Solatube International Celebrates 20th Anniversary

Solatube International invented Tubular Daylighting Devices in 1991 and redefined lighting worldwide; over 68,590,000 pounds in carbon emissions now saved annually with products in use.

Solatube the Sydney born, yet global leading manufacturer and marketer of Tubular Daylighting Devices (TDDs) and winner of the prestigious Australian Design Award is celebrating its 20th Anniversary this year. Right here in Australia, the company invented TDDs, which harvest and distribute daylight in homes, opening up an entirely new category in the lighting industry. Solatube Daylighting Systems are now routinely installed as part of energy-saving and sustainability efforts in residential and commercial spaces around the world.

Using patented technology, Solatube Daylighting Systems harvest daylight at the rooftop and shoot it down through a highly reflective tube (which can bend and be up to 70 feet or more long) and distribute it evenly into a room through a diffuser at the ceiling. The products have been installed in every imaginable living space, from garages to closets, laundry rooms to bedrooms, bringing in natural light to even the smallest residential areas. Homeowners have the advantage of true colour spectrum and mood-enhancing daylight, among other benefits.

"It is remarkable to see the impact Solatube Daylighting Systems have made over the years," said Mark Peall, General Manager Solatube Australia. "By conservative estimates, enough Solatube Daylighting Systems have been sold to offset 68,590,000 pounds in carbon emissions annually. That equates to the entire country of Kuwait not having to use any energy for a full day. Imagine if everyone used daylighting."

Some of Solatube International's milestones over the past 20 years include:

• 1991 - first Solatube product is designed, manufactured and sold in Australia.
• 1992 - founders open North American market, with an office in Carlsbad, Calif.
• 1999 - the first patent is awarded for the tubular skylight with round to square adaptor.
• 2000 - commercial division opens with launch of SolaMaster® Series; Solar Star® attic fan is launched.
• 2003 - Daylight Dimmer® is launched, allowing the light from Solatube products to be gradually dimmed and rooms darkened.
• 2004 - Energy Star® status is achieved.
• 2005 - patent awarded for tubular skylight dome with variable prism, known as Raybender® Technology
• 2005 - China office is opened and the first Solatube products are sold there.
• 2007 - product redesign occurs to take advantage of technological advances.
• 2008 - Solatube Designer Touches series is launched.