What is Solar Hybrid Lighting?

The company Sunlight Direct has begun testing “solar hybrid lighting”. What is solar hybrid lighting? During the day, sunlight is captured and channeled into lighting fixtures, then at night, the fluorescent bulb takes over. On the roof, light is captured using a large dish that tracks the sun.

There is even a psychological benefit, according to Kostas Papamichael. “We know that people like daylight,” he said. “We know that daylight gives the best color rendering. It links us to the environment and satisfies biological needs that we have. Not necessarily at the level that you get it from a window — and, next to it, by a skylight — but some connection to the exterior for sure.”

The lighting system is already employed in occasional buildings in Tennessee, but a home version will be available next year.