Velux’s Fresh Air Skylight has a solar panel that captures available daylight to recharge a battery-powered operator and control system. No wiring is involved — it’s operated by a hand-held remote control — and the panel doesn’t need direct sunlight. An integrated rain sensor closes the skylight if it starts to rain, but can be overridden if the homeowner wants to keep it open. A 2-foot-by-3-foot unit costs $1,100 (not including the flashing kit) and is eligible for a 30% tax credit. It can be ordered with a factory-installed blind, in which case the skylight and blind will be preprogrammed to the same remote control.
Velux USA, 803/548-3589, veluxusa.com.
