Tubular Daylighting Devices vs. Solatube HSE Glass Skylights: Which Is Best for Your Oklahoma Home?
Natural daylight changes the way you experience your home. Rooms feel larger, colors appear richer, and your living space takes on a warmth that artificial light simply can’t match. In Oklahoma, we face intense summer heat, strong UV exposure, and sudden seasonal shifts, so choosing the right daylighting system is important for long-term performance, energy efficiency, and durability in our unique climate.
For homeowners looking to add natural daylight to their living spaces, choosing between Solatube Tubular Daylighting Devices (TDDs) or Solatube HSE Glass Skylights can be tricky. Both solutions deliver exceptional daylight quality, but each is designed for different applications, priorities, and home layouts. Understanding the strengths of each system can help you choose the solution that will give you the most value and satisfaction for years to come.
Understanding our Daylighting Systems
Solatube’s Tubular Daylighting Devices use a durable, weather-sealed rooftop dome to capture daylight from any angle, which is then transmitted through our patented, highly reflective Spectralight® Infinity Tubing into the home, where it’s diffused through an attractive ceiling fixture. This allows bright, even illumination in rooms far from the roofline, such as hallways, bathrooms, closets, or interior kitchens.
Solatube HSE Glass Skylights are high-performance, fixed glass units that offer both a wide view of the sky and direct sunlight. The HSE features dual-pane, LoE glass with an Argon gas fill to reduce heat transfer, block harmful UV rays, and enhance energy efficiency. Designed for direct roof integration, they’re ideal for living rooms, kitchens, or other areas where a more expansive opening is desired.
Performance in Oklahoma’s Climate
Heat and UV Protection
In Oklahoma summers, roof surface temperatures can exceed 150°F. The Solatube HSE’s insulated glass blocks 95% of UV rays and reduces solar heat gain, keeping interiors cooler. TDDs go a step further with INFRAREDuction® Technology to block heat before it enters the tube and a smaller exterior footprint that naturally minimizes heat transfer. Both options outperform outdated skylights, but TDDs excel when heat control is a top priority.
Weather Resistance
Both systems are engineered to handle Oklahoma’s severe weather, including hail, high winds, and heavy rain. HSE skylights feature impact-rated glass and precision-engineered flashing for leak resistance. TDDs use a smaller, impact-resistant dome with a fully sealed flashing system, reducing the surface area exposed to extreme conditions and lowering leak potential.
Light Quality and Distribution
Solatube HSE Glass skylights deliver dramatic, direct sunlight and a clear view of the sky, which creates a sense of openness and connection to the outdoors that’s ideal for larger living areas. However, just like traditional skylights, light intensity and output fluctuates throughout the day and direct sunlight may create glare or hot spots in certain orientations.
Solatube Tubular Daylighting Devices provide evenly diffused daylight with no glare, hot spots, or UV fading of interior furnishings. The highly reflective tubing and domed shape enable them to capture low-angle light, delivering consistent illumination even on cloudy days. This makes them ideal for spaces where balanced light is more important than a direct view of the sky.
Installation and Maintenance
Installing an HSE Glass skylight requires cutting an opening in the roof, precise flashing integration, and interior finishing. While this process is straightforward for Solatube-certified installers, it typically takes longer than a TDD install. Glass surfaces need occasional exterior cleaning to maintain clarity.
TDD installations are often completed in just a few hours with no structural changes to rafters or trusses. The compact dome and sealed tubing require minimal maintenance- just occasional dome cleaning to remove dust or debris.
Cost Considerations
Both products are premium daylighting solutions with long lifespans and strong warranties. HSE skylights generally involve higher installation costs due to their size and roof integration requirements. TDDs offer a more budget-friendly install and can qualify for federal tax credits when paired with solar-powered accessories like the Solar NightLight or Solar-Powered Daylight Dimmer.
Which Is Right for Your Oklahoma Home?
| Choose Solatube HSE Glass Skylights If: | Choose Solatube Tubular Daylighting Devices If: |
|---|---|
| You want a wide, open view of the sky. | You want to brighten small or interior rooms without windows. |
| You have a large living space where direct sunlight enhances the design. | Energy efficiency and heat control are top priorities. |
| You prefer the architectural impact of a fixed glass opening. | You prefer quick installation with minimal structural impact. |
| You want even, consistent daylight throughout the day. |
The Sola Solutions Advantage
Sola Solutions can help you select the best daylighting product for your home, lifestyle, and lighting needs. Our certified installers ensure every product is installed to manufacturer specifications, weather-sealed for Oklahoma’s storms, and backed by industry-leading warranties.
Ready to bring more natural light into your home? Contact Sola Solutions today to schedule your free, no-pressure consultation. Whether you choose a Solatube Tubular Daylighting Device or an HSE Glass Skylight, we’ll help you see your home in a whole new light.