How Much Does It Cost to Install a Solar Tube? [2025 Data]
The average cost to install a solar tube is $800, but prices range from $600 to $1,000, depending on the location and products. A pro can give you a detailed quote.
Installing solar tube lighting can improve energy efficiency, not to mention brighten up your home. Adding a solar tube will cost between $600 and $1,000 per tube, with most homeowners paying around $800 per tube with installation included. But you may need to pay extra for adapters if your roof is made of wood, metal, tile, or another material other than asphalt. Let’s break down all the costs associated with installing solar tubes.
Solar Tube Installation Cost Factors
Solar tube installation costs depend on the products you choose, their size and number, your home’s unique construction, and installation details. Let’s examine the details and illuminate your options.
Size
Solar tubes—also called sun tunnels, light tubes, sun tubes, or tubular skylights—are priced by diameter size. While pricing varies based on the manufacturer, homeowners can expect costs for solar tube materials to look like this:
| Solar Tube Diameter (Inches) | Average Cost (Materials Only) |
|---|---|
| 10 | $150–$350 |
| 14 | $400–$550 |
| 18 | $600–$750 |
| 19+ | $800+ |
Number of Solar Tubes
The biggest factor is the number of solar tubes you're installing at once. Contractors charge per tube rather than hourly work. However, while it costs more to buy and install multiple solar tubes, installers may charge less per tube if you buy and install more than one at a time.
Rafter Spacing
If your home has rafters that are positioned 24 inches on center instead of the traditional 16 inches, you'll need to have a 21-inch tube custom-ordered for your project. These can cost as much as $1,000 each.
Local Climate
If you live in a humid climate, yourinstaller may recommend taking steps to reduce condensation on the interior of your solar tubes. The most common option is to wrap the tube with R-15 or R-19 insulation. While insulation costs roughly $0.90 per square foot, you might pay between $50 and $100 extra for this service if your contractor charges $20 to $25 per hour.
Roof Type
Solar tubes are designed to work with asphalt roofing. If you have a tile, metal, or wood roof, you'll need to use a flashing adapter to prevent roofing damage. While adapters cost between $70 and $100, expect to pay between $100 and $150 with installation included.
Installation and Labor Costs
Most installation and labor costs are directly tied to the number of solar tubes you’re installing. However, it’s worth repeating that some contractors charge less per tube if you hire them to do multiple installations at one time.
Some contractors also separate the cost of the solar tube and installation fees. In these cases, labor costs for installation range from $150 to $250 per tube. You can hire a local skylight installation pro to handle the job.
Installation costs cover tracing the tube, cutting holes in the roof and ceiling, fitting roof flashing, fitting the tube, attaching tube extensions, and attaching the light diffuser. Expect installation costs to be higher if you have a roof that requires an adapter. If you have a roofing material other than asphalt, add another $50 to $100 to the project for the work needed to install the adapter.
Additional Features
Some solar tubes just let the light in, while others have useful extras. These include solar-powered night-lights, dimmers, ventilation, upgraded dome kits, light warming and diffusing lenses, and telescoping control rods. These range from $60 to $500, depending on the brand and type of accessory.
Cost to Install Solar Tube Lights Yourself vs. Hiring a Pro
You can buy solar tube kits for between $200 and $700, and installation is a fairly doable project for a handy homeowner. Sun tubes are easier to install on your own compared to skylights because they aren't as heavy. In addition, you aren't required to deal with new drywall, repainting, and alterations to framing with tube lights the way you are with skylights.
However, don’t be deceived by how easy some kits make this project look. You will be cutting into both your ceiling and roof. Because of this, if a solar tube is not installed perfectly, there is a risk of water damage that can destroy your roof. If you install tubular skylights yourself, it's possible you could void your roof's manufacturer warranty.
How to Save on Solar Tube Installation Costs
Solar tubes have a considerable up-front cost, but they can save you energy costs over time by illuminating your home during the day without using as much electricity. Here are some other ways to save money and increase your overall savings:
Bigger isn’t always better. Have your contractor help you choose the right size solar tube for your needs. In some cases, a smaller, more affordable sun tunnel will give you just as much light as a larger, more expensive one.
Choose the installation location wisely. Decide which room or rooms will benefit the most from a sun tube. Then optimize placement for the most light and ease of roof accessibility. Installation costs can rise if the location on your roof is difficult to locate or has a steep pitch.
If your roof is older, consider installing sun tunnels when you replace the roof. This can save on installation costs, keep your warranty intact, and prevent you from having to pay to uninstall and reinstall your solar tubes after a roof replacement.
Some solar tubes, including those with solar-powered night-lights, can qualify for tax credits of up to 30%.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to costquotes@angi.com. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you have to get on the roof to cut a hole for solar tubing. It's not possible to complete the job from inside your house by simply cutting through the ceiling. So if you want to go the DIY route, remember to use safe ladder practices. If you’re not comfortable climbing on your roof to install solar tubes, hire a pro who has the tools and expertise to do the job safely.
Yes, solar tubes are easier to install than skylights because they’re lighter, smaller, and easier to handle. They also require less roof cutting and have a faster, simpler installation process. This means they’re a more DIY-friendly option for homeowners who want to add more natural light to their homes.
A solar tube is intended to provide up to 3,000 hours of light before you begin to notice some dimming. This could mean 20 years of "free" lighting at your home before you need to repair or replace solar tubes. Some high-end sun tunnels can last 50 years or more, depending on the materials and quality of the installation.
Solar tubes don’t work at night because they simply filter in sunlight to light up rooms. When the sun goes down, the light disappears. However, you can buy sun tunnels with upgrades or accessories that let them work at night. For example, you can install add-on light kits that turn solar tubes into standard lighting fixtures after dark or a solar night-light that recharges during the day to provide a warm glow at night.
Yes, solar tubes work during the winter as long as it’s light outside and they aren’t covered by snow. Sun tunnels are made to work year-round to bring in natural light, and some people find them even more beneficial during the winter. With less daylight outside, it can be even more important to bring brightness into homes to reduce electricity costs.
