Are Solar Screens Worth It?

Maximizing your home's comfort and efficiency can be a game-changer, and solar screens are a popular solution for achieving this. These innovative window treatments reduce energy costs, protect interiors from UV damage, and improve privacy, all while preserving your view of the outside world. But are solar screens worth the investment? We'll explore the various benefits of solar screens, how they work, and whether they offer a good return on investment for homeowners and businesses in Central Texas.

What Are Solar Screens?

Solar screens are specially designed window coverings that block a significant portion of the sun's heat and UV rays from entering your home. Retractable solar screens are made from durable mesh fabric that can withstand the elements while providing a sleek, modern look. 

Unlike traditional window treatments, exterior solar screens are installed on the exterior of windows, patios, and pergolas, offering superior protection from the sun's rays to minimize the inevitable heat transfer that warms up your home and outdoor spaces. 

Texas Rolling Shutters & Screens offers various premium fabric options from exclusive Mermet USA fabrics. They come in a variety of colors, patterns, and varying degrees of openness, ranging from 1, 3, 5, and 10 percent openness to suit your light and privacy preferences. 

Benefits of Solar Screens

Expand Outdoor Living Space

Solar screens can also expand your outdoor living space by creating a more comfortable and usable environment on patios, decks, and verandas. By reducing glare and heat, solar screens make these areas more enjoyable throughout the day so you can maximize the use of your outdoor spaces. Whether you're entertaining guests or simply relaxing with your family, solar screens provide shade and comfort, transforming outdoor areas into versatile extensions of your home.

Energy Efficiency

A compelling reason to invest in solar screens is their ability to improve your home's energy efficiency. By blocking up to 95% of solar heat, these mesh screens significantly reduce the need for air conditioning, leading to lower cooling costs and energy bills. What's more, homes with solar screens can see a reduction in cooling costs by up to 30%. In addition to saving money every month, these solar window screens reduce the strain on your HVAC system, which can extend its lifespan by a few years.

Regulate Temperature

Solar screens effectively regulate indoor temperatures by stopping heat from entering your home. Reducing heat gain keeps your home cool and lowers the demand for air conditioning. By keeping your interior cool during the hot summer, solar screens help maintain a consistent and comfortable temperature throughout your home. Another reason they are a smart choice for energy efficiency and temperature control.

Higher Home Value

Investing in solar screens can contribute to a higher home value by adding to your property's overall energy efficiency and appearance. Potential buyers are more interested in homes with energy-saving features that reduce utility costs and offer long-term benefits. Additionally, the UV protection provided by solar screens helps preserve the condition of your home's interior, which helps maintain the quality and appearance of furnishings and finishes, furthering the marketability and value of your home.

UV Protection

Solar screens provide an effective barrier against harmful UV rays, which can cause fading and damage to your interior furnishings, flooring, and artwork. Solar screens help maintain the vibrant colors of your furniture and decor by preventing UV rays from entering your home. This benefit also saves you money with fewer replacements and repairs. Reduced UV exposure can also provide health benefits, such as lowering the risk of skin damage and other UV-related health issues. 

Glare Reduction

Glare from the sun can make watching TV, working on a computer, or enjoying other activities inside your home difficult. Solar screens and shades effectively minimize glare, creating a more comfortable indoor environment. This is especially beneficial for home offices and media rooms, where screen visibility is crucial. Our motorized screens are easier and more convenient to operate, helping you control how much light you allow into your home throughout the day.

Privacy Improvement

Solar screens offer daytime privacy without sacrificing natural light. Unlike blinds or curtains, which need to be closed to provide privacy, solar screens allow you to see out while preventing others from seeing in during the day. Texas Rolling Shutters & Screens offers various fabric options with different degrees of openness to customize the level of light and visibility that passes through the solar screen material. This feature makes them an excellent choice for homes in densely populated areas or rooms facing the street.

Maintenance Requirements

Solar screens are low-maintenance and durable. Regular cleaning with mild soap and water is usually enough to keep them looking and functioning like new. Their sturdy construction means they can withstand the blazing Texas sun, providing long-term benefits with minimal upkeep.

Cost Considerations

While the initial investment in solar screens might be higher than some traditional window treatments, the long-term savings on energy bills and the protection they offer to your home's interior make them a cost-effective choice. When considering the potential return on investment (ROI), the reduced energy costs and extended lifespan of home furnishings due to UV protection make up what solar screens cost upfront.

Environmental Impact

Solar screens are an eco-friendly option, contributing to a reduction in overall energy consumption and your carbon footprint. By lowering the demand for air conditioning, solar screens help decrease greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with green building standards and sustainability goals.

Trust Texas Rolling Shutters & Screens with Your Solar Screen Installation

Solar screens offer a range of benefits that can improve your home or business's comfort, efficiency, and appearance. While the initial cost might be higher than some alternatives, the long-term savings and benefits make solar screens worthwhile.

Are you ready to experience the benefits of solar screens in Austin for yourself? Contact Texas Rolling Shutters today to schedule a free consultation or request a quote. And don't worry about installing solar screens yourself—our team of experts is here to help you find the perfect screen and install it when you're ready.