summer.

Call Naturalight Solar Today: 707-527-5330

Eye strain in the office? Naturalight Solar Can Help.

Do you work all day in an office that has little to no sun exposure?

Do you work under artificial lights during the day?


Having electric lights on during the day uses up an amazing amount of electricity, and it's also not very good for your health.

Studies have shown that employees and students in buildings full of natural light are happier, healthier, and more productive than those who are working under electric or florescent lighting.

Exposure to enough natural light during the morning and afternoon hours of the day can also lead to better sleep at night.



Getting more sunlight in your home or office with a VELUX SUN TUNNEL can also help relieve eye strain from working with a computer all day.

A moderate amount of outdoor sunshine is good for skin and eyes. Too much sunlight can burn them.

The perfect solution?
The VELUX SUN TUNNELTubular Skylight.  

Fast, easy, and affordable, the VELUX SUN TUNNEL will  fill your home or office with  full spectrum light while blocking the harmful UV rays that can damage your skin or eyes.

You can safely expose yourself to more, healthy, natural light.

Create a healthier You and a healthier planet.
Naturalight Solar offers a broad range of day-lighting products to suit your needs.
Call us today to get your free estimate: 707-527-5330

Naturalight Makes People Happy!

“[I wanted] to let you know how pleased I am with the new [VELUX SUN TUNNELS].  I had installed nine tubes when I remodeled our home. I thought I would save some money when I saw an email special from a large warehouse dealer. My contractor installed them, and at the first rain, three of them leaked.  I had the contractor caulk them to stop the leaks.  After just over a year, they began to discolor and dim.  I called Naturalight Solar because they had installed tubes on my other home a few years ago.  You came, gave me a quote to replace them, and suggested that I take the defective tubes back.  I returned them with no problem and they gave me a full refund.  I would not have even tried to return them without your suggestion. …I now have about 85% more light in the house and am really happy.  Again, thank you.”

-Bob V., Santa Rosa

For more reviews and testimonials of our work, visit:

 http://skylightspecialist.com/naturalight-solar/reviews

Who's brightening up your life?

Naturalight Solar is your local skylight specialist!

Join our email list and receive periodical updates on the latest day-lighting technology, and discounts and specials.

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Free Light, Free Candy

We have a sweet deal for you...

Free Light, Free Candy

Between now and February 15th, if you order a VELUX SUN TUNNEL, you receive a gift certificate for a 1lb box of candy from See's Candies ®.

Get free, natural light from the sun through your Velux Sun Tunnel Tubular skylight. Energy efficient and Cost efficient – save money and show your love to the planet!

When we are done installing your VELUX SUN TUNNEL, and you're sitting on your couch, munching on some of your favorite candy, it may just be the most de-light-ful Valentine's Day you've ever had.

Call for a free estimate: 707.527.5330

Must call or email us February 1-15. 

Must Install By or Before February 28.

Eligible products: VELUX SUN TUNNELS 10",14",22". 

Offer good for materials purchased "do it yourself" and/or materials plus Naturalight Solar Installation.

1lb for every 10",14", or 22" VELUX SUN TUNNEL bought

Introducing the Solar Powered Fresh Air Skylight by VELUX

Remote controlled solar powered skylight.

No need for an electrician or complex electrical hook-ups.

The solar panel will work on cloudy days and with indirect light. It does not have to be exposed to direct sunlight to function.

With the integrated rain sensor the solar powered skylight will close automatically, in case of inclement weather.

Inner pane is laminated for additional safety. This means that if the glass accidentally breaks, the glass does not shatter.

Eight factory installed blinds are available to include in the purchase of your skylight.

If the Solar Powered "Fresh Air" Skylight is ordered with a factory installed blind, the skylight and blind will arrive pre-programmed to one unified remote control. The blind uses its own independent, built-in, solar panel and power system.