Solar window films are an advanced and practical solution for enhancing the energy efficiency and comfort of residential and commercial buildings. They manage the amount of solar energy entering indoor spaces, reducing energy bills and protecting interiors from harmful UV radiation. Ideal for any property prone to solar heat, solar film for windows reflects and absorbs sunlight, filtering out significant amounts of heat and glare. The result? A more controlled indoor environment that saves on cooling costs and reduces the load on HVAC systems. Available in different types, you can tailor them to your specific needs.
Let’s explore how they can help you achieve a better balance of natural light, reduced glare, added privacy, enhanced energy efficiency, interior protection, and more.
What are Solar Films for Windows?
As the name suggests, solar film for windows is applied to windows in both residential and commercial buildings. Also known as thermal window films, they are thin, transparent, and plastic-like films, primarily used for preventing sun damage. They are also used for reducing the amount of heat, UV rays, and glare that enters a building.
How Does Solar Window Film Work?
- But how exactly does window film work? Solar films for windows are also referred to as solar control window films. These window sun films work by absorbing and reflecting heat from the sun to reduce the use of energy, glare, UV rays, and sun damage. Eventually, they prevent the gradual build-up of heat that gets through windows throughout the day. This heat makes your homes, workplaces, offices, etc., uncomfortably hot, increasing the need for air conditioning. You may have experienced it during summer, with the heat making staying inside unbearable.
- According to the International Window Film Association (IWFA), a clear glass pane can reflect almost 6% of solar radiation, absorb 5%, and transmit the remaining. A solar pro tint can increase the amount of heat and solar energy absorbed and reflected by windows.
- Most window films come with a thin coating of metallic. This is made of aluminum, silver, stainless steel, or a combination that effectively reduces heat gain by reflecting and absorbing solar energy or radiation. However, most solar films for windows are made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). It’s a thermoplastic polymer resin. PET is a good choice for solar window films because it’s clear, durable, and can be treated in multiple ways.
- Solar radiations comprise three components. These include infrared radiation, ultraviolet variation, and visible light. Though the majority of the solar energy radiates outward, some of it can enter the building as well.
- According to Darrell Smith, the executive director of the International Window Film Association, one of the most effective ways to measure the performance of a solar window film to reject heat is the solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC).
- It measures the total amount of solar energy transmitted into a particular room. This can include both solar energy directly transmitted through the window glass and solar energy absorbed and radiated into the building by the window film.
- You can take SHGC into account when choosing a solar film for home windows or commercial spaces as it measures how much solar energy passes into a room. Even a low SHGC value ranging from 0.3 to 0.5 can be quite effective.
- Other factors you can consider include the light-to-solar-gain (LSG) ratio and visible transmittance (VT) value.
- Smith says a solar window film’s ability to reject heat can be as high as 80%. However, it’s important to note the amount of energy reflected and absorbed by a solar window film can vary depending on the types and quantities of metals used in it.
- Solar window films are available in different types and versions. However, the two basic versions are reflective and non-reflective.
- A reflective window film or solar reflections tint is designed to serve two main purposes. These include absorbing energy and rejecting heat. Non-reflective window films, on the other hand, are designed to absorb both unwanted heat and light. These are usually made of tightly woven ceramic particles.
Other popular types of solar window films include the following:
- Solar control film
- Glare control window film
- Mirror tint
- Decorative window film
- Security window film
- Ceramic window film
- Metalized window film
- Transitional window films
Benefits of Solar Films for Windows
Let’s explore the many benefits of solar windows film:
- Solar window films can help you save a lot of money and improve energy efficiency by reducing the heat that enters through the glass.
- Solar window films can help you block up to 99% of harmful UV rays. It protects your eyes and skin from extreme sun damage. Blocking out UV rays also protects your furniture from fading, flooring, and other items from sun damage.
- They are also a great way to improve comfort and productivity, as they can reduce glare by up to 90%. This is especially important when you’re watching TV or working on a computer.
- Solar window films enhance privacy, making it difficult for people to see inside your home during the day.
- They also ensure better security as they can slow down break-ins and attempts of vandalism. By holding window shards together, window films also reduce the risk of getting hurt.
- Lastly, solar window films are easy to install. Though they protect the interiors of a building from extreme heat, they allow natural light in and don’t interfere with your view.
Drawbacks of Solar Films for Windows
Now, let’s see some of the major drawbacks of solar films for windows.
- Solar window films may end up absorbing heat instead of reflecting it. This can cause windows to expand and even break.
- Choosing a window film that’s too dark can prevent natural light from entering a property. You may even need more artificial light during the day.
- Solar window films are not permanent. You may have to replace some solar window films after some years. It will depend on the quality of the window film you’ve picked and how much it’s exposed to heat and other weather elements.
- They are difficult to remove due to adhesives. You may need professional help to remove them.
- Some solar films for windows may even interfere with electronic signals, like cellular networks or wifi.
- Solar window films may peel off, bubble, fade, or discolor. It may even scratch or damage the window glass.
Conclusion
Solar film for windows is a simple and effective way to achieve significant energy savings and indoor comfort improvements. It minimizes solar heat gain and UV exposure, reduces energy consumption, and extends the life of furnishings. These long-term cost benefits make them an environmentally friendly choice. Moreover, many solar films are designed with durability in mind, offering warranties that can extend well over a decade if taken care of properly. Solar window films contribute to a more sustainable and comfortable environment for both residential and commercial buildings.
Bravo Protection: Solar Films for Windows
Bravo Protection offers premium-quality solar window films. They can improve energy efficiency, protect interiors from harmful UV rays, ensure privacy, and even enhance comfort. Our solar films for windows are a great investment if you want to reduce heat and glare, lower energy costs by minimizing the need for air conditioning, and make indoor spaces more pleasant.
Our solar window films block a significant amount of UV radiation and preserve the color and condition of flooring and furniture. We prioritize both aesthetics and functionalities. Our solar window films seamlessly fit with existing window designs without compromising on natural light or visibility. Contact us today to know more!