Retractable Skylights

Retractable Skylights open up for maximum fresh air, circulation, and unmatched views. While single slope or double pitch configurations are the most common, retractable skylights can be designed in a wide variety of custom configurations as well. Typically ranging in size from 3′ x 3′ to 9′ x 9′, Solar Innovations^®’ Retractable Skylights can be enlarged and altered, depending on pitch, size, and design requirements to meet almost any structural or aesthetic need. Retractable Skylights offer a bold statement for any residential or commercial application, and can be installed in a traditional construction roof, an existing glass structure, or designed as part of a Solar Innovations^® structure, such as pool houses, pool enclosures, greenhouses, sunrooms, or conservatories. Screens are often added to retractable skylights to prevent insects from entering the building.

Residential Retractable Skylights

Retractable Skylights offer a unique and dramatic element that can be incorporated into any home. Providing both beneficial daylight and increased ventilation, skylights are believed to improve the health and productivity of occupants. The wide range of motorization control options, including wireless remotes, allow Retractable Skylights to blend seamlessly into the design of a residence.

Residential Greenhouses and Pool Enclosures are common applications for Retractable Skylights. When incorporated into a glazed or traditional material structure, Retractable Skylights serve a dual purpose of aesthetically pleasing skylight and operable venting system.

Commercial Retractable Skylights

Retractable Skylights can benefit any commercial environment by providing a unique customer experience. Natural daylight, fresh air, and circulation are all beneficial to occupants, providing a more positive environment. Offices with natural light show increased productivity and well-being of employees. Retail stores can use skylights to highlight products in a clean, bright setting, and restaurants offer a unique dining experience with Retractable Skylights that customers will keep coming back for.

Thermally Enhanced

The thermal break separates the aluminum and minimizes conductivity of heat and cold from the inside to the outside to ensure a structure’s interior remains comfortable at any time of year.

Custom Engineered

Each Solar Innovations system is custom made to order based on your project needs and preferences. Our team of engineering experts has you covered.

Sustainable Products

Solar’s products are manufactured with outstanding thermal performance, durable framework, and sustainable materials making it a great option for your next project.

Retractable Skylight Evolution

Retractable Skylights are a relatively new product. In the past, glazing and fenestration companies typically provided ridge or eave vents to facilitate circulation within a structure, and there were no options for existing structures that offered as much ventilation as Retractable Skylights. The first Retractable Skylights were constructed from lightweight polycarbonate, as the frames were unable to support the weight of glass. They were unable to be added to pool enclosures due to the condensation and humidity levels of those environments.

Solar Innovations^® has created a superior system which is thermally enhanced, limiting environmental temperature transfers, and is now able to utilize high performance insulated glass to control air and moisture effectively. Aluminum frames offer an energy efficient alternative to the previously used non-insulated materials, and allow the product to be used in pool enclosures. Through our skylight evolution, Solar Innovations^® is now able to provide fully operable skylights in glass options to meet the specifications of the customer. Retractable Skylights provide clear, unobstructed views and increased airflow for any glass or conservatory structure.

Custom Options

Retractable Skylights offer a myriad of customization options: size, color, and control systems, all of which can be designed to suit the customer’s needs. Customers are able to add several features to their retractable skylights, including screens for insect control, rain sensors to automatically close the skylights if inclement weather is detected, or wireless remote control systems for the convenience of the owner. Up to four independent skylights can be controlled by one wireless or hardwired remote control unit.

As with each of our products, we are able to provide one of the largest customization ranges in the industry. Standard, designer, and custom match finishes are available, including paint and anodized options. Dual color or dual finish options are possible. In addition, several custom cladding options of Copper, Brushed Stainless Steel, and Simulated Lead Coated Copper are available. Decorative options, such as ridge cresting, finials, and moldings can be incorporated into skylights. Solar Innovations^® offers glass, polycarbonate, and acrylic options in several tints to satisfy numerous aesthetic pallets.

Rain Sensors

Rain sensors are a common retractable skylight accessory; when it begins to rain, a sensor detects the moisture and automatically closes the skylight. The multistage retractable skylight is motorized, utilizing a built-in motor and electronic breaks, which prevents the skylight from sliding backwards once the unit is closed.

Multi-Panel Retractable Skylights

Multi-panel Retractable Skylights by Solar Innovations^® can be incorporated into roofs to allow fresh air into a room. A multi-panel Retractable Skylight system consists of multiple bays; beginning at the base, the skylight retracts upwards and stacks each glass panel atop one another. Because of this function, these skylights are also often referred to as telescoping skylights. When open, the skylight provides a large unobstructed opening.

Rooftop Access

Retractable Skylights can provide rooftop access as an alternative to bulky hatches or solid doors. While acting as an entrance to a rooftop or upper porch, the skylight also provides daylight to lower levels of the home or business even when closed. Rooftop access can be an important part of meeting building and egress codes. Our knowledgeable experts can help guide you through the process of ensuring a design is up to current building codes.

WindowMaster Compatible

Many Solar Innovations operable glazing systems are compatible with WindowMaster motors. These units can be linked to smart home and building automation systems and are built for excellent performance over the life of the product. Click here for more information.