Local Knowledge About Daylighting Fixtures

Daylighting means using daylight for indoor lighting. Modern buildings designed for daylighting typically use 40% to 60% less electricity for lighting needs than conventional buildings. Sunlight and daylight are free and readily accessible. However, using sunlight without causing glare and without overheating a building can be tricky. Glare can be avoided by using window sills, walls, louvers, reflective blinds, and other devices to reflect light deep into the building. Be careful to locate windows and skylights away from the sun's direct rays to avoid overheating. For example, placing skylights on the north slope of your roof rather than on the southern exposure may reduce heat transfer. In addition, look for windows with new selective glazings that transmit the most visible light while excluding the most solar heat.