(This post originally ran in 2016.)
Solar shading is a system of controlling the effects of the sun’s heat and light for your home or office. It allows you to make the most of natural light, heat, and shade for a more comfortable, eco-friendly environment.
Benefits
A well-designed solar shading system helps you regulate the amount of sunlight and heat entering your home or office based on your climate and day-to-day needs. It has numerous benefits, including:
Comfort
From sitting in direct sunlight on a hot day, you know what a difference a little shade can make. Reducing the amount of sunlight coming into your building or outdoor living space can make your home or office much more comfortable by reducing the ambient temperature on summer days.
When winter comes, a flexible solar shading system can be adjusted to augment your heating system by letting in the maximum amount of sunlight and heat.
Energy Use
By directing the natural energy of the sun where you need it when you need it, solar shading allows you to reduce your use of electric or gas-based home heating and cooling systems and artificial lighting, saving you money and reducing your impact on our environment.
Health
In addition to keeping your home warmer in winter or cooler in summer, the right solar shading can protect you from harmful UV rays and reduce glare that can hurt your eyes or even cause headaches.
Reducing glare also allows you to work more comfortably at the computer or to better enjoy your T.V. during daylight.
Aesthetics
Using natural rather than artificial light can create a more pleasant interior air environment in your home or office. Natural light has a soothing, tranquil effect – some research even suggests that it can improve sleep and boost quality of life!
A well designed solar shading system can maximize sunlight’s beautiful and beneficial effects while minimizing unwanted heat, UV exposure, and glare.
Solar Shading System Types
A solar shading system can be as simple as adding blinds to a window, or as sophisticated as an automated whole-house system that incorporates indoor and outdoor components.
Interior Blinds
Blinds are one of the most versatile components of a shading system. They come in a dizzying array of styles, ranging from simple Roman shades in fabrics with varying levels of transparency, to horizontal or vertical blinds made of wood or metal. You can find them in almost any color or size and to complement any décor.
Exterior Shades
Exterior shades are an excellent choice for large windows or glass doors that get a lot of sun. Because they stop sunlight before it enters the building, they are they are very effective in reducing indoor heat, and they can be adjusted to admit more heat and light when desired. Exterior solar shades are generally made of durable materials that blend with your building’s design. Common types include blinds, awnings, and roller shutters.
Patio Shades
Patio shades offer protection on porches, patios, pool decks or other outdoor living spaces. They may be attached to the exterior of the building, and can often be extended or retracted, providing shade and protection as needed.
Some types of patio shades and screens offer wind and insect protection as well as controlling sunlight and heat.
Motorized Shade Control & Home Automation
Many shade systems, interior and exterior, can be motorized, offering convenient, quiet and reliable control.
Some systems can be controlled by wall switches, special remotes, or even your smart phone. If you have other automated home systems (such as lighting), solar shading systems can often be integrated for a fully automated solution.
Adding Solar Shading
Remodeling is a good time to consider integrating a solar shading system into your home or office, particularly if you are adding or replacing windows or doors, or designing an outdoor living space. If you’re building a new home or office, planning for solar shading at the beginning of the design process will help ensure you get the maximum benefit for comfort and energy savings.
Your designer, architect or contractor should be able to advise you on what kind of solution might fit your needs, taste and budget, and to steer you to a reputable dealer who can help you select and install a system.