How Solar Screens Make a Home More Energy-Efficient
In regions like Arizona, where the sun’s intensity can feel relentless, maintaining a comfortable home without skyrocketing energy bills can be a challenge. Solar screens are one of the most effective solutions to combat this issue, providing both comfort and significant energy savings. At Southwest Sun Screens for Windows, we’ve spent over 13 years helping homeowners reduce their energy consumption and stay cool with custom solar screens designed to perform in even the harshest climates.
Solar screens offer more than just shade—they actively enhance your home’s energy efficiency. From reducing cooling costs to improving the overall thermal performance of your windows, here’s how they work and why they’re a smart investment for any homeowner.
How Solar Screens Work
Maximizing Heat Protection & Reducing UV Exposure
Solar screens are specially designed mesh screens that cover the exterior of windows. Made from durable, UV-resistant materials like Textilene, these screens block a significant portion of the sun’s heat and harmful UV rays before they reach the glass. Explore our high-performance solar sun screens designed for maximum energy savings.
The mesh design allows air and light to pass through while deflecting solar radiation. Depending on the screen’s density, solar screens can block up to 90% of the sun’s heat, reducing the amount of energy absorbed by your home. By intercepting the heat at the source—before it reaches the window—solar screens create a cooler indoor environment.
One common concern homeowners have is: How Do Solar Screens Affect Natural Light? Unlike heavy drapes or blinds that block light completely, solar screens are designed to filter sunlight—reducing glare and heat while still allowing brightness into your home.
Do Solar Screens Block UV Rays?
Yes! Solar screens block up to 90% of harmful UV rays, helping protect your furniture, flooring, and artwork from fading over time. By intercepting UV rays before they enter your home, solar screens reduce long-term sun damage while keeping your indoor spaces naturally lit and comfortable.
Here’s How Solar Screens Lower Cooling Costs
The most immediate and noticeable benefit of solar screens is their impact on cooling costs. During Arizona’s sweltering summers, air conditioning systems often work overtime to combat the heat entering through windows. Solar screens alleviate this burden by significantly reducing the amount of heat transferred indoors.
Windows are one of the primary sources of heat gain in a home. Even energy-efficient, low-E windows allow some solar radiation to pass through. Solar screens provide an additional layer of protection, blocking direct sunlight and minimizing heat gain by up to 70%.
When less heat enters your home, your air conditioning system doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain a comfortable temperature. Many of our customers report noticeable reductions in their energy bills after installing solar screens. These savings can offset the initial cost of installation over time, making solar screens a cost-effective energy-saving measure. In addition to blocking heat, solar screens filter out harmful UV rays that can fade furniture, flooring, and artwork…
Enhancing Window Efficiency
Complementing Low-E Windows & Improving Insulation
Even the best windows have limitations when it comes to energy efficiency. Solar screens enhance the performance of your windows, turning them into a more effective barrier against heat and UV rays. Learn how our window screens improve ventilation while offering sun protection. Many homeowners invest in low-E (low-emissivity) windows to improve energy efficiency. While these windows are designed to reflect heat, they can still allow a significant amount of solar radiation to pass through. Solar screens work in tandem with low-E windows, providing an additional layer of protection that amplifies their effectiveness.
Solar screens also act as an insulating layer, reducing the temperature differential between the inside and outside of the glass. This helps maintain a more stable indoor temperature, reducing the workload on your HVAC system and further improving energy efficiency.
Protecting Artificial Turf and Exterior Spaces
Year-Round Benefits of Solar Screens
“Another often overlooked benefit of solar screens is their ability to protect exterior features like artificial turf. Many Arizona homeowners have experienced issues with turf melting due to reflected sunlight from windows. Solar screens block the intense reflections from low-E windows that cause turf to melt. Protect your lawn with turf protection screens. By reducing this glare, they help preserve your outdoor spaces and keep the area around your home cooler. This added benefit contributes to the overall energy efficiency of your property by minimizing localized heat buildup.”
While solar screens are most commonly associated with summer energy savings, they also provide year-round benefits that contribute to a home’s efficiency and comfort.
Reducing Winter Glare & Seasonal Adjustability
In cooler months, solar screens help reduce glare from low-angle sunlight without completely blocking natural light. This allows homeowners to enjoy a comfortable amount of daylight without the harshness of direct sun exposure.
For those who prefer more sunlight in the winter, solar screens can be easily removed and reinstalled as needed. This flexibility allows homeowners to adjust their level of sun protection based on the season, optimizing comfort and energy efficiency year-round.
Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Lower Carbon Footprint Durable and Long-Lasting
Solar screens are not just beneficial for your home—they’re also an environmentally friendly solution for reducing energy consumption. By reducing the demand on your air conditioning system, solar screens help decrease your household’s overall energy usage. This translates to a smaller carbon footprint, contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle.
Made from high-quality materials, solar screens are built to withstand extreme weather conditions and require minimal maintenance. Their long lifespan reduces the need for replacements, making them a sustainable choice for energy efficiency.
Solar Screens vs. Other Energy-Saving Solutions
When compared to other energy-saving measures, solar screens stand out for their affordability, effectiveness, and ease of installation.
- More Cost-Effective Than Window Replacement- Replacing windows can be a costly and time-consuming process. Solar screens provide many of the same energy-saving benefits as new windows at a fraction of the cost. They can also be installed quickly and without major disruptions to your home.
- Better Performance Than Window Tinting – While window tinting can help reduce heat, it doesn’t match the performance of solar screens. Tinting works by absorbing heat, which can still transfer into your home, whereas solar screens block heat before it reaches the glass. Additionally, solar screens are easier to maintain and can be removed or adjusted seasonally, unlike window tinting. Enhance accessibility with custom sliding screen doors for added convenience and sun protection
The Southwest Sun Screens for Windows Advantage
At Southwest Sun Screens for Windows, we specialize in crafting custom solar screens that maximize energy efficiency. With over 13 years of experience, we’ve developed a process that ensures every homeowner gets the best possible solution for their needs.
Custom Fit for Every Home and Expert Installation
Our solar screens are tailored to the exact measurements of your windows and doors, ensuring a seamless fit and optimal performance. By using the highest-quality materials and precision manufacturing techniques, we deliver products that stand the test of time. Our team of experienced professionals ensures that every screen is installed with care and precision. We use advanced tools and methods to provide durable, long-lasting solutions that enhance your home’s energy efficiency.
Contact Us to Protect Your Home with UV-Blocking Solar Screens
With over 400 five-star reviews, our dedication to quality and customer satisfaction speaks for itself. We’re proud to help homeowners across Arizona save energy and stay comfortable with solutions they can trust. Solar screens are one of the most effective ways to make a home more energy efficient, especially in sunny climates like Arizona. By blocking heat, reducing UV exposure, and enhancing the performance of your windows, they provide immediate and long-term benefits for homeowners.
At Southwest Sun Screens for Windows, we’re passionate about helping homeowners reduce their energy bills and create more comfortable living spaces. If you’re ready to experience the difference solar screens can make, contact us today. Upgrade your home with retractable screen doors for a seamless indoor-outdoor experience. Let us help you transform your home into a cooler, more energy-efficient haven.
Call or text us at (623) 278-7114 today for a FREE quote and start enjoying the benefits of solar screens.
