Looking for the best energy efficient solar window screens to lower your home’s cooling costs, protect against harsh UV rays, and increase daytime privacy? Solar window screens made from tightly woven mesh can block up to 90% of the sun’s hot rays before they enter your windows, providing maximum energy savings on your cooling bills.
Solar screens are an ideal choice for use as a sun-blocking fabric on windows, doors, patio, and porches, making your space more protected and comfortable. Besides effectively controlling heat and improving energy efficiency of your home, solar window screens enhance your view to the outside.
A solar window screen offers you a cost-effective way to keep your home cool while still letting in natural light. In addition to reducing solar heat gain, solar window screens help improve your home’s exterior aesthetic.
Scroll on to learn more about different types of best solar windows screens available on the online market, a step-by-step guide to installation, and maintenance tips to keep them looking their best round the year.
Key Points
- Benefits of installing solar window screens
- Types of best solar window screens
- Installation process for solar screens
- Maintenance tips for solar screens
Benefits of Installing Solar Window Screens
Solar screens are a type of window covering that are designed to reflect sunlight and reduce heat transfer into your room.
Solar window screens can be made from a variety of materials, including metal mesh, polyester, and fiberglass.
Solar screens for windows are typically installed on the exterior of a window, but can also be installed on the interior. They are an effective way to reduce cooling costs, as they can block up to 90% of the sun’s heat. Sun screens are also effective at reducing glare and UV radiation. They can be custom-made to fit any size or shape of window, and are available in a variety of colors.
Best Solar Window Screens to Save on Heating and Cooling Costs
Solar window screens are an increasingly popular window treatment to reduce energy costs and protect your home from the sun’s harmful rays. They can be used on both windows and doors, and they are available in a variety of colors and styles to match your home’s décor.
There are four main types of best solar window screens, which include roll-down screens, retractable awnings, and fixed screen panels.
Roll-down Solar Window Screens
Roll-down screens are a great option for windows that get a lot of sun exposure. They can be easily rolled up when you want to let in natural light. Also, they provide excellent protection from the sun’s heat and UV rays.
Pros
- Stop intrusive solar heat and glare.
- Protect you and your home from UV damage.
- Easy to raise and lower.
- Easily adjust the height to regulate the amount of light coming in.
Cons
- Will darken your porch.
- If not fitted properly, roll-down solar window screens can tear from harsh winds, rain, and snow.
Retractable Awnings
Retractable awnings are another popular solar window screen for windows and doors. They can be retracted when not in use, so they won’t obstruct your view. Awnings are also available in several colors and patterns to match your home’s style.
Pros
- Protect your furniture and flooring from the damaging UV rays.
- Longer lifespan.
- Highly customizable.
- Effortless operation.
Cons
- Can be more expensive than stationary awnings.
- Require more maintenance and care.
Fixed Solar Window Screen Panels
Fixed solar window screen panels are a great choice for doors and windows that don’t get a lot of sun exposure. These solar window screens can help you save money on your energy bill by blocking out the sun’s heat, and they can also help protect your furniture and floors from fading and deterioration.
Pros
- Reduce heat gain from the sun’s UV rays and minimize energy loss through the windows
- Also act as barrier during colder months
- Glare reduction
- Good day-time privacy
- Pet- and flame-resistant
Cons
- Fixed panels have the same sun-protection impact regardless of the day
- Subject to temporary weather disruption
Pre-Framed Solar Window Screens
Pre-framed solar window screens are cut-to-width according to your window’s dimension , allowing you to get an energy efficient sunscreen that fits exactly to-size.
Pros
- Cut-to-width replacement window screen
- Ready to install
- Edge-to-edge fit for maximum sun-blocking and energy saving.
Cons
- Pre-framed solar screens for large windows may get damaged during shipping.
- Framing adds to their price.
In short, the best energy efficient solar window screens are a simple and effective way to make your home more comfortable during the summer months.
How to Install Solar Window Screens for Maximum Energy Savings
Solar screens of apex quality are a great way to reduce energy costs and protect your home from the sun’s harmful rays. But before you can enjoy the benefits of solar window screens, you need to install them correctly. Here are four steps to ensure a smooth installation process:
Step 1: Preparing the area
Solar window screens for windows and doors must be installed on a clean, flat surface. Make sure the area is free of dust, dirt, and other debris before beginning the installation process.
Step 2: Ensuring correct measurements
The best energy efficient solar screens for windows are available in a variety of sizes. It’s important to measure the length and depth of the area where you’ll be installing the screens before purchasing them. This will ensure you get the right size and avoid any unwanted gaps.
Step 3: Installing the Solar Screens on Windows
Once you have the correct size solar screens, it’s time to install them. Start by removing the backing from one side of the adhesive strip. Then, align the top edge of the screen with the top edge of the window opening and press it into place. Repeat this process for the rest of the sun screens.
Step 4: Finishing touches: After all solar window screens are in place, use a utility knife to trim off any excess material. Be sure to dispose of any trimming properly so it doesn’t end up blocking someone’s view. You may also want to add some finishing touches like weather-stripping or caulk to further secure the best energy efficient solar window screens and improve their energy efficiency. Installing these screens is a simple process that can make a big difference in your home’s energy efficiency. By following these four steps, you can ensure a smooth, successful installation.
Maintenance of High-Quality, Energy-Efficient Solar Window Screens
Solar screens are a great way to keep your home cool in the summer months, but they require some maintenance to stay in good shape. At least once a year, you should clean the screens and inspect them for damage. If you see any tears or holes, you can usually patch them yourself with a Solar Screen Repair Kit.
For more serious damage, you may need to call in a professional. Best energy efficient solar window screens are a great way to reduce your energy costs, but they require some effort to keep them in good shape. By following these simple tips, you can keep your screens looking and working like new.
Summing Up
Solar window screens are an effective way to reduce energy costs and protect your home from the sun’s rays. There are two main types of solar screens: external and internal. External solar window screens are installed on the outside of your home, while internal screens are installed on the inside.
Solar screens can be made from a variety of materials, including fiberglass, polyester, and PVC. They are available in a range of colors and patterns to match your home’s exterior.
Solar screens are easy to install and require little maintenance. For example, sun screens with energy efficient design can be cleaned with a soft cloth and mild soap. They should be replaced every five to seven years. They can save you up to 30% on your energy bill. These window treatments are an affordable and effective way to improve the energy efficiency of your home, office, or other space.
FAQs
Are solar window screens worth it?
Do solar screens for windows work? Yes, they are worth it! Solar window screens can significantly reduce your cooling costs by preventing solar heat gain and glare during the hottest summer months. Also, they can extend the life of your furniture and interior furnishings by preventing fading, discoloration, and deterioration.
What is the difference between sun screens and solar screens?
Solar screens are mounted onto your porch framing and remain fixed to keep sunlight, heat, and glare out of your property and enhance your privacy. Sun screens or sun shades can also be mounted onto your porch, but instead of staying in one place, they can open and close, allowing you more control on external light and privacy.
Can you see through solar window screens?
While lighter colored solar window screens can be more difficult to see through, darker colors have a greater view-through. This is because lighter colors reflect more lightwaves and darker colors absorb lightwaves, making them easier to see through. However, darker colors are less see-through from outside during the day and the effect is exactly reversed at night.
Is an 80 or 90 solar screen better?
It depends. If you want more light, better visibility and airflow, you should buy a solar screen with 80% opacity. If you are looking for more glare reduction and energy efficiency, we highly recommend the 90% model. Put the 90% model in areas where heat and glare are most problematic and the 80% solar screen model should go on the remaining windows.
How long do solar window screens last?
High quality solar window screens typically last 10 years or more. A solar screen is designed to stand up to intense direct sunlight. However, keep in mind, some fading of the material is normal and it won’t affect the solar window screen’s ability to block out the harsh UV rays.
Do solar screens really save money?
Yes, solar screens do save money! Solar screens for windows are an easy way to cut down on your home’s heating and cooling cost by up to 40%. They also help you with temperature regulation, saving you a big amount on your air conditioning costs round the year.
Are solar window screens tax deductible?
As per Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022, with the purchase of safety solar window screens, you can qualify for an energy efficiency tax credit of up to 30% of the cost of improvement, to an annual maximum tax credit of $1,200. The Inflation Reduction Act 2022 is a 10-year plan, which differentiates between tax deductions and tax credit. While tax deductions are from taxable income, tax credits are a dollar-for-dollar credit.
Which is more efficient, sun screens vs solar film?
Sun screens are more energy efficient, as they are a lot more effective at reducing heat and cold transfers than window films, helping you with year round energy savings. On the other hand, window films are only good at keeping out heat and glare, but they won’t help you save in winter.
Need More Help?
Still unsure about the best solar window screens for energy efficiency and saving on your power bills? Get in touch for free consultation! Use 24/7 live chat or give us a call at (800) 863-6109 to contact our experts for DIY energy saving solar window screens.