Do you need more light in your bathroom but can’t add windows or open up the roof? While skylights are a great solution, if your home has a roof that makes installing one tricky, then what do you do? Adam will look at an option that features the same ambience as a skylight without the problems you can get with traditional skylights.
Consider a light panel that is a solar-powered alternative and DIY friendly. It’s easy to install and doesn’t come with the issues associated with opening up the roof, like potential leakages. There’s also a dimming switch so you can turn the light on and off remotely and change the brightness.
How to create a skylight alternative
For you to note
- This product doesn’t provide natural light and is essentially a light fitting that operates via solar panel.
- It comes in different sizes and shapes. Measure up the area with a stud finder to choose which works best in the space between your ceiling framing.
- The solar collector is fitted onto the roof as close to the light panel as possible, in a north-facing position without potential shade during daylight hours. Wear a safety harness if you need to climb on the roof. • Here, it was installed on a metal roof. Check the manufacturer’s instructions to install on a tile roof.
- The cable from the solar collector is 9-10m. You may need to buy a longer one if components are further apart.
- Use a flexible flooring tongue, plastic-coated wire or spare cable to thread transfer cable through the roof. The brighter the colour, the easier it is to see.
- You can DIY the light panel or have it installed, visit illumeskylights.com.au.
Gather your supplies
- Illume light panel with supplied components and dimming switch
- Metal roofing screws with seals
- Saddle clips with nails
- Silicone sealant with applicator
You’ll also need
- Ladder
- Stud finder
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Hacksaw
- Adjustable spanner
- 4.5mm and 12.5mm bits
- Hex head socket bit
- Hammer
- Masking tape
- Utility knife
- Safety glasses
- Mask
Step 1
Use a stud finder to locate rafters, battens and obstructions in ceiling where the light panel will go, marking with a pencil and noting distance from an external wall. This is the approximate location for cable to come through the roof from solar collector.
Step 2
Use a hacksaw to cut the brackets for a metal roof. Secure with supplied nuts, bolts and washers, tightening with a spanner. Set up ladder on a solid surface.
Step 3
Position solar panel to sit on corrugated roof crests, not valleys. Use brackets to mark holes and predrill with 4.5mm bit. Install collector with 8 metal roofing screws using a hex head socket bit.
Step 4
Run transfer cable along roof fascia, hammering saddle clips with nails to hold. Use a 12.5mm bit to make a hole and thread transfer cable into roof cavity above intended light panel. Apply silicone to hole and roofing screws to prevent leaks. Alternatively, run transfer cable under ridge capping to avoid making a hole.
Step 5
Set up ladder on a stable surface. Tape supplied template on ceiling, avoiding the marked framing and obstructions. Outline with a pencil and remove.
Step 6
Wearing a mask and eye protection, make ceiling cutout with a sharp utility knife.
Step 7
Using the cutout, get familiar with how the spring clips of light panel grab onto plasterboard.
Step 8
Pull the transfer cable through the ceiling cutout, connect to the control module and light panel. The light will turn on if the sun is out.
Step 9
Ensuring no insulation is resting on the panel, hold it at an angle, then install one side into cutout by resting spring clips on plasterboard and depressing. Push the light panel fully into position. Set up the dimmer switch.
