What Are Solar Screens?

Solar screens are a popular and effective solution for homeowners seeking to reduce energy costs, enhance privacy, and protect their interiors from the sun's harsh rays. But what are solar screens, and how do they work? Keep reading to learn more about this effective solution, its benefits, and how Spartan Shade Company can help you find and install the perfect solar screens for your home.

Understanding Solar Screens

Solar screens are motorized screens crafted from specially designed mesh fabric that block out a significant portion of the sun's rays before they enter your home or outdoor space. Unlike traditional window screens, which primarily serve to keep insects out while allowing fresh air in, solar screens are specifically engineered to reduce heat transfer and provide UV protection.

How Solar Screens Work

Solar screens are effective because they absorb and dissipate solar heat and glare before it passes through your glass windows and doors. By intercepting the sun's energy, these screens can significantly reduce the amount of heat entering your home or patio, reducing the temperature to keep you comfortable during the hot and humid Tennessee summer. 

Additionally, they provide several benefits, including protection against UV rays, which can fade furniture, flooring, and other interior finishes over time without compromising the view outside. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits homeowners can enjoy with solar screens. 

The Benefits of Solar Screens

Energy Efficiency

One of the most compelling benefits of solar screens is their contribution to lowering cooling costs. By reducing heat gain in your house, your air conditioning system won't have to work as hard to maintain a comfortable temperature, leading to lower energy bills. 

Sun Protection

Solar screens don't just protect you from harmful UV rays; they also protect your home and your furniture. By blocking harmful UV rays, solar screens prevent your furniture, carpets, and artwork from fading due to sun damage. They also protect you from the sun when you spend time in your patio, sunroom, or another exterior living space.  

Increased Privacy

Solar screens also offer a degree of daytime privacy. While you can see out, it's harder for others to see in, giving you a comfortable level of privacy without sacrificing your view or natural light. 

Outdoor Comfort

Solar screens can make your home more comfortable by reducing glare and the need for artificial lighting. They create a more natural and pleasant environment for hosting or simply relaxing outdoors. Motorized outdoors screens also block sunlight to prevent you from feeling too hot when you want to enjoy the warm weather. The Spartan Shade Company offers one of the most reliable retractable screen systems for your interior or exterior on the market. 

Choosing the Right Solar Screens

Below are several factors to consider before choosing which solar screens from the Spartan Shade Company to install in your home.

Material 

• Fabric: Solar screens are typically made from polyester or fiberglass, with or without PVC coating. Our Mermet USA fabric screens are made from fiberglass yarns that provide enhanced strength and durability to withstand the elements year-round. They are also vinyl coated to prevent mildew, rot, and fading from the sun. Screens are available in the classic Natte 2x2 basketweave pattern or the more modern twill weave pattern of Satine.  

Screen Density

• UV Blockage: Solar screens are rated by the percentage of UV rays they block. We offer up 99% UV protection. Our shade material also absorbs up to 95% of solar energy, keeping you and your home or your outdoor space cool and comfortable in even the hottest weather.   

• Heat Reduction: Consider the amount of heat reduction you're aiming for. Our fabric choices offer 1%, 3%, 5% and 10% weave densities, dictating the openness factor. Screens with a lower openness factor better heat reduction, which can be crucial during sweltering summers. The screens we offer at Spartan Shade Company can reduce temperatures in your home by 15 degrees!

Visibility 

• Visibility Through the Screen: The openness of the screen weave also affects how well you can see through it. A tighter weave provides more privacy and protection but reduces visibility and natural light from entering your home.

• Color: Our solar screens come in various colors, each affecting visibility differently. Darker colors usually offer better visibility from the inside and more glare reduction, while lighter colors may better blend with your home's aesthetic.

Aesthetics

• Match With Home Design: Choose a color and style that complements your home's exterior. Consider the screen's impact on your home's curb appeal. Our Mermet fabrics offer a range of timeless weave patterns, openness factors, colors, and custom rail color options to match your home's aesthetic.

• Frame Material and Color: The frame's material and color should be durable and functional to match your windows and home's overall look. The solar screens from the Spartan Shade Company are installed with a 2-piece aluminum guide rail that is powder coated to match the color of your choosing to match your home and the frame. 

Customization Options

• Size and Fit: Our screens are available in different sizes to perfectly fit almost every Tennessee homeowner's windows. Our S5 and S56 screen systems range from 2 to 19 feet wide and up to 16 feet tall, while our Xtreme Solution Screen System, designed to cover extra-large openings, covers areas up to 32 feet wide and 20 feet tall. Improperly fitted screens can reduce their effectiveness and detract from your home's appearance.

• Special Features: Our screens come with additional features like a remote so you can control them from anywhere in the house and the LiTouch Safety Device to prevent your screens from ruin if an obstacle obstructs their path. We also offer an automated Hub Connector that pairs with a range of smart devices in your home. Consider which of these features are important before making a selection.

By carefully considering these factors, you can choose a solar screen that enhances your home's energy efficiency and comfort while fitting seamlessly with your aesthetic and lifestyle.

The Difference Between Interior Solar Shades and Exterior Solar Screens

Choosing between interior solar shades and exterior solar screens depends on your preferences, including the level of sun control desired, whether you're looking for interior or exterior solutions, and how much natural light you want in your space. Below are the main differences between solar shades and solar screens.

• Design and Material: Solar shades are comparable to traditional roller shades but are made from fabric designed to block UV rays and heat gain. They can be installed inside or outside, but they are most commonly found inside. On the other hand, Solar screens are made of durable mesh fabric, so they are highly resistant to weather and wear. They are designed to cover the exterior of the house's windows or to screen in an exterior patio. 

• Installation: Solar shades, primarily being an interior solution, affect the interior decor. Solar screens alter the exterior appearance of windows and can significantly impact a building's facade. However, both solutions can be used and are often referred to interchangeably due to their overlapping similarities. Both are available in various colors to match or complement your home's design.

• Visibility and Privacy: Both offer varying degrees of visibility and privacy, but solar screens provide consistent privacy during the day due to their exterior placement. Solar shades offer more control over privacy and light to the interior of the home and may not provide the same level of daytime privacy without sacrificing natural light.

Stay Cool Outside With the Help of Spartan Shade Company

Whether you're looking to lower your electricity bill, keep your interior safe from UV damage, or enjoy a cooler and more private outdoor space, solar screens and shades offer a versatile and effective solution. With a range of materials and densities available, you can customize your solar screens or shades to meet your needs, making them a smart addition to any home. 

Stay cool all year long with the help of the Spartan Shade Company and our partners, Tucson Rolling Shutters & Solar Screens. Contact us today for a free estimate and more information about our warranty program. We’ll help you select the perfect solar screens for your home.