Solatube Accreditations

Accreditations provide our customers with the reassurance that a Solatube tubular skylight is ‘fit for purpose’, whereas companies selling copy-cat systems are often unable to achieve accreditations because they just don’t deliver on quality.

So, what accreditations have Solatube gained over the years? Well, here goes…

CE Marking

Solatube is a CE marked product. As a result of the European Construction Products Regulation since 1 July 2013, Solatube is obliged to provide a declaration of performance with CE marked products. This statement is called a Declaration of Performance (DoP). The DoP is prepared by Solatube and provides information about the main performance of the tubular skylight systems and their intended use.

The CE marking:

  • shows that Solatube has checked that these sun pipes meet EU safety, health or environmental requirements
  • is an indicator of Solatubes’ compliance with EU legislation

By placing the CE marking on Solatube sun pipes the company is declaring, on their sole responsibility, conformity with all of the legal requirements to achieve CE marking. Solatube is thus ensuring validity for that product to be sold throughout the EEA.

The CE marking states that Solatube tubular skylights have been assessed before being placed on the market and means that Solatubes satisfy the legislative requirements to be sold there.

Energy Star Label

What is ENERGY STAR?

ENERGY STAR is a voluntary program implemented by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 1992. Based in California, Solatube has supported this American initiative, which also benefits customers around the world. Its intent is to protect our climate by supporting products that offer energy efficient operation. Products that earn the ENERGY STAR rating use less energy, help protect the environment, and save consumers money on energy bills without sacrificing features, performance or comfort.

ENERGY STAR collaborates with stakeholders wordwide to advance product efficiency globally through international harmonization efforts. This collaboration includes harmonising product energy efficiency metrics and applicable test methods, sharing the ENERGY STAR programs expansive datasets as well as partnering with select countries to administer the ENERGY STAR labelling program in their markets. In the past ENERGY STAR has had an agreement with the European Union (EU), although this collaboration has now expired.

To earn the ENERGY STAR rating, a Solatube sun pipe must:

  • Contribute significant energy savings nationally
  • Achieve increased energy efficiency using non-proprietary technologies that are generally available and offered by more than one manufacturer
  • Offer data that shows the product will deliver a return on investment through energy bill savings during a reasonable period of time, if the product is more costly than a similar conventional, less-efficient product
  • Provide features and performance consumers demand
  • Measure and verify energy consumption and performance through valid testing
  • Include visible labelling that differentiates the product.

The following Solatube products are ENERGY STAR rated:

  • Solatube Ø 25cm 160DS
  • Solatube Ø 35cm 290DS
  • Solar Star ventilation and extraction

How did Solatube Daylighting Systems earn the ENERY STAR rating?

Solatube International works diligently to ensure its daylighting products are energy efficient and eco-friendly. As a result, all of its residential products have earned ENERGY STAR ratings. These tubular skylights qualified for ENERGY STAR because of their ability to minimise heat gain and heat loss. These are measured using the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) and U-factor.

Solar Impulse Efficient Solution Label

The Solar Impulse Efficient Solution Label is a symbol that carries the pioneering and innovative spirit of the Solar Impulse adventure. It is granted to solutions that meet high standards of both sustainability and profitability, through a strict assessment of the following criteria:

  1. Technological feasibility
  2. Environmental and socio-economic benefit
  3. Profitability

Solatube tubular daylighting systems have become the ideal solution for lighting dark interiors in a cost-effective, energy-efficient and eco-friendly way because they significantly reduce the need for electricity whilst keeping people connected to the outdoor natural environment. The incorporation of patented optical technologies significantly improves the way daylight is captured and delivered to interiors. Solatube Daylighting Systems are modular and easy to install. And unlike traditional skylights, they are designed to control the problematic aspects of sunlight by reducing glare and inconsistent light patterns. They also screen infrared rays that can overheat interiors as well as ultraviolet rays that can fade soft furnishings and fixtures.

FM quality mark

FM Approvals is the quality mark issued by FM Global for products that comply with the high demands FM Global makes. As one of the major property and real estate insurers in the world they want to have the certainty that anything they insure is of the highest possible quality.

FM Approvals is the independent testing arm of international insurance carrier, FM Global. FM Approvals uses scientific research and testing to make sure products, such as Solatube tubular skylights, conform to the highest standards for safety and property loss prevention. Products that pass get the “FM APPROVED” mark.

All these accreditations take time, thought and investment to achieve – they are not awarded lightly, which is why few other companies can boast them. But hopefully the above list of accreditations achieved for Solatube systems provides you with the reassurance that you are dealing with a company and products that are fit for purpose, compliant with regulations and focused on quality.

Throughout the whole of Scotland, Solatube Scotland is the recognised distributor and installer of Solatube tubular skylights, or light pipes.

If you are interested in bringing natural light into your home, why not contact us at info@solatubescotland.co.uk; 07778 283 427 to find out whether a Solatube sun pipe can help you. Typically, a fully installed system might cost anywhere between £900 – £1,200; that’s supplied, professionally installed and includes the VAT.


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