Ever since I learned that fiber optic cables could be used for lighting, I have been fascinated with the idea that light could be brought anywhere into a building through tiny, plastic strands. I have been waiting patiently (for several years) to see a practical application of a optic fiber lighting system. None have been much more than accent lighting—twinkling stars on the ceiling, disco balls, and Christmas trees. Novelty lighting. I had all but given up on the idea that any manufacturer could come up with a way to employ the use of fiber optic cables to light the interior of a building. Until now.
About a week ago, a random email popped up in my inbox with the subject line “Parans | Bring the sun inside! The latest in daylighting technology.” (For more information, visit www.parans.com). The product showcased in the email was a promise that through the use of fiber optic cable technology, natural daylight could be brought into a building as light source comparable to any artificial light source. The system uses a special sun tracker with Fresnel lenses that are connected to special luminaires with fiber optic cabling. The system is built and sold in Sweden and now coming to market in the U.S.