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Solar Shades

Solar Shades block the sun and keep the view. Not only do solar window shades reduce air conditioning costs, but they also protect the interior of your home from the suns harmful UV rays. Solar window screens block out 94% of the suns damaging UV rays before the sun light can even reach the glass. Solar shades are so effective because they keep glass temperatures down and have proven to be one of the most efficient ways to reduce energy costs expended on air conditioning. 50% of the solar heat entering a room comes through the glass. This accounts for approximately 20% of the load on an air conditioner! (Source: American society of Heating and Air Conditioning Engineers) In this way exterior solar shades pay for themselves year after year in increased comfort and reduced air conditioning costs, while protecting your furnishings from harmful UV rays that cause fading.

Watch How Our Solar Shades Open and Close from the Exterior!


Opening

Closing

Retractable Solar Shades and Motorized Window Shades

 

  • Exterior solar shades glide along stainless steel rods, cables or heavy duty aluminum extruded tracks.
  • Control how much light enters your home by selecting from one of three fabric types:
  • Acrylic exterior solar screen fabric
  • PVC coated polyester screens
  • Fiberglass solar screen and motorized sun shades
  • Hundreds of colors and pattern choices
  • Available for residential drop shades and commercial solar screen applications
  • White, desert sand or bronze frames
  • Available in 2ft to 20ft widths, made to order in ¼" increments
  • Motorized window shade options for joined units include common operators which control all joined solar roller shades with one push of a button - or separate operators to give you flexibility to adjust each one independently
  • Remote control solar shade option available
  • Motorized window shades manufacturer's lifetime warranty
  • Maintenance free motorized shades


Opening

Closing

Opening

Closing


Applications

 

  • Prevent furnishings from fading
  • Sun rooms made comfortable in summer
  • Palladium window screens
  • West facing picture windows

 

Contact us to learn more about all the drop shades, motorized solar shades, motorized sun shades and retractable solar screens that we offer. We have a solar shades and exterior window shades option for virtually any application!


Solar Shade Design

Protect your home from the sun with motorized solar shades that help you control the sun from the outside. Motorized, retractable shades block the sun's heat - paying for themselves year after year in reduced energy bills and protection of your furnishings from harmful UV rays that may cause fading. Solar shades are custom designed for your home or business with translucent or opaque fabrics in a wide variety of hues.


Exterior Solar Shade Products

Several models and operating systems are available for exterior solar shades, and whole house walls can be operated with a single remote control. Cassolet style shades can accommodate awning windows, and guide options include cables, rods or tracks, with or without side zippers. Aristocrat exterior solar shades are powered by Somfy Motors, the world's leading manufacturer of specialized motors and control systems for shade products.


Choosing a Solar Shade

Solar Shade series

The chart to the right displays the different solar shade models, features and options available on our Solar Shade I & II product line. Suburban Construction will help you determine which solar shade model best fits your needs and budget.


Exterior Solar Shades Features

Exterior Solar Shades The MOST EFFICIENT way to block the heat of the sun is from the outside - BEFORE it has a chance to heat the window glass!

Solar shades can add privacy and block the sun’s heat while still providing visibility to the outside.

Exterior solar shades pay for themselves year after year in reduced comfort and air conditioning costs, and protect your furnishings from harmful UV rays that cause fading.

Unique Features:

  • Exterior solar shades glide along stainless steel rods, cables or heavy duty aluminum extruded tracks
  • Control how much light enters your home by selecting from one of three fabric types: acrylic exterior awning fabric, PVC coated polyester, or fiberglass screen
  • Hundreds of colors and pattern choices
  • Motorized options for joined units include common operators which control all joined shades with one push of a button - or separate operators to give you flexibility to adjust each shade independently
  • Available for residential and commercial applications
  • White, desert sand or bronze frames.
  • Available in 3ft to 16ft widths, made to order in ¼” increments
  • Remote control option available
  • BEST fabric warranty in the industry! 12 years on all 685 series fabrics

13 Positions Solar Shade examples


Saving Energy

Solar shade on a deck

Energy Savings for Your Home or Business

Awnings have advantages that contribute to more sustainable building, according to a detailed study at the University of Minnesota’s Center for Sustainable Building Research.

Their findings:
  • Awnings result in cooling energy savings by reducing direct solar gain through windows
  • Awnings also reduce peak electricity demand

They studied the impact of awnings in seven cities: Minneapolis, Boston, Seattle, Albuquerque, Phoenix, St. Louis and Sacramento. These represented a predominantly cold climate, a mixed heating and cooling climate, and a hot climate. In each case, they found significant percent savings in cooling costs. ("Awnings in Residential Buildings: The Impact on Energy Use and Peak Demand.” Copyright 2006 Regents of the University of Minnesota.)

Solar shade in a sunroom
Awnings are Effective to Reduce Solar Heat Gain Solar gain (also known as solar heat gain or passive solar gain) refers to the increase in temperature that results from solar radiation. The amount of solar gain increases with the strength of the sun, and with the ability of any intervening material to transmit or resist the radiation.

Objects struck by sunlight absorb the short-wave radiation from the light and re-radiate the heat at longer infrared wavelengths. Where there is a material or substance between the sun and the objects struck that is more transparent to the shorter wavelengths than the longer, then when the sun is shining the net result is an increase in temperature - solar gain. This effect, the greenhouse effect, so called due to the solar gain that is experienced behind the glass of a greenhouse, has since become well known in the context of global warming.


Solar shade on a home exterior

Solar shade for a business


solar shade for a business





Watch how Solar Shades Open and Close from the Interior!


A home fully furnished with Solar Shades