Velux, Solatube, Fakro and LiteLite Compared
Sun tunnels (also called tubular skylights or daylight tubes) are available from several manufacturers in the UK, each offering different levels of brightness, durability, cost and roof compatibility. Choosing the right brand can improve daylight performance, reduce condensation issues and make installation easier for your roofer.
This extended guide compares the most popular brands in the UK: Velux, Solatube, Fakro and LiteLite. It also explains where to buy them, how they differ and which products work best for specific situations such as flat roofs, crowded loft spaces or long tube runs.
Velux Sun Tunnels (UK Market Leader)
Velux is the most widely used brand of sun tunnels in the UK. They are known for consistent build quality, reliable flashing kits and broad installer familiarity.
Features and strengths
- Available for both pitched and flat roofs
- Well-developed flashing kits for tile, slate and flat roof membranes
- Easy installation due to well-designed components
- Many UK roofers are already familiar with Velux systems
- Good long-term availability of replacement parts
Best applications
- Standard domestic roofs
- Bathrooms, hallways, loft landings
- Homes where the installer prefers a familiar system
Price range (installed)
£800 to £1,800
Where to buy Velux sun tunnels
Velux is stocked by almost every DIY and builder supplier in the UK, including:
- Screwfix
- Wickes
- Travis Perkins
- Jewson
- Selco
- Toolstation
- Roofing Superstore
- Amazon UK
- Velux UK direct store
Replacement diffusers, flashing kits and tubes are widely available, making Velux a safe long-term investment.
Solatube Daylighting Systems (Premium Performance)
Solatube is considered the top-performing sun tunnel brand in the UK for brightness and efficiency. Their reflective tube technology delivers excellent light levels even on cloudy days.
Features and strengths
- Very high reflectivity (one of the best in the world)
- Excellent choice for long or curved tube routes
- Superior condensation control kits
- High-quality flat roof systems
- Wide range of diffuser styles
Best applications
- Flat roof extensions
- Deep tube runs through lofts
- Dark kitchens and internal bathrooms
- Homes needing the maximum possible brightness
Price range (installed)
£1,200 to £2,500+
Where to buy Solatube sun tunnels
Solatube is less common in general DIY stores, but you can purchase through:
- Solatube UK distributors
- Roofing Superstore
- Specialist daylight system retailers
- Professional installers (many supply directly)
Solatube tends to be installer-led rather than DIY-shop-led due to its premium performance and specialist kits.
Fakro Sun Tunnels (Great Value for Money)
Fakro is a respected mid-range brand that offers good brightness, reliable flashing kits and affordability. Many UK installers consider Fakro a strong alternative to Velux.
Features and strengths
- Strong cost-to-performance ratio
- Good-quality semi-rigid and rigid tubes
- Reliable tile and slate flashing systems
- Easier on the budget than Velux or Solatube
- Suitable for both pitched and some flat roofs
Best applications
- Standard pitched roofs
- Budget-conscious homeowners seeking quality
- Short to medium tube lengths
Price range (installed)
£700 to £1,500
Where to buy Fakro sun tunnels
Fakro is available from many nationwide suppliers, including:
- Screwfix
- Roofing Megastore
- Roofing Superstore
- Travis Perkins
- Selco
- Amazon UK
- Various independent roofing merchants
Spare parts are also widely stocked, which makes Fakro a practical choice in the long term.
LiteLite Sun Tunnels (Affordable Option)
LiteLite provides budget-friendly sun tunnels that offer reliable performance for most standard installations. They are commonly used in small or medium-sized domestic projects.
Features and strengths
- Low purchase cost
- Lightweight construction
- Easy installation
- Good for short distances between roof and ceiling
Best applications
- Small rooms (bathrooms, utilities, hallways)
- Homes with short, simple loft runs
- Projects with a budget under £1,000
Price range (installed)
£600 to £1,200
Where to buy LiteLite sun tunnels
LiteLite is widely sold through:
- Roofing Superstore
- Roofing Megastore
- B&Q (selected stores and online)
- eBay UK
- Amazon UK
LiteLite is less common in trade counters like Travis Perkins or Jewson but widely stocked online.
Brand Comparison Table
| Brand | Light Output | Price Range Installed | Loft Flexibility | Roof Compatibility | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solatube | Very high | £1,200–£2,500+ | Excellent | Pitched & flat | Maximum brightness |
| Velux | High | £800–£1,800 | Very good | Pitched & flat | All-round reliability |
| Fakro | Medium-high | £700–£1,500 | Good | Mainly pitched | Budget-conscious quality |
| LiteLite | Medium | £600–£1,200 | Good | Pitched roofs | Simple domestic installs |
Which brand is best for your home?
Choose Solatube if
- You want maximum brightness
- You have a long or awkward loft route
- The installation is on a flat roof
Choose Velux if
- You want a reliable, widely supported product
- You want easy access to spare parts
- You’re fitting to a typical pitched or slate roof
Choose Fakro if
- You’re balancing budget and quality
- You want reliable performance without a premium price
- Your roof is straightforward and accessible
Choose LiteLite if
- You want the cheapest effective solution
- Loft space is tight but the run is short
- The room is small and doesn’t need a high-lumen output
Where to buy sun tunnels in the UK: Summary
| Store Type | Common Brands Available |
|---|---|
| Screwfix | Velux, Fakro |
| Wickes | Velux (varies) |
| Travis Perkins | Velux, Fakro |
| Jewson | Velux |
| Toolstation | Velux |
| Roofing Superstore | Velux, Solatube, Fakro, LiteLite |
| Roofing Megastore | Fakro, LiteLite |
| B&Q | LiteLite, Velux (online variants) |
| Amazon UK | All brands in various listings |
| Installer-direct | Solatube, Velux, Fakro |
Roofing Superstore currently offers the broadest brand range.
Get free quotes for fitting any sun tunnel brand
Tell us which brand you’re considering and receive up to four free quotes from vetted roofing installers. All specialists are trained in fitting Velux, Solatube, Fakro and LiteLite systems on flat and pitched roofs.
FAQs
Which brand gives the brightest daylight?
Solatube is generally the brightest due to its advanced reflective technology, especially on long tube runs.
Which brand is the easiest to install?
Velux is often the easiest because many UK roofers work with Velux flashing kits regularly.
Are budget brands like LiteLite reliable?
Yes. LiteLite works well for simple, short-distance installations, though not as bright as Velux or Solatube.
Which brand is best for flat roofs?
Solatube and Velux both offer effective flat roof systems with strong waterproofing.
Can all brands be bought in DIY shops?
Velux and Fakro are widely available. Solatube and LiteLite are easier to source online or through specialist retailers.