Solar Shades
Block up to 99% of harmful UV rays and reduce glare while preserving your outdoor views. Protect your home and stay comfortable year-round.
Quick answers
What is openness factor and which should I choose?
Openness factor is the percentage of fabric that is open weave, determining how much light passes through. A 1% openness blocks 99% of UV rays with minimal visibility, while 10% allows more light and a clearer view. For most homes, 3% offers the best balance of UV protection, glare reduction, and outward visibility.
How much UV light do solar shades block?
Solar shades block between 90% and 99% of harmful UV rays depending on the openness factor you choose. Even a 10% openness shade blocks 90% of UV rays, providing significant protection for your furniture, flooring, and artwork from sun damage and fading.
Can you see through solar shades from outside?
During the day, solar shades provide excellent privacy because the brighter exterior light makes it very difficult to see inside. However, at night when interior lights are on, people outside may be able to see silhouettes through the shade. For complete nighttime privacy, consider pairing solar shades with blackout shades or curtains.
Choose Your Openness Factor
Openness factor determines how much light and visibility passes through the fabric. Lower percentage = more protection.
Maximum UV protection and glare control. Ideal for south-facing windows with intense sunlight. Provides the most daytime privacy.
Excellent balance of sun protection and visibility. The most popular choice for homes and offices. Reduces glare while maintaining a clear view.
Great visibility with strong UV protection. Allows more natural light in while still reducing heat gain and glare significantly.
Maximum outward visibility with good UV protection. Best for rooms where preserving the view is the top priority. Most open weave available.
Real Energy Savings
Solar shades reduce solar heat gain through windows, keeping your home cooler and lowering air conditioning costs.
Why Choose Solar Shades?
UV Protection
Block up to 99% of harmful UV rays. Protect your furniture, flooring, and artwork from fading.
Glare Reduction
Eliminate harsh glare on screens and surfaces while still enjoying natural daylight.
View Preservation
Maintain your outdoor view even with the shades down. See outside while staying protected.
Energy Savings
Reduce solar heat gain by up to 65%, lowering air conditioning costs by 15-25%.
Perfect For Every Room
Sunrooms
Solar shades are essential for sunrooms, blocking intense UV rays while letting you enjoy the surrounding views and natural light.
Home Offices
Eliminate screen glare and reduce eye strain during work hours. Maintain comfortable temperatures without cranking the AC.
Living Rooms with Large Windows
Protect furniture and flooring from sun damage while preserving your beautiful views and keeping the room comfortable.
Patios & Outdoor Spaces
Exterior solar shades create comfortable outdoor living areas by blocking sun and heat before it reaches your space.
What Customers Say
“Our sunroom was unbearable in summer. These solar shades cut the heat dramatically and we can still see the garden. Game changer!”
“No more glare on my computer screen in the home office. The 3% openness is perfect — I can see outside while working comfortably.”
“Installed these on our west-facing windows. The energy savings are real — our AC bill dropped noticeably the first month.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about solar shades
What is openness factor and which should I choose?
Openness factor is the percentage of fabric that is open weave, determining how much light passes through. A 1% openness blocks 99% of UV rays with minimal visibility, while 10% allows more light and a clearer view. For most homes, 3% offers the best balance of UV protection, glare reduction, and outward visibility.
How much UV light do solar shades block?
Solar shades block between 90% and 99% of harmful UV rays depending on the openness factor you choose. Even a 10% openness shade blocks 90% of UV rays, providing significant protection for your furniture, flooring, and artwork from sun damage and fading.
Can you see through solar shades from outside?
During the day, solar shades provide excellent privacy because the brighter exterior light makes it very difficult to see inside. However, at night when interior lights are on, people outside may be able to see silhouettes through the shade. For complete nighttime privacy, consider pairing solar shades with blackout shades or curtains.
How much can solar shades save on energy bills?
Solar shades can reduce solar heat gain by up to 65%, which can lower air conditioning costs by 15-25%. The savings depend on factors like window orientation, climate, and openness factor. South and west-facing windows see the greatest energy savings from solar shades.
What is the difference between outdoor and indoor solar shades?
Indoor solar shades mount inside or on the window frame and block UV rays after sunlight passes through the glass. Outdoor (exterior) solar shades mount outside the window and block heat before it reaches the glass, providing up to 50% greater heat reduction. Exterior shades are made with weather-resistant materials designed to withstand rain, wind, and direct sun exposure.
How do you clean solar shades?
Solar shades are low maintenance. For regular cleaning, dust with a soft cloth or use a vacuum with a brush attachment. For deeper cleaning, remove the shade and lay it flat, then gently wipe with a soft sponge using mild soap and lukewarm water. Rinse thoroughly and allow to air dry completely before reinstalling. Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners.
Can solar shades be motorized?
Yes! Solar shades are available with motorization options including battery-powered and hardwired systems. Motorized solar shades integrate with smart home systems like Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit. You can program schedules based on time of day or sun position to automatically optimize energy savings and comfort.
How do I measure for solar shades?
For inside mount, measure the width at the top, middle, and bottom of the window opening, using the narrowest measurement. Measure the height on the left, center, and right, using the longest measurement. For outside mount, add 2-3 inches to each side for better UV coverage. We provide free measuring guides and offer professional measurement services to ensure a perfect fit.
Protect Your Home from the Sun
Shop solar shades and enjoy UV protection, glare reduction, and energy savings while preserving your beautiful views.