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Q. I have an interior space where traditional daylighting methods would apply. I read an article from Oct 2008 that talked about remote source lighting using fiber optics. Are there any reasonable residential solutions?

—J.K., Burlingame, CA, USA

A. I don't have much experience with these systems. However, I do know that they use parabolic mirrors to collect sunlight and transmit it into the space via fiberoptic cables. The light is then introduced to the space via hybrid lighting fixtures that use the daylight when it is available and electric light when it is not. The advantage of this systems over more traditional skylights is that they can get daylight to area of the building not adjacent to the roof or walls.

My understanding is that these systems are rather expensive and not particularly wide spread. They make more sense on commercial buildings because the electric lighting required is coincident with the daylight being provided. In a residential setting, the electric lights are needed predominantly in the morning and evening when there isn't as much daylight to be used.

You could look into tubular daylight devices. These devices utilize reflective tubes to bounce the light deeper into the building, through attics and around corners. Please visit our directory of tubular device manufacturers.

—Scott Schuetter, PE, LEED GA
Energy Center of Wisconsin

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Scott Schuetter, PE, LEED GA
Energy Engineer




Tate Walker, AIA, LEED AP
Senior Energy Engineer


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