Skylights that Pay for Themselves

New VELUX Energy Performance Model Skylights Combine Energy Efficiency with Cost Savings for Homeowners

      Homeowners can maximize energy efficiency and take advantage of a 30 percent federal tax credit with the new VELUX Energy Performance Model skylight featuring automated energy performance.

      Launching at the 2017 International Builders' Shown in Orlando, Florida, the Energy Performance Model combines and Energy Star-certified VELUX fixed skylight with a factory-installed, double-pleated, solar-powered, blackout blind and a preprogrammed Intelligent Touch Remote Control in one box. 

      "When closed, the double pleated blind boots the overall energy performance of the Energy Star-certified skylight by 40 percent," said Ross Vandermark, national product manager for VELUX. "And the blinds are fully automated when the room is not in use, closing during the warm summer days and cold winter nights to block light and insulate."

      With a 30 percent federal tax credit, homeowners will receive an average of $730 in federal tax credit eligibility.

      "The federal tax credit makes this product very affordable for homeowners looking to make a big impact on their home decor as well as their utility bills," Vandermark said.

VELUX is an Energy Star partner and has been recognized as a Partner of the Year. For more information, visit www.whyskylights.com or naturalightsolar.com. 

Case Study: Roofing and Skylights are Happier Together

A newly purchased Marin County home was in need of a new roof and brighter interior spaces. While it had existing traditional VELUX Skylights in good condition, the homeowners wanted to add four VELUX SUN TUNNELs.

This photo shows the existing skylights and
new curb mounted Sun Tunnels before being sealed
with the white vinyl roofing.

Naturalight Solar was called in to coordinate the installation with Wedge Roofing, who would be installing a new white vinyl roof. Sun Tunnel skylights can be installed on any roof type, but some roofs, like white vinyl, require extra steps for proper installation.

Naturalight Solar built the required curbs for optimal waterproofing and then installed the curbs and four 14" TCR VELUX SUN TUNNELs. As a finishing touch, we also added colored theater gels to tint the light to a warmer tone, per the homeowners preference.

When our work was complete, Wedge Roofing returned to install the white vinyl roofing, sealing the vinyl up the sides of the Sun Tunnel curbs for a seamless waterproofing.

If it's time for a new roof on your home and you think you might want to add skylights, give us a call for a free estimate at 707-527-5330. Likewise, if you want to add skylights and it's nearing time for a new roof, consider having both done at the same time. New roofs and skylights are happier together.

Something Not Right with Your Light?

Have your old tube skylights stopped giving out light? Has the trim ring or diffuser fallen from the ceiling? Are there mysterious insects showing up inside your tube skylight?

All of these conditions can be caused by age or improper installation, and they don’t necessarily mean the tube skylights need to be replaced.

One of the twenty-year-old tube
skylights after being repaired.

Naturalight Solar recently performed a service call for an owner of two twenty-year-old tubes of unknown brand. The tubes had stopped giving out light and when our certified installation specialist took a look in the attic, he found that both tubes had only been taped at their seams when originally installed. After twenty years, the tape had failed, causing the tubes to fall apart in the attic. The tubes themselves were in fine condition, so our installer screwed them back together and re-taped the seams.

When the tube seams are connected and aligned properly with screws and tape, there are no places for bugs to enter, no pieces shifting down from the ceiling, and lots of natural light.

If you are experiencing a problem with your old tube skylight, give us a call to schedule a service appointment at 707-527-5330.

Happy Labor Day

Wishing you a relaxing holiday weekend!

"Genius begins great works; labor alone finishes them."

- Joseph Joubert

The Naturalight Solar Office will be closed Monday, September 4 for Labor Day.