By Ethan BrooksUpdated November 2026
Dark interior rooms, windowless hallways and closets are common problems in older homes, and a DIY solar tube skylight is one of the more practical ways to bring daylight into them without cutting a large opening in the roof. This list focuses on diy solar tube skylights and tubular skylight kits that homeowners can install themselves with basic roof and ceiling tools. The selection criteria were tube diameter and the room sizes each kit is designed for, the completeness of the base kit, whether extension tubes are available for higher ceilings, roof compatibility (shingle versus other roof types), and the reputation of the manufacturer based on specifications and general owner feedback patterns.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overall290 DS 14-Inch Tubular Skylight KitView on Amazon - 2TOP CHOICEBest for small rooms160 DS 10-Inch Tubular Skylight KitView on Amazon
- 3
TOP CHOICEBest for high ceilings160 DS 10-Inch Tubular Skylight Extension KitView on Amazon - 4
Best for shingled shedsSolar LightBlasterView on Amazon - 5
Best night lighting add-onSolar NightLight Kit Add-OnView on Amazon - 6
Best brand-name optionVelux TGR 010 1000 Sun TunnelView on Amazon
Our Top Picks
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| 290 DS 14-Inch Tubular Skylight Kit | Large rooms and living spaces | 14-inch tube for high daylight output |
| 160 DS 10-Inch Tubular Skylight Kit | Small rooms and spaces | Compact 10-inch tube |
| 160 DS 10-Inch Tubular Skylight Extension Kit | High ceilings (up to about 58 inches) | Two 20-inch extension tubes |
| Solar LightBlaster | Shingled sheds | Designed for shed applications |
| Solar NightLight Kit Add-On | Night illumination | Warm auto-on LED glow light |
| Velux TGR 010 1000 Sun Tunnel | Buyers who want a established brand | High impact polycarbonate dome with rigid tunnel |
290 DS 14-Inch Tubular Skylight Kit
High-capacity energy-efficient base kit designed to deliver maximum natural daylight into large rooms & living spaces. 290 DS 14-Inch Tubular Skylight Kit Kitchen Bedroom Living Room
Best for: Large rooms and living spaces
This is the largest tube in the lineup and suits kitchens, bedrooms and living rooms where a single small tube would leave corners dim. It is the right choice when the goal is maximum daylight rather than a discreet fixture.
Key specs
- 14-inch tube diameter
- Designed for large rooms and living spaces
- Sold as a complete base kit
Pros
- Delivers the most light of the tubes listed here
- Covers larger interior areas with one installation
- Base kit includes the core components needed to install
Cons
- Larger opening requires more roof space and careful flashing work
- Overkill for a small closet or hallway
Bottom line: Pick this kit for a large room that needs the most natural light and you have space and roof access for a 14-inch install.
160 DS 10-Inch Tubular Skylight Kit
High-performance energy-efficient compact base kit designed to deliver bright daylighting into small rooms & spaces. 160 DS 10-Inch Tubular Skylight Kit for Bathroom Closet Hallway
Best for: Small rooms and spaces
Designed for bathrooms, closets and hallways, this 10-inch base kit is the most straightforward option when the room is modest in size and the ceiling is standard height.
Key specs
- 10-inch tube diameter
- Designed for small rooms, closets and hallways
- Sold as a base kit
Pros
- Smaller roof footprint and easier to fit between rafters
- Good match for standard-height ceilings
- Lower light output is appropriate for compact spaces
Cons
- Not enough light for larger living areas
- Ceilings above standard height will need the extension kit
Bottom line: This is the sensible pick for a small room with a standard ceiling where a compact tube is enough.
160 DS 10-Inch Tubular Skylight Extension Kit
Includes two 20-inch extension tubes to deliver bright natural daylight into targeted spaces like bathrooms & hallways. 160 DS 10-Inch Tubular Skylight Extension Kit 58-in High Ceiling
Best for: High ceilings (up to about 58 inches)
Homeowners with higher ceilings often find that a standard tube is too short to reach the ceiling plane. This extension kit adds length so the diffuser can sit flush at the room surface.
Key specs
- 10-inch tube diameter
- Includes two 20-inch extension tubes
- Intended for ceilings up to about 58 inches of rooftop-to-ceiling depth
Pros
- Solves the problem of deep ceiling cavities
- Extension tubes are included with the kit
- Same diameter as the base 10-inch kit for matching components
Cons
- Longer tube reduces light output compared with a short run
- Still needs a 10-inch base kit or compatible tube for the rooftop section
Bottom line: Choose this when the ceiling cavity is too deep for a standard tube and you are working with a 10-inch system.
Solar LightBlaster
Solar LightBlaster for Shingled Sheds (Solar Tube Skylight for shed Applications)
Best for: Shingled sheds
This product is designed specifically for shingled shed roofs, where a standard tubular kit may not seat properly against the roofing material. It suits outbuilding projects rather than main-house rooms.
Key specs
- Designed for shingled shed applications
- Solar tube skylight format
Pros
- Targeted at a specific roof type
- Useful for workshops and storage spaces
- Simple concept for a single-room outbuilding
Cons
- Not intended for typical house rooms
- Limited detail available in the listing name, so confirm fit before buying
Bottom line: Pick this for a shed with shingle roofing that needs daylight and where the fit has been confirmed against your roof.
Solar NightLight Kit Add-On
Energy-efficient warm auto-on LED glow light designed for seamless night illumination (skylight system sold separately). Solar NightLight Kit Add-On for 160 DS 290 DS Skylight Systems
Best for: Night illumination
This is an add-on rather than a skylight on its own. It is intended to pair with compatible 160 DS and 290 DS skylight systems to provide a warm LED glow after dark.
Key specs
- Warm LED glow light with automatic on at dusk
- Compatible with 160 DS and 290 DS skylight systems
- Skylight system sold separately
Pros
- Adds night lighting to a daylight tube
- Automatic operation requires no switch
- Warm tone suits bedrooms and hallways
Cons
- Requires a compatible skylight system, which is purchased separately
- Output is a glow, not task lighting
Bottom line: Buy this if you already have or plan to buy a 160 DS or 290 DS kit and want evening light from the same fixture.
Velux TGR 010 1000 Sun Tunnel
Velux TGR 010 1000 Sun Tunnel, 10" Tubular Skylight High Impact Polycarbonate Dome w/Rigid Tunnel & Low-Profile Flashing
Best for: Buyers who want an established brand
Velux is a long-established skylight manufacturer, and the Sun Tunnel line is one of its tubular products. It suits buyers who prioritize brand familiarity and a rigid, weather-tested dome.
Key specs
- 10-inch tubular format
- High impact polycarbonate dome
- Rigid tunnel with low-profile flashing
Pros
- Recognized manufacturer with broad product documentation
- Impact-resistant dome suits varied climates
- Rigid tunnel and flashing are designed to work as a system
Cons
- Typically costs more than budget kits, and the premium reflects brand, not extra light
- Installation should follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely
Bottom line: Choose this if you value a known brand and a complete, rigid tubular system for a standard-height ceiling.
Buying Guide
Tube diameter and room size
Diameter is the main factor in how much light reaches the room. A 10-inch tube is generally suited to small rooms, while a 14-inch tube delivers more light across larger areas. Match the diameter to the floor area you want to brighten rather than choosing the largest tube by default.
Good picks for this: 290 DS 14-Inch Tubular Skylight Kit, 160 DS 10-Inch Tubular Skylight Kit
Ceiling depth and extension needs
Measure from the roof surface to the ceiling. Standard kits assume a modest ceiling cavity. If the distance is significantly greater, you will need extension tubes or a longer kit so the diffuser sits flush with the ceiling.
Good picks for this: 160 DS 10-Inch Tubular Skylight Extension Kit
Roof type and fit
Most tubular skylights are installed on asphalt shingle roofs, but shingled sheds and other roof profiles can require different flashing. Confirm the flashing matches your shingle type and pitch before purchase. Check local permit requirements for roof penetrations.
Good picks for this: Solar LightBlaster, Velux TGR 010 1000 Sun Tunnel
Dome material and durability
Look for high impact polycarbonate domes if hail or debris is common in your area. The dome, tunnel and flashing should be rated for outdoor exposure. Manufacturers typically specify UV resistance for the dome material.
Good picks for this: Velux TGR 010 1000 Sun Tunnel, 290 DS 14-Inch Tubular Skylight Kit
Night lighting options
Daylight tubes do nothing after dark. If you want light in the evening, consider whether the kit supports an add-on fixture. Confirm compatibility before buying, since add-ons are often sold separately.
Good picks for this: Solar NightLight Kit Add-On
Installation skills and tools
A tubular skylight requires cutting a roof opening, sealing flashing and running a tube through the attic. Basic carpentry and roofing skills are needed. If you are not comfortable working on the roof, consider hiring a licensed roofer. A consultation with a professional is advised for any roof penetration.
Good picks for this: 160 DS 10-Inch Tubular Skylight Kit, Velux TGR 010 1000 Sun Tunnel
Care and maintenance
Clean the diffuser and dome periodically to keep light output high, and check the flashing seal after storms. Dust and debris reduce daylight, so an annual inspection is a reasonable routine.
Good picks for this: Velux TGR 010 1000 Sun Tunnel, 160 DS 10-Inch Tubular Skylight Kit
FAQ
Can I install a DIY solar tube skylight myself?
Many homeowners with roofing and ceiling experience install tubular kits themselves. The work involves cutting a roof opening and sealing flashing, so careful attention to waterproofing is essential. If you are unsure, consult a professional roofer.
What size tube do I need for a bathroom?
A 10-inch tube is generally the better match for a bathroom or closet, since these rooms are smaller. Measure the floor area and the ceiling depth before choosing.
Do solar tube skylights work at night?
No. Tubular skylights bring in daylight only. For evening light you need a separate fixture, such as an add-on LED glow light compatible with the kit.
How do I know if I need an extension kit?
Measure from the roof surface to the ceiling. If the cavity is deeper than a standard base tube can span, an extension kit allows the diffuser to sit flush with the ceiling.
Are solar tube skylights suitable for shingled sheds?
Some products are designed specifically for shingled sheds. Confirm the flashing and mounting method match your shed roof before purchasing.
Will a tubular skylight leak?
A properly installed skylight with correct flashing should not leak, but poor sealing is a common cause of problems. Inspect the flashing regularly and address any gaps promptly.
Conclusion
For large rooms, the 290 DS 14-Inch Tubular Skylight Kit delivers the most daylight. For small rooms and standard ceilings, the 160 DS 10-Inch Tubular Skylight Kit is the practical choice. Homes with higher ceilings should consider the 160 DS Extension Kit, while the Solar LightBlaster suits shingled sheds. The Solar NightLight Kit Add-On extends use into the evening when paired with a compatible system, and the Velux TGR 010 1000 Sun Tunnel is the pick for buyers who want an established brand and a rigid tubular system.
Sources
- Federal guidance on daylighting and energy-efficient home improvements (energy.gov)
- Research on solar energy technologies and building daylighting (nrel.gov)
- Consumer safety information on home electrical and fire safety (cpsc.gov)
Related reading
- Top 7 DIY Off Grid Solar System Kits Compared for Homes (2026)
- Top 6 DIY Solar Landscape Lights Compared for Pathways and Gardens
- Top 5 DIY Mason Jar Solar Lights for Patios and Gardens
- Solar Panel Specifications for DIY Systems: What Each Number Means
- Solar Hot Water DIY: Build a Working System Step by Step
- Solar Hot Tub Heater DIY: How to Build One Step by Step
About Ethan Brooks
Ethan Brooks is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our DIY solar power systems guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
