Illume Skylight vs Velux: Which One Suits Your Home Best

Choosing the right skylight can be confusing. If you’re comparing Illume skylight vs Velux or even solar tubes, you’re not alone. Each system has different benefits, costs, and limitations — but only one offers daylight-style lighting with zero roof penetration, no maintenance, and full flexibility for multi-storey or internal rooms.

At Sol Coast Construction, we’re certified Illume installers servicing the Sunshine Coast, and in this guide, we’ll break down how Illume compares to Velux skylights and solar tube systems — so you can make the best decision for your home or project. And decide Which One Suits Your Home Best.

What Is the Illume Skylight Alternative?

Illume is a solar-powered skylight alternative that mimics daylight using a roof-mounted solar panel connected to an indoor LED panel. Unlike traditional skylights, it:

•Doesn’t require cutting through your roof

•Uses only a 13mm cable hole

•Works in places traditional skylights can’t go

The result? Beautiful, natural-looking light without heat, UV, or the risks of leaks.

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Illume Skylight vs Velux vs Solar Tube: Comparison Table

Feature	Illume Skylight	Solar Tube	Velux Skylight
Roof penetration	No (13mm cable only)	Yes (shaft install)	Yes (roof cut-out)
Light source	LED daylight simulation	Real sunlight	Real sunlight
Works in multi-storey homes?	Yes	Rarely	Rarely
Ceiling cavity required?	No	Yes	Yes
Heat/UV inside?	None	Some	High
Electricity required?	Zero (solar powered)	Zero	Yes (for blinds, openers)
Maintenance	None	Clean diffusers	Clean glass regularly
Install time	Fast	Medium	Long, may need framing
Best for retrofits?	Yes	Limited	Only if cavity allows
Coastal durability	Excellent (aluminium)	Varies	Moderate (glass seal wear)

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Why Illume Is Ideal for Sunshine Coast Homes choosing between Illume Skylight vs Velux 

Living on the coast means you face unique challenges: salt air, intense sun, and sudden storms. Illume’s aluminium frame is rust-resistant, making it ideal for coastal conditions. Plus:

•No ducts or roof penetration means no risk of leaks

•No heat gain keeps your home cooler

•No internal shaft means you can light up bathrooms, hallways, closets, and stairs — even without roof access

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Zero Maintenance vs Ongoing Cleaning

Velux Skylights

•Require cleaning of glass panels, especially on sloped roofs

•May collect condensation or debris

•Need maintenance over time (seals, blinds, etc.)

Solar Tubes

•Use a diffuser that can yellow or collect dust

•Installation complexity increases in multi-level homes

Illume Skylights

•No glass to clean

•No moving parts

•No indoor or outdoor maintenance — ever

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Flexible Installation = More Possibilities

One of Illume’s biggest advantages is its flexibility:

•Can be installed in apartments, internal bathrooms, and multi-storey homes

•Requires only a 13mm hole in the roof — no framing or flashings

•In tiled roofs, the cable can be tucked under the tiles, maintaining your roof’s integrity

If you’ve been told “you can’t have a skylight there,” Illume is likely the answer.

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Perfect for Retrofitting and Renovations

Whether you’re doing a minor reno or just want to brighten up a hallway, Illume is quick to install with minimal disruption. Most installations are completed in a few hours, with no need for scaffolding or internal works.

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Certified Installer – Sol Coast Construction

As a certified Illume dealer and installer for the Sunshine Coast, we provide expert advice and professional installation across:

•Noosa

•Buderim

•Maroochydore

•Caloundra

•Gympie and surrounding suburbs

Our team can install a single light or a full system to suit your home’s layout.

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Still Deciding Between Illume Skylight vs Velux: Which One Suits Your Home Best

Here’s the bottom line:

•If you want a zero-maintenance, energy-efficient light source that can be installed anywhere — go with Illume

•If you’re building new and want a true open-sky view, and don’t mind the maintenance — Velux is a solid (but more expensive) choice

•If you have ceiling cavity access and a straight roof path — a solar tube may work, but it’s limited in placement and light consistency

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Let the Light In — The Smart Way

At Sol Coast Construction, we specialise in solutions that suit Queensland homes — durable, low-maintenance, and efficient.

Even if you’ve been told a skylight isn’t possible, Illume might surprise you.

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Call Sol Coast Construction today for a free consultation — or request a quote online.

We’ll help you find the right daylighting solution — with no pressure, just honest advice.