Skylights & Solar Tubes in Gainesville, FL
Bring natural daylight into any room without adding heat. Solar tube skylights are an energy-efficient alternative to traditional skylights — installed by Godwin Green Roofing throughout Alachua County.
Skylight vs Solar Tube — What's the Difference?
Traditional skylights are glass or acrylic panels installed directly in the roof deck that allow natural light and, in some cases, ventilation. Solar tubes use a highly reflective tube to channel sunlight from a small roof-mounted dome into the living space below. Solar tubes require less structural modification, add virtually no heat gain, and can reach spaces that traditional skylights cannot — including interior rooms with no direct roof access.
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| Factor | Traditional Skylight | Solar Tube |
|---|---|---|
| Light Output | High | Moderate to high |
| Heat Gain | Moderate to high | Minimal |
| Structural Work Required | More extensive | Minimal |
| Rooms Served | Direct roof access only | Most rooms including interior |
| Ventilation Option | Available on some models | Not available |
| Installation Time | 1–2 days | 1 day |
| Best For | Living rooms, great rooms | Hallways, bathrooms, kitchens |
What Godwin Installs
Traditional Skylights
Fixed and venting skylight options for living rooms, great rooms, and spaces with direct roof access. Low-e glass glazing significantly reduces solar heat transmission compared to standard glass or acrylic — an important consideration for Florida's climate. Every installation is coordinated with the roofing system to ensure proper flashing and waterproofing.
Solar Tubes (Sun Tunnels)
Solar tubes can reach most rooms including interior spaces with no direct roof access. The roof-mounted dome is typically 10 to 14 inches in diameter and requires minimal structural modification. Particularly well-suited for hallways, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens where natural light is desirable but a traditional skylight is not practical.
Do Skylights Increase Heat in a Florida Home?
Traditional skylights do add heat gain in Florida's climate, particularly south- and west-facing installations that receive direct afternoon sun. The degree of heat gain depends on glazing type — low-e glass significantly reduces solar heat transmission compared to standard glass or acrylic. Solar tubes add minimal heat gain because the dome is small and the tube's reflective interior captures and redirects light rather than transmitting heat through a large glass panel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get a Free Skylight Estimate in Gainesville
Christopher Tenney personally handles every estimate. License CCC#1329478. No deposit required.
Godwin Green Roofing | Gainesville, FL | License CCC#1329478 | Updated June 2026