That’s a lot of wonderful and useful info, @t_h_wyman. Thanks for taking the time to respond with so much specificity. I know I wasn’t the OP (thanks, Heather!) but this is helpful for lots of folks. I know I’ll bookmark it for that future reptile room I hope to build after we move.
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No worries! I love to info dump when there is something I can contribute to 
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Hello all! I’m resurrecting this topic with the hope of starting this project soon.
As I’ve done more research and reflection on all the ins and outs of this, I’ve come to the conclusion that a radiant heat panel may be the best option for me. I love the idea of using lights in the tank but this would also mean I’d need a heat source at night and probably additional probes/timers to keep it all in sync. I’d rather go the simple route in terms of wiring and heat sources needed, and the tanks will have access to natural light (though not in the direct natural light as I’m sure this would make temps fluctuate depending on the time of day).
With this update in mind, I’ve got some a new question I’m hoping someone here can help answer for me. I’ve watched several videos so I’ve got a good basic idea of how it should be installed, but I’ve got one issue I can’t quite figure out. Most of the PVC enclosures that I’ve researched have mesh lids instead of solid ones. Can I still use a radiant heat panel with a mesh lid? Should I mount it on the side instead or could a mesh lid hold the weight?
Thank you in advance!
Is there a reason you prefer the mesh lid over a complete PVC unit?
I’d prefer a solid lid but, from what I’ve found, the solid lid PVCs have been quite a bit more expensive so I’m trying to weigh the options before making a purchase.
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Ok that’s what I thought maybe was the case. Unfortunately I can’t help you with suggestions. However when I had boas they were all in full pvc enclosures and they held in heat and humidity extremely well. Unless someone comes up with a sure fire solution to your problem it might end up costing you just as much or more than a complete PVC.
Hopefully someone will come along with some excellent ideas! 
Best of luck to you!
You can get a piece of 1/8" acrylic to cover the screen top enclosures. Easier way to have options for you if you change your mind later, and decide to go with on top shrouds.
Editing to add more…
You can definitely use radiant heat panels attached to screen lids. They’ll hold fine as long as it’s not flimsy screen.
As far as going with rhp and lighting in combination, it’s a good combo. You won’t need multiple thermostats, as the rhp will be the only heat source you’ll need, and any residual heat lighting provides while on, will impact the probe as well resulting in the panel producing less heat itself.
Thank you!! I had no clue the price point would change so much based on the lid type, but apparently, it’s a big factor. If it was just one snake, that would be one thing, but I have three to upgrade so the price is definitely something I have to consider.
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Just a small note to add… I know sticker shock can be painful, bit often times it is cheaper/better in the long run to go with the more expensive purchase. Yeah, you might save a few bucks now, but then you have to spend all that and then some when you upgrade again later, an upgrade you would not have had to make if you had gone with the more expensive option the first time. I know that may not be what you want to hear, but it has all to frequently been my experience over the last 40-odd years
Great! I was hoping that would be the case. Do you know if the mesh lid will hold up the weight of the panel over time?
I’m here for the good, the bad, and the ugly! But seriously, I appreciate the advice and it’s why I continue to come back to this community.
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Yes, it’ll hold up over time as long as it’s not cheap screen. Stout screen tops will hold up over the long term, while cheap flimsy screen will show their weakness fairly quickly, if not immediately.