Why solar screens do not work
This article is meant to point out why your solar screens might not be doing what you expect them to do. If you are considering solar screens for your home or building’s windows then this article is going to help you make the right decision.
Solar Heat is a very misunderstood phenomenon. This misunderstanding leads to a lot of solar and shade screen misinformation. Sometimes the misinformation is due to ignorance and sometimes it may be due to someone just outright mis-stating the facts. Let’s talk about Heat and how a solar screen will reduce it.
Solar Screens Block Heat. Solar Heat Gain is the amount of heat that enters through the window. Conversely, Solar Heat Loss is the amount of heat that is lost through the window and Solar Window Screens block this also. Both are measured in BTUs or British Thermal Units. You may recall studying this in school. One BTU is equal to the amount of energy required to increase the temperature of one pound of water, one degree, in one hour.
That’s enough technical stuff for now. This is going to direct you to a series of articles that identifies 3 principles of physics which will lead you to make the best choice in solar screening for your windows. The 3 principles are as follows;
1. Heat always seeks a colder atmosphere.
2. Dark colored objects absorb more heat than light colored objects.
3. Heat always seeks the path of least resistance.
Once these 3 principles are understood we can then explain why your solar shade screen may not be working properly. We will also discuss how to avoid having an untrained and mis-informed individual or company sell you a product that only works half as well as they claim. You are going to become an expert in solar screening when you finish these series of articles.
One of the most important factors for blocking the maximum amount of heat with your solar screens is the manner in which they are installed. 99% of solar screens are improperly installed which leads to a variety of issues which go beyond the effect on energy efficiency. In the next article we will discuss the 3 principles of physics as they relate to windows and sun screens. We will also discuss the proper methods of installation and further educate you on how to get the most effective solar screen product for your windows.