Skylight installation costs $1,500–$4,500 per unit in the US, including the skylight and labor. Fixed skylights are cheapest at $500–$1,500 for the unit, while vented (operable) skylights cost $1,000–$3,000+. Installation labor runs $500–$2,000 depending on roof type and whether structural modifications are needed. VELUX and Fakro are the two dominant manufacturers.
Skylight installation costs $1,500–$4,500 per unit in the US, including the skylight and labor. Fixed skylights are cheapest at $500–$1,500 for the unit, while vented (operable) skylights cost $1,000–$3,000+. Installation labor runs $500–$2,000 depending on roof type and whether structural modifications are needed. VELUX and Fakro are the two dominant manufacturers.
Average skylight costs by type
| Skylight type | Unit + installation (USD) |
|---|---|
| Fixed skylight | $1,000–$2,500 |
| Vented/operable skylight | $1,500–$4,000 |
| Solar-powered vented skylight | $2,000–$4,500 |
| Tubular skylight (sun tunnel) | $500–$1,500 |
| Flat-roof skylight | $1,500–$3,500 |
| Custom or architectural skylight | $3,000–$10,000+ |
Sources: HomeAdvisor 2025 pricing, VELUX MSRP, Angi contractor data.
What affects the cost?
- Skylight type — fixed is cheapest, solar-powered vented is most expensive standard option
- Size — standard sizes (21×27 to 30×46 inches) cost less than custom dimensions
- Roof type — asphalt shingles are easiest; tile, metal, and flat roofs cost more to cut and flash
- Structural modifications — cutting through rafters requires a header, adding $500–$1,500
- Glazing options — triple-pane, laminated, or electrochromic glass adds $200–$1,000
- Interior finishing — light shaft construction from roof to ceiling adds $500–$2,000
Skylight installation costs in the United States
US homeowners pay $1,500–$4,500 per skylight installed. The most popular choice is the VELUX deck-mounted fixed skylight at $300–$600 for the unit plus $800–$1,500 for installation. Solar-powered vented models qualify for the federal 30% solar energy tax credit when they include solar blinds (saving $400–$800 on a typical installation). A tubular skylight (sun tunnel) is the budget option at $500–$1,000 installed — ideal for interior bathrooms and hallways.
Install skylights during a roof replacement when possible — the roofer is already on-site, and flashing can be integrated into the new roof. Standalone skylight installation requires a skilled roofer, not just a general contractor, to prevent leaks.
Skylight installation costs in Poland
In Poland, skylight (okno dachowe) installation costs PLN 1,500–5,000 per unit installed. Fakro (a Polish manufacturer) and VELUX dominate the market. A standard Fakro FTS-V pivot window costs PLN 800–1,500, with installation labor at PLN 600–1,500. Premium models with electric opening and rain sensors cost PLN 2,500–5,000. Polish building standards (PN-EN 14351-1) require specific thermal and wind resistance ratings based on climate zone.
Poland has one of the highest rates of pitched-roof skylight adoption in Europe, thanks to the widespread practice of converting attics (poddasze użytkowe) into living space. Installation during roof construction costs 30–40% less than retrofit.
Skylight installation costs in the Netherlands
Dutch skylight installation costs €1,500–€4,000 per unit installed. VELUX is the dominant brand. A standard GPU (top-hung) model costs €500–€1,200, with installation at €600–€1,500. Dutch building regulations (Bouwbesluit) require minimum daylight factors for habitable rooms, making skylights common in zolder (attic) conversions. Flat-roof skylights (lichtkoepels) for extensions cost €800–€2,500 installed.
Skylight installation costs in Spain
In Spain, skylight installation costs €800–€3,000 per unit installed. Labor rates are lower than Northern Europe at €400–€1,000 per skylight. VELUX and Roto are the main brands. Heat gain is a significant concern in Spain — look for solar-control glazing (cristal de control solar) with a g-value below 0.30 to prevent summer overheating. The CTE requires solar protection for skylights in climate zones C through E.
How to save on skylight installation
- Install during roof replacement — saves $300–$800 per skylight on labor
- Choose fixed over operable — fixed skylights cost 40–50% less and have fewer leak points
- Consider tubular skylights — at $500–$1,000 installed, they're the most affordable way to add natural light
- Claim tax credits — US solar-powered VELUX skylights qualify for the 30% federal solar tax credit
- Use standard sizes — custom dimensions cost 50–100% more than stock sizes
What affects the cost?
- Skylight type — fixed is cheapest, solar-powered vented is most expensive standard option
- Size — standard sizes (21×27 to 30×46 inches) cost less than custom dimensions
- Roof type — asphalt shingles are easiest; tile, metal, and flat roofs cost more to cut and flash
How to save on skylight installation
- Choose fixed over operable — fixed skylights cost 40–50% less and have fewer leak points
- Claim tax credits — US solar-powered VELUX skylights qualify for the 30% federal solar tax credit
- Use standard sizes — custom dimensions cost 50–100% more than stock sizes