Are Solar Screens Worth the Investment?

solar blinds on skylight

What is a solar screen?

The Texas summers can be brutal, and homeowners are always looking for ways to cool their home, preferably with less or no electricity. Solar panels have popped up on rooftops all across the country, with Texas being fifth in having the most solar panels installed. Texas is in the top ten states with solar screen installation.   

They make solar screens to go over the outside of the windows to block the bright and hot glare of the sun.  They are made from a tightly weaved mesh in a dark color screen. Solar screen installation can be fastened to the exterior side of the window or installed on the interior. Manufacturers claim they can block up to ninety percent of the heat so that it doesn’t enter the home.

What are the different types of solar screens?

Solar screens come in various densities for different solar screen installation.  Depending on the manufacturer, solar screen installation can block as much as sixty-five to ninety-nine percent of the sun’s heat and UV rays and heat, yet, you still have visibility out.

Depending on the color of the screen mesh you choose for your solar screen installation, not only will the block the sun’s heat and UV rays, a solar screen installation provides a level of privacy during the day. The darker the color, the more transparent, like black or brown, allowing higher visibility out. The lighter color of solar screens material is typically thicker and seeing through them in or out is harder, giving you more privacy.

How are solar screens installed?

Installing solar screens is best done by the company where you purchase them. They will have a guarantee and warranty, giving you support for your solar screen installation. However, a homeowner with a little DIY skill can do it the job yourself.

For your DIY solar screen installation, can fasten to the window frame directly, experts recommend installing the so that they cover the whole window to get the most cooling benefit. The following are basic steps, you should refer to the solar screen installation instructions the manufacturers include. You can also find videos on the internet that can provide detailed instructions.

  • Step One: Check where screws can be installed without hitting glass.
  • Step Two: Measure the window width left to right
  • Step Three: Measure the window height from top to bottom
  • Step Four: Using a quarter inch drill, using screws that match in color, complete your solar screen installation

 How long do solar screens last?

The quality can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, most realistic lifespan for your solar screen installation final job is twenty to thirty years. However, the manufacturer’s representative will state they last as long as you live in your home. 

Are solar screens worth the money?

Definitely!  Anything you can do to block or reduce the amount of the sun’s heat and UV rays coming into your home, the less your air conditioner has to work. When the air conditioner doesn’t have to work as hard, it uses less electricity.

As we have mentioned already, solar screen installation can reduce anywhere from sixty-five percent to ninety-nine percent of the heat and UV rays that heat your home. It can vary from the quality of the screens used for your solar screen installation. 

Still not convinced that solar screen installation isn’t right for your home? Keep reading as we give you a few facts to consider: 

back patio with regular blinds

Benefits of solar screens

In states where the climate is warmer, even hot like summers in Texas, the sun’s bright light creates an uncomfortable glare and the warmth makes a home hotter inside. A solar screen installation job reduces that glare and heat that comes in through the windows. This makes it more comfortable in the house while reducing your cooling expenses. Other benefits of a solar screen installation:

  • Aesthetically pleasing
  • Durable
  • Economical
  • Insulating
  • Reduces sun’s glare and heat
  • Reduces energy costs
  • Provides Privacy
  • Can be removed during cooler weather
  • Solar screen disadvantages

While there are many benefits to having solar screen installation job, there are a few disadvantages that you should consider before making the investment:

  • Outside view partially obstructed
  • Less outside light coming in makes home darker
  • Damage easily if misfit or mis-installed
  • Price range can be affordable to expensive quality varying with pricing 

You should consider the windows that will benefit the most from solar screen installation job so that you get the most ROI possible. A room that has a lot of sunlight is the ideal room, the need not be installed all the way around your home.

Because a solar screen installation will provide privacy, they are ideal on bathroom and bedroom windows. Any room that the outside view is one to be enjoyed, unless there is bright sunlight that you want to minimize, these are windows you may consider not including in your solar screen installation. Want to get started on solar blind installation in Fort Worth, TX? Call 817-937-6267 today.