Daylighting provides several benefits: 1) use of energy for lighting can be reduced during daylight hours. 2) Natural lighting provides increased occupant satisfaction – a connection with the outside world. Energy efficient skylights will let in the desirable visible light, while blocking excess heat gain. As a more radical solution, some kind of "smart" skylight could be used. A smart skylight would open to allow natural light and solar heat gain during cold conditions, but block excess heat gain during the cooling season.
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