Solar Screens: The Complete Buying Guide

Solar screens are popular for homeowners who want to reduce the heat and glare that enters their homes through windows. They are made of a mesh material that blocks some of the sun damage while allowing natural light to enter the room.

This article will provide a detailed guide on choosing the right solar screen for your home.

What are Solar Screens?

Solar screens are screens placed over windows to block some of the sun's harmful UV rays from entering a building. They are made of a mesh material that allows natural light to pass through while blocking a portion of the sun's heat and glare.

Solar screens are often used to reduce the amount of heat that enters a patio, which can help to keep the interior cool and reduce energy costs. These roller shades are also used to reduce glare on televisions, computers, and other electronic devices and can provide daytime privacy from the outside.

Solar screens can be installed on the exterior or interior of windows and can be custom-made to fit any size or shape of the window. They are popular for homeowners, businesses, and organizations looking to reduce energy consumption and increase comfort with good outward visibility.

Why use Solar Screens?

Solar screens can reduce the heat entering a home or building, which can lower energy costs by reducing the need for air conditioning. Solar screens can help reduce glare and heat inside a building, making it more comfortable.

Solar screens can provide privacy from the outside by blocking the view of people outside the building while still allowing natural light to enter the room. High-quality solar screens can help to protect furnishings, flooring, and other household items from fading or discoloration due to prolonged exposure to the sun.

Solar screens can add an attractive and modern look to a building and come in various colors and styles to suit different tastes.

Types of Solar Screens

The installation of solar screens on windows can have several beneficial effects, including decreasing heat and glare, preventing damage to flooring and furniture, and increasing air ventilation throughout the entire home.

However, many people need to be made aware of the fact that many different kinds of solar screens can be installed.

Based on Percentage

Solar screens are typically classified based on the percentage of sunlight and glare they block. The most common types are:

5% solar screens: These screens block 95% of the sun's rays and are the most transparent option. They allow a lot of natural light to enter the room and are good for windows that face away from the sun or for areas with low heat gain.

10% solar screens: These screens block 90% of the sun's rays and are slightly less transparent than 5%. They still allow a good amount of natural light to enter the room and are a good choice for windows that face east or west.

20% solar screens: These screens block 80% of the sun's rays and are less transparent than 10%. They provide more privacy and are a good choice for windows that face south or west.

30% solar screens: These screens block 70% of the sun's rays and are less transparent than 20%. They provide even more privacy and are a good choice for windows that face south or west.

40% solar screens: These screens block 60% of the sun's rays and are the least transparent option. They provide the most privacy and are a good choice for windows that face south or west.

Based on Shape & Size

Solar screens are available in various shapes and sizes to fit different types of windows. Some common types include:

Rectangular solar screens are the most common type and are available in various sizes to fit standard windows. They are easy to install and remove and can be mounted on the exterior or interior of the window.

Round solar screens: These screens are designed to fit round windows, such as those found in some dome skylights. They are usually custom-made to fit the specific size and shape of the window.

Square solar screens: These screens are designed to fit square windows and are usually custom-made to fit the specific size and shape of the window.

Arch solar screens: These screens are designed to fit arched windows and are usually custom-made to fit the specific size and shape of the window.

Sliding solar screens: These screens are designed to fit sliding windows and are mounted on a track so they can be easily opened and closed.

How much does a Solar Screen cost?

The cost of a solar screen can vary widely depending on several factors, including the size of the screen, the material it is made of, and the percentage of sunlight and glare it blocks.

Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $20 to $50 per square foot for a solar screen, with the average cost falling around $30 per square foot.

How to choose the right Solar Screen for your home?

When choosing a solar screen for your home, there are a few things you should consider:

Size: Measure the width and height of your windows accurately to ensure you get the right size solar screens.

Material: Screen materials, such as fiberglass, aluminum, and polyester, are commonly used. Each material has unique properties, so choose one that meets your needs and preferences.

Color: Solar screens come in various colors, and the color you choose can affect the amount of sun's heat and block glare. Darker colors are more effective at blocking heat and glare, while lighter colors may allow more light to pass through.

Transparency: Some solar screens are more transparent than others, which can affect the amount of natural light that enters your home. Consider the level of transparency that is right for your needs.

Durability: Make sure to choose a durable solar screen that can withstand the elements. Look for screens made of high-quality materials and a perfect fit for a long lifespan.

Ease of installation: Consider the ease of installation when choosing solar screens. Some screens come with a frame that is easy to install, while others may require more advanced installation techniques.

Cost: Solar screens can vary in price, so consider your budget. Look for high-quality screens that offer good value for money.

How to install Solar Screens

Installing solar screens on your windows can be a simple DIY project that can help reduce the amount of solar heat and glare that enters your home. Here are the steps to install solar screens:

• Measure the width and height of each window to determine the size of the solar screens you will need. You can order custom solar screens online or purchase them from a local home improvement store.
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions to assemble the solar screens. This may involve mounting brackets to the screens and the screen fabric to the brackets.
• Position the mounting brackets outside your window frame using the mounting screws provided. Make sure the brackets are level and evenly spaced.
• Slide the solar screens onto the mounting brackets, ensuring they are properly aligned. Secure the screens in place using the locking mechanism provided.
• Once the screens are in place, you can adjust the tension to ensure a snug fit against the window frame. You may need help trimming the screens to fit if they are too long or wide.

How to maintain your Solar Screen?

To maintain your solar screens and ensure they continue to function properly, you should follow certain tips. First, use a soft cloth or brush to clean the screens gently. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the screens.

Inspect the screens regularly for tears, holes, or other damage. If you find any damage, repair or replace the affected screens as needed. Solar screens are exposed to the elements, so protecting them from extreme weather conditions is important.

Close the screens to prevent damage if you expect heavy rain, wind, or snow. Store the screens in a dry, protected place if you need to remove them. This will help preserve their condition and ensure they are ready to use again.

Pros & Cons of Solar Screens

Do you intend to set up the screen in the space you use as a living room? A screen's primary function is to block the sun, but it also has other uses. A screen not only prevents people from seeing what's going on inside the house, but it also makes the space significantly darker. Some of the pros and cons of using solar screens are:

Pros

One of the solar screens' greatest benefits is that they are quite cheap to install. A standard 35-by-70-inch window may be purchased for $50 if you do the measuring and installation yourself.

Professional installation by a contractor could cost about $7.50 per square foot. If you're looking for a quick fix, this is much more cost-effective than installing new windows.

During the day, solar screens can help keep your home's interior private from the outside world. However, if you leave any lights on inside the house at night, those screens will no longer serve their intended purpose.

Cons

The solar screen does not contribute to the aesthetic appeal of a community. Because of the reduction of natural light that can occur once these screens are installed, you may have to rely more on artificial lighting and spend more money as a result.

In addition, dimming your home's windows can harm your health, including the production of the feel-good chemicals serotonin and endorphin.

Bottom Line

A solar screen can significantly lessen the amount of solar heat that enters a home or business from the sun. Because of the increasing heat of the summer, your house is warming up more rapidly than usual.

Do you want to keep the sun out of your house? The installation of screens is the best option in that case. However, the sheer number of options available can be intimidating. This guide must have helped you select the best screens for your house and your needs.

FAQ

Can you see through Solar Screens?

Solar screens are made of a mesh material that allows some light to pass through while blocking heat and glare. The amount of light that passes through the screens will depend on the type and color of the material used.

Solar screens are generally available in a range of colors and densities. Darker colors and denser materials will block more light and provide more privacy but may also reduce visibility more than lighter colors and less dense materials.

Is using a solar screen on my window in the winter safe?

Solar window screens can be a useful tool for reducing heat loss and improving energy efficiency in the winter. However, using them properly and considering other window treatments to maximize their effectiveness is important.

How often should I clean my solar screen?

The frequency of cleaning your solar screens will depend on the specific environment in which they are installed and the level of dirt and debris accumulating on them.

In general, it's a good idea to clean solar screens at least once a year or more often if needed. To clean your solar screens, use a soft cloth or brush to remove dirt and debris gently.

Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the screens. Cleaning your solar screens regularly is a great way to help maintain their effectiveness and extend their lifespan.

Do Solar Screens Protect Your Home From The Sun's Rays?

Yes, solar screens can protect your home from the sun's rays by blocking some solar radiation that enters through the windows. Solar screens are made of a mesh material designed to block heat and glare while allowing some light to pass through.