What are Solar Shades? All You Need to Know

Published 12/13/2023

Solar shades represent a contemporary and energy-efficient solution in window treatments, seamlessly merging style with practical functionality. Designed to mitigate the impact of sunlight while preserving outward visibility, solar shades filter harsh UV rays, reduce glare, and maintain a comfortable indoor environment.

What are Solar Shades?

shades are designed to reduce solar heat gain in the summer and reduce solar heat loss in winter. They filter and diffuse sunlight, reducing glare and blocking harmful UV rays which is important in cold weather and warm seasons. 

Evolving from traditional window coverings, solar screens have become increasingly popular today due to their ability to strike a balance between optimizing natural light and mitigating its adverse effects.

How Solar Shades Work

Solar shades are crafted from specially designed, high-performance materials. Fabrics often consist of a combination of vinyl, polyester, and other synthetic fibers that effectively filter sunlight while maintaining durability and resilience. The main difference between these shades and other window coverings is their screen-like material and roller function.

Transparency Percentages Explained

Solar shades come in 4 main transparency levels:

1% Transparency:

• Solar shades with a 1% transparency level are designed for maximum privacy and light control.
• These roller shades block the majority of visible light, making them ideal for spaces where glare reduction and UV protection are crucial.

3% Transparency:

• Solar shades with a 3% openness factor strike a balance between light control and visibility.
• They provide moderate glare reduction while allowing a considerable amount of natural light to filter through.
• This transparency level is often chosen for rooms where maintaining a connection with the outdoors is essential.

5% Transparency:

• Solar shades with a 5% transparency level offer a harmonious blend of light diffusion and outward visibility.
• They strike a middle ground, reducing glare and UV exposure while still allowing a notable amount of natural light to enter the room.

10% Transparency:

• Shades with a 10% openness factor maximize outward visibility and natural light.
• They provide minimal glare reduction but are effective in blocking a significant portion of harmful UV rays.
• The openness factor of these solar shades allows for a clear view and a big difference in direct sunlight.

Types of Solar Shades

Roller Solar Shades

Roller solar shades are a popular and versatile option that can be easily rolled up or down to control light and privacy. Soluna™ Roller Shades feature a sleek design and are available in various transparency levels and stylish fabrics to suit different design and function preferences.

Dual Roller Solar Shades

Dual roller solar shades combine two fabrics on a single shade, allowing users to switch between room darkening and solar fabrics for enhanced flexibility in light control. Available in a wide range of colors and textures, they offer a professional, modern look and are an excellent choice for bedrooms or a home office.

Motorized Solar Shades

Motorized solar shades operate with an electric motor, providing convenient control through remote devices or smart home systems. Cordless solar shades are ideal for doors or high and hard-to-reach windows, and motorized options offer an advanced solution for superior control. 

Advantages of Solar Shades

UV protection

Solar shade fabric effectively blocks a significant portion of harmful UV rays, preventing damage to furniture, flooring, and other interior elements over time.

Glare reduction for comfort and productivity

By diffusing and filtering sunlight, solar shades reduce glare on screens and surfaces, creating a more comfortable and conducive space for work or relaxation.

Energy efficiency and cost reduction

Solar shades contribute to energy efficiency by minimizing the impact of solar heat gain. This, in turn, reduces the reliance on air conditioning, leading to potential cost savings on energy bills.

Preserving interior furnishings and decor

The UV protection offered by solar screen shades during the day helps preserve the color and integrity of interior furnishings, preventing fading and extending the lifespan of valuable interior decor. This is just one of the many benefits of solar roller shades!

Design choices and variety

Whether your aesthetic is mid-century modern or farmhouse chic, the type of roller shade you choose can complement your style. Solar shades come in a wide range of styles, materials, and transparency levels, allowing for customization to match the interior design preferences of any space.

When Should I Use Solar Shades?

Because the specially designed fabric can offer some privacy and reduce glare, solar shades are the perfect choice for living rooms and common areas where a balance between natural light, privacy, and the preservation of furniture and decor is important.

When room darkening fabrics are used, Dual Roller/Solar Shades can be a great option in bedrooms to create a comfortable sleeping environment by reducing glare and blocking early morning sunlight. The same is true for media rooms and home theaters where you want to maximize your entertainment. 

Norman® Has the Best Solar Shades

Norman®’s solar shades feature a wide array of customization options, which allow you to choose the perfect transparency level, color, and design to suit your specific needs and preferences. Cutting-edge materials ensure durability, UV protection, and superior light control. 

Norman®’s solar shades are built to last, providing a long-term solution for homeowners and businesses seeking window treatments that withstand daily wear while maintaining their aesthetic appeal. Need design inspiration? Shop our entire collection!

FAQs

Q: What should I consider when choosing a solar shade?

A: When choosing a solar shade, consider factors such as transparency level, UV protection, customization options, and motorization technology to ensure the window treatment meets your specific needs and preferences.

Q: Do you need professional help to install them?

A: Seeking professional help is recommended, especially for precise measurements and long-lasting installation. 

Q: What kind of maintenance and cleaning do solar shades need?

A: Regular dusting with a soft brush or using a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to prevent dust buildup is a must, and spot cleaning with a mild detergent can take care of pesky stains.