--- title: "Natural Lighting for Pole Barns: Three Types of Eave Lites" description: Discover how eave lites brighten pole barns with natural light. A smart, energy-saving upgrade for farm shops, barns, and hobby garages. --- [The FBi Blog ](https://info.fbibuildings.com/blog) # [Natural Lighting for Pole Barns: Three Types of Eave Lites](https://info.fbibuildings.com/blog/eave-lites) Written by [Nettie Grubb](https://info.fbibuildings.com/blog/author/nettie-grubb) | May 5, 2025 5:00:00 PM When planning your post-frame building, you’ve probably considered adding skylights or overhead lighting. But have you considered **eave lites**? Eave lites are translucent panels installed just beneath the roof overhangs of a pole barn. They allow natural light to enter the structure without electrical lighting, creating a brighter, more open space. In this blog, we’ll discuss the **benefits and drawbacks**, explore **your three main style options**, and cover **common use cases** in post-frame construction. **** **What Are Eave Lites?** Eave lites are 24" wide polycarbonate panels mounted beneath the sidewall overhangs of a pole barn—usually running the full length of the building. Priced at **$14 per foot**, they provide a sleek, functional solution for bringing natural light into your space. Built to withstand extreme temperatures—from**** -40°F to 212°F—****these panels are engineered for durability and backed by a ****10-year manufacturer warranty. ****They’re an ideal option for enhancing visibility while maintaining structural integrity.**** **** ## **✅ Pros of Eave Lites** - Introduce abundant **natural daylight** - Eliminate the dark, “cave-like” feel - **Reduce energy costs**, especially on south-facing walls - No fading or discoloration over time - Designed for **extreme temperature resistance** - Backed by a **10-year warranty**   ## **❌ Cons of Eave Lites** - Not ideal for **insulated or climate-controlled spaces** - Clear panels may reveal interior framing (girts, columns, headers, etc.) ## **3 Eave Lite Options** ## Here’s a quick breakdown of the available styles so you can choose the best fit for your building's needs: ### **Clear** - **100% transparent** - Maximum light transmission - Ideal for **machine sheds and workshops** **  ****** ### **White** - **85% translucent** - Soft, diffused lighting - Best for **barns and garages** where even light is preferred   **Opal** - **45% translucent** - Provides **shade and UV protection** - Perfect for **sunny areas** or heat-sensitive spaces     💡 **In addition to color, consider the size of your eave lites.** While most people choose the standard 24" panels, we’ve also installed 36" and even 48" for projects where extra natural light is desired. ******36” ********48”** **Which Eave Lite Is Best for You?** Eave lites are most commonly used in pole buildings to enhance visibility without relying on artificial lighting. Here’s how they’re typically applied: ### **** ### **🚜 For Agriculture** Farmers can use eave lites in [**cold storage buildings**](https://www.fbibuildings.com/farm-buildings/cold-storage?_gl=1*1esjjdp*_gcl_aw*R0NMLjE3NDM2MTg0MjMuQ2p3S0NBand3TE9fQmhCMkVpd0F4MmUtMzRqWlJwcUxhVW52TzZSa0pQMkpWdE1vWm9QNmx0bGl1UjhIR3dwT1BVNnozWWhKR3JkdjJob0NuallRQXZEX0J3RQ..*_gcl_au*NDczODc4MjkuMTc0MDQ5ODczMw..) and [**farm shops**](https://www.fbibuildings.com/farm-buildings) to add daylight without increasing electrical costs. ### ** 🐴 For Equine Facilities** Natural light is great for horses! Eave lites are a smart option for** riding arenas** and [**stall barns**,](https://www.fbibuildings.com/horse-barns) helping you save on energy while improving the space for your animals. ### **🏡 For Hobbyists & Homeowners** From [**hobby barns**](https://www.fbibuildings.com/residential-buildings) and post-frame garages to [**commercial storage facilities**](https://www.fbibuildings.com/commercial-buildings), eave lites offer affordable daylighting where you need it most. 💡 **Note**: Eave lites are not thermally rated, so they are not recommended in** **[**insulated barndominiums**](https://www.fbibuildings.com/barndominiums)** or heated pole barns**. Consider using windows placed higher on the wall for those applications. ** ** ## **Which Eave Lite Option Will You Choose?** Eave lites offer a cost-effective, attractive way to brighten your post-frame building. Whether you're building a farm shop, horse barn, or hobby garage, these panels are a smart investment that pays off in lower energy costs and a more enjoyable space. [**Request a free quote**](https://www.fbibuildings.com/request-a-quote) if you’re ready to take the next step and incorporate eave lites into your post-frame project. ** ** *Have more questions about the cost of a barndominium with a shop Please contact FBi Buildings at ***1.800.552.2981** *or* [click here to email us](mailto:info@fbibuildings.com)*.* *If you are ready to get a price, *[click here to request a quote](https://www.fbibuildings.com/request-a-quote?__hstc=45788219.3e3daea54dc9ab417be6e578bc4daa8a.1668443361091.1668443361091.1668443361091.1&__hssc=45788219.1.1668443361092&__hsfp=2442824485)* and a member of our sales team will call you.* [View full post](https://info.fbibuildings.com/blog/eave-lites) ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Nettie Grubb" }, "dateModified" : "2025-05-05T17:00:00.980Z", "datePublished" : "2025-05-05T17:00:00Z", "headline" : "Natural Lighting for Pole Barns: Three Types of Eave Lites", "image" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "height" : 566, "url" : "https://info.fbibuildings.com/hubfs/FBi%20Blog-Eave%20Lite.jpeg", "width" : 1080 }, "mainEntityOfPage" : "https://info.fbibuildings.com/blog/eave-lites", "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "height" : 60, "url" : "/hs/hsstatic/content_shared_assets/static-1.4092/img/default-amp-logo.png", "width" : 60 }, "name" : "The FBi Blog" } } ```