7-Star Energy Rated Skylights for Melbourne Homes
See how the skylight works together with roofing, insulation, windows, walls, floors, heating and cooling to support the thermal performance of the complete home.
Natural light should support the home—not weaken it
A skylight itself is not “7-star rated”. The complete home receives the NatHERS rating. The skylight’s size, glazing and position are inputs considered within that whole-home assessment.
Victoria’s 7-star standards make early product selection more important. A skylight is part of the roof and ceiling envelope, so an unsuitable product, excessive glazing area or poor shaft detail can become a thermal weak point.
That does not mean energy-conscious homes should avoid skylights. It means the daylight opening needs to be designed properly. A correctly selected glass skylight can reduce the need for artificial light, improve how internal rooms feel and—when opening models are used—help release warm air that collects near the ceiling.
For new homes and major alterations, the final product, size and specification should be checked by the project’s energy assessor, designer, builder or building surveyor. Central Skylights can assist with the practical side: suitable VELUX models, roof compatibility, flashing, positioning, controls and installation scope.
What the 7-star standard actually means
New Victorian homes generally need to meet a minimum 7-star NatHERS thermal-performance standard together with a Whole-of-Home energy-use budget.
Building shell
The thermal assessment considers the roof, ceilings, walls, floors, windows, external doors, glazing, insulation, air movement and other parts of the building envelope.
Orientation and shading
Where glazing faces, the amount of sun it receives and the available shading can influence heat gain, glare and seasonal comfort.
Whole of Home
The broader standard also considers fixed services such as heating, cooling, hot water and lighting, with potential offsets from rooftop solar.
Do not select a skylight from appearance alone
For assessed building work, confirm the proposed model, size and glazing values with the energy assessor before ordering. Substituting a different size or product later may require the assessment to be reviewed.
Two numbers worth knowing
You do not need to become an energy assessor, but understanding U-value and SHGC helps you ask better questions.
Light, insulation and solar control must be balanced
How readily heat passes through
A lower U-value generally indicates better insulating performance. For a roof opening in Melbourne, that matters during cold nights and periods when the home is being heated.
Think of it as: the skylight’s resistance to becoming an easy pathway for heat transfer.
How much solar heat enters
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient describes the proportion of solar heat passing through the product. The preferred value depends on the climate, orientation, shading and building design.
Think of it as: how strongly the glazing allows the sun to warm the room.
Why high-performance glass is different from an old acrylic dome
The difference is not merely a more modern appearance. Glass construction, sealed glazing and solar-control features can materially improve comfort, clarity and long-term performance.
Double glazing
Two panes with a sealed cavity help reduce heat transfer compared with a basic single-skin plastic dome.
Low-E coating
A low-emissivity coating helps manage radiant heat transfer while maintaining useful natural light.
Argon gas fill
Argon between the panes supports the insulating performance of the glazing unit.
Laminated inner pane
The laminated internal glass contributes to safety and can improve acoustic comfort compared with thin plastic.
UV control
Modern glazing helps reduce the ultraviolet exposure that can contribute to fading of furnishings and flooring.
Purpose-built flashing
Thermal performance is only useful when the skylight is correctly integrated with the roof and water is managed properly.
Old acrylic dome versus modern VELUX glass skylight
| Consideration | Older acrylic or plastic dome | Modern VELUX glass skylight |
|---|---|---|
| Thermal construction | Often a thin plastic shell with limited insulation | High-performance glazing designed to control heat transfer |
| Summer comfort | Can admit strong overhead heat with little control | Glazing, correct sizing and optional blinds help manage heat and glare |
| Winter comfort | May form a weak thermal point in the ceiling and roof | Double glazing provides a more insulating roof opening |
| Rain and hail noise | Thin plastic may amplify impact noise | Laminated glass can provide improved acoustic comfort |
| Ageing | Can yellow, craze, become brittle or warp | Glass and aluminium provide a clean, durable finish |
| Light quality | Clouding and ageing can reduce clarity | Clearer, controlled natural light |
| Controls | Usually fixed with no integrated heat or ventilation control | Fixed, opening, solar, electric and blind options available |
Fixed, manual, solar or electric?
The most energy-conscious choice is not always the most complicated model. It is the model that suits how the room needs to work.
Fixed skylights
A strong choice for hallways, living rooms, walk-in robes and spaces where ventilation is already adequate.
View pitched-roof fixed skylights →View flat-roof fixed skylights →
Manual opening
Useful where occasional natural ventilation is wanted and the skylight is within practical operating reach.
Browse opening skylights →Solar or electric
Ideal for high ceilings, kitchens, bathrooms and upstairs spaces where remote operation, airflow and rain-sensor convenience matter.
View solar skylights →View electric skylights →
Blinds are a practical control—not merely decoration
A correctly selected blind can help manage bright overhead light, privacy and summer comfort, especially on roof areas receiving strong sun.
- Useful for bedrooms and home offices
- Helps reduce glare on screens and benches
- Gives the homeowner control as seasons change
- Solar-powered options avoid difficult electrical wiring
- Worth considering before installation, not after discomfort begins
Control the room throughout the day
A practical skylight assessment
We look beyond the product brochure. The room, ceiling, roof, orientation and proposed installation all affect the recommendation.
Desired daylight, room use, ventilation need and glare sensitivity.
Shaft location, depth, framing direction, ducts and possible obstructions.
Roof profile, pitch, orientation, access, water flow and flashing method.
Suitable model, size, controls, blind and installation arrangement.
Where energy-smart skylights work especially well
Seven decisions that influence the result
These factors should be considered together rather than one at a time.
Roof type
Tile, corrugated metal, Klip-Lok and flat roofs need different flashing and installation solutions.
Roof pitch
The selected model and flashing must suit the actual pitch and drainage conditions.
Orientation
North- and west-facing roof areas may need more attention to sizing and blind control.
Skylight size
Oversizing can create unnecessary heat or glare; undersizing can disappoint on daylight.
Opening or fixed
Choose ventilation only where it provides a real benefit to the room.
Shaft design
The shaft shape and insulation influence light spread, appearance and internal comfort.
Energy assessment
For assessed work, confirm product values and dimensions with the project energy assessor.
7-star skylight FAQs
Can a skylight itself have a 7-star energy rating?
No. The NatHERS star rating applies to the home as a complete design. A skylight contributes product-specific performance data, glazing area and orientation to the overall assessment.
Are skylights allowed in a 7-star home?
Yes. Skylights can be included, but their size, glazing performance, orientation and number should be considered within the whole-home energy assessment. Early coordination is much easier than changing the design after approval.
Is a lower U-value always better?
A lower U-value generally indicates better insulation. However, the best overall product still depends on solar heat gain, orientation, room use, size and the assessor’s modelling.
Should every energy-efficient skylight have a blind?
Not necessarily. A blind is especially useful where the roof receives strong sun, the room needs darkness or glare control is important. Correct sizing and orientation remain essential.
Do opening skylights improve energy efficiency?
They can improve comfort by helping release warm air and moisture, particularly in kitchens, bathrooms, stairwells and upper floors. Their contribution depends on how the home is designed and operated.
Can an old acrylic dome be replaced with glass?
Often, yes. The existing opening, roof type, kerb, pitch and internal shaft need to be assessed so the replacement and flashing can be planned correctly.
Does Central Skylights provide the NatHERS assessment?
We provide skylight product and installation guidance. The formal energy assessment must be completed or updated by the project’s qualified energy assessor. We can help identify suitable VELUX options for them to assess.
Are there direct VEU rebates for skylights?
Skylight units are not generally treated as a standard direct VEU rebate item. Programs and eligibility can change, so check current Victorian Government information before relying on a rebate.
Planning a skylight for a new home or renovation?
Let our team assess the room, ceiling and roof, explain practical VELUX options, and help you prepare the right information for your builder or energy assessor.
Related skylight guides
General information only. Building and energy requirements vary by project and may change. Confirm compliance, product specifications and final NatHERS inputs with your builder, designer, building surveyor and accredited energy assessor before ordering or construction.