08
Dec

Why Central Florida Homeowners Trust VELUX Skylights (and How to Save with the Solar Tax Credit)

When you live in Central Florida, sunlight isn’t just something you see outside your window. It’s a resource you can bring indoors to make your home brighter, more comfortable, and more energy-efficient. That’s precisely why so many homeowners prefer VELUX skylight installation.

They offer year-round comfort, help reduce energy costs, and even qualify for federal tax savings when you choose certain solar-powered skylights. With energy efficiency, indoor comfort, and long-term savings topping the list of homeowner priorities today, the solar tax credit makes this a brilliant moment to upgrade your home.

VELUX Skylights Are Designed to Withstand Central Florida’s Weather Conditions

When you picture adding a skylight in Florida, you probably think about heat, intense UV rays, and stormy weather.

That’s why VELUX designs its skylights to withstand harsh conditions, using glass that resists warping and sun damage while maintaining clarity and energy performance. Many models include impact-rated, laminated glass for hurricane protection, along with leak-resistant installation systems made for sudden downpours.

Ventilation is another big benefit, since venting models help release hot, humid air that collects near the ceiling. In a climate where moisture and heat build quickly, VELUX skylights make your home feel cooler, fresher, and far more comfortable year-round.

Energy-Efficient Skylights That Improve Indoor Comfort Year-Round

VELUX offers several types of skylights designed to improve comfort, control light, and help regulate your home’s temperature. Each style brings its own energy-saving advantages while enhancing the feel and function of your living space.

  1. Fixed Skylights: Fixed skylights bring in steady, abundant natural light without opening, making them ideal for rooms that need brightening but not ventilation. Their sealed design enhances energy efficiency by minimizing air leakage and maintaining interior temperatures—one of the key ways skylights improve your home’s energy efficiency.
  2. Manual Venting Skylights: These skylights can be opened by hand to release hot, humid, or stale air from your living space. They’re perfect for kitchens and bathrooms where quick ventilation helps reduce moisture buildup and improve indoor comfort.
  3. Solar-Powered Venting Skylights: Solar-powered skylights open and close using free solar energy, offering effortless ventilation with no wiring required. They automatically respond to indoor conditions, helping regulate temperature and humidity throughout the year.
  4. Electric Venting Skylights: Electric models operate at the push of a button, giving you easy airflow control in hard-to-reach areas like high ceilings or lofts. They help exhaust rising warm air and bring in fresh air, reducing dependence on your HVAC system.
  5. Sun Tunnels: Sun tunnels channel daylight through a reflective tube, making them an excellent option for interior rooms or hallways where traditional skylights won’t fit. They deliver bright, energy-saving light while taking up minimal roof space.

Key Differences Between VELUX and Other Skylight Brands

Skylights may look similar from the outside, but the real differences show up in quality, performance, and long-term durability. VELUX consistently outperforms many other brands because of the materials and engineering behind every unit.

    • Superior Materials and Construction: VELUX skylights use wood and aluminum cladding, paired with impact-resistant glass that withstands heat, storms, and UV exposure. Many lower-cost brands still rely on acrylic domes or thin glass, which age quickly in hot climates.
    • High-Level Energy Performance: VELUX glazing is engineered to meet or exceed national efficiency standards, helping regulate indoor temperatures throughout the year. Competing brands often fall short in insulation quality, leading to heat gain and higher electricity bills.
    • Unmatched Warranty Protection: VELUX backs its products with a No Leak Warranty that covers installation, glass, and performance. Most other brands offer limited warranties that don’t provide the same peace of mind or long-term security.
    • Advanced Solar-Powered Technology Options: VELUX offers solar-powered models that open and close automatically using sunlight and built-in sensors. Many brands rely mainly on manual or basic electric versions, which lack the same energy-saving and convenience features.
    • Better Noise Reduction and UV Protection: VELUX skylights are engineered to reduce outdoor noise and block harmful UV rays that can fade furniture and flooring. Lower-tier options often lack this level of protection, making interiors noisier and less energy efficient.

How the Federal Solar Tax Credit Applies to VELUX Skylights

One of the biggest advantages of choosing VELUX is that specific models qualify for the Federal Solar Tax Credit (also known as the Residential Clean Energy Credit). How Central Florida homeowners benefit from solar tax credits becomes clear when considering these models, which offer both energy efficiency and meaningful savings.

Originally introduced under the Energy Policy Act of 2005, the credit was meant to encourage homeowners to invest in solar technologies. In addition to solar panels, the credit now includes solar-powered VELUX skylights and solar-powered blinds.

The credit allows you to deduct a percentage of your skylight system’s total cost—product plus installation—from your federal tax return. Projects completed between 2020 and 2022 qualify for a 26 percent credit, while projects completed in 2023 and beyond qualify for a 22 percent credit.

Today, in 2025, claiming the credit is straightforward. You keep your receipts, obtain the Manufacturer’s Certification Statement, and file IRS Form 5695 when you do your taxes. The credit either reduces the amount you owe or increases your refund. You won’t receive cash directly, but it acts as a powerful offset during tax season.

What to Expect During the Skylight Installation Process

Once you decide to install a skylight, the process moves smoothly from consultation to completion. A professional skylight contractor in Orlando, or a certified VELUX skylight installer, evaluates your roof type, ceiling structure, and room layout to determine the best placement for your skylight.

VELUX skylights are compatible with most roofing systems, including shingles, metal, and tile, which makes them suitable for a wide range of Central Florida skylight projects. The installation itself typically includes cutting an opening in the roof, preparing the light shaft, installing the skylight and flashing system, sealing the area for weather protection, and finishing the interior.

Many installations are completed in a day, although more complex configurations may take a little longer. If you’re replacing your roof soon, this is the ideal time to add skylights because it reduces labor costs and ensures the system integrates seamlessly.

Note: VELUX skylights can be installed on most homes, often within a short project timeline, especially when paired with roof replacement.

How to Maintain VELUX Skylights and the Expected Lifespan

VELUX skylights are designed to stay efficient and reliable with very little upkeep, making them an easy long-term upgrade for any home. With simple cleaning and routine checks, you can keep them performing well for decades.

    1. Routine Glass Cleaning. Wiping down the glass a few times a year helps maintain clarity and strong light transmission. This prevents dirt, pollen, and debris from dulling the daylight coming into your home.
    2. Inspecting Flashing and Seals. A quick visual check of the flashing and seals helps ensure everything stays watertight. Keeping these components in good shape prevents leaks and protects your roof structure.
    3. Maintaining Venting Components. Venting skylights benefit from a check of hinges and moving parts to ensure smooth operation. A light cleaning or lubrication, when needed, helps them open and close effortlessly.
    4. Caring for Solar-Powered Units. Solar-powered skylights require only occasional cleaning of the exterior solar panel to ensure it absorbs sunlight effectively. As long as the panel stays clear, the skylight can operate automatically without any extra effort from you.
    5. Lifespan and Warranty Support. Most VELUX skylights last between 20 and 30 years, thanks to durable materials and weather-resistant engineering. Their warranties cover installation leaks, glass seal failures, and product defects, providing long-term peace of mind.

Note: VELUX skylights are designed for low maintenance and long-term durability, with warranties that back their performance.

How to Know if Installing a Skylight Is the Right Choice for Your Home

Not every home or room is equally suited for a skylight, so evaluating your layout is essential. Rooms with limited wall space, high ceilings, or interior locations far from exterior walls benefit most from overhead daylight. Roof pitch also plays a role, since different skylight models are compatible with specific angles to ensure proper drainage and performance.

Orientation matters, too. South-facing skylights bring in the most light, while north-facing ones offer softer, more even illumination. Your installer can help you choose the placement that balances brightness and energy savings. In rare cases, structural limitations or low-pitch roofs may make a skylight less ideal, but tubular sun tunnels are often an excellent alternative.

Brighten Your Home with Clear-Vue Skylights

Transform your living space with expertly installed VELUX skylights from Clear-Vue Skylights. Our team delivers reliable, energy-efficient daylighting solutions tailored to Central Florida homes. Contact us today and bring more natural light into your home.