Solar Screen vs. Solar Shades: What’s the Difference?

Windows let in natural light, but they also bring heat, glare, and UV rays that can make your home uncomfortable. If you're looking for a way to reduce heat and energy costs, two common solutions are solar screens and solar shades.

Solar screens are exterior window coverings that block heat before it reaches the glass, while solar shades are interior roller shades that filter sunlight inside the home. Both offer heat control, but they work differently and provide unique benefits depending on your needs.

In this blog, we’ll compare solar screens vs. solar shades, their benefits, and which option works best for your home. Whether you need maximum heat reduction, glare control, or adjustable light filtering, this guide will help you make the right choice.

What Are Solar Screens?

Solar screens are exterior window coverings made of tightly woven mesh designed to block heat, reduce glare, and protect against UV rays. They are installed outside the window, stopping sunlight before it reaches the glass. This keeps indoor spaces cooler and reduces the strain on air conditioning, leading to lower energy bills.

Unlike curtains or blinds, solar screens don’t completely block natural light. They filter sunlight, reducing heat without making a room feel dark. This makes them ideal for hot climates where excessive sun exposure can overheat a home.

Benefits of Solar Screens

Heat Reduction and Energy Savings

Solar screens block up to 90% of heat, preventing it from entering your home. This keeps indoor spaces cooler and reduces the need for air conditioning, helping you save on energy bills.

UV Protection and Glare Control

Sunlight can fade furniture, flooring, and décor over time. Solar screens filter out harmful UV rays, protecting your home’s interior. They also reduce glare, making it easier to watch TV, work on a computer, or relax without harsh sunlight in your eyes.

Privacy Without Losing Natural Light

Unlike blackout curtains, solar screens let you see outside while preventing people from looking in during the day. This means you get privacy and heat control without making your home feel closed off.

Best Uses for Solar Screens

Solar screens are best for hot climates where intense sunlight can make indoor spaces uncomfortable and drive up cooling costs. By blocking heat before it reaches your windows, they help maintain a cooler home without relying heavily on air conditioning.

They are also a great choice for single-story homes with large or sun-exposed windows, as well as patios and sunrooms, where heat and glare can be a problem. If you want heat reduction, UV protection, and privacy while still enjoying natural light, solar screens are a smart investment.

What Are Solar Shades?

Solar shades are interior window treatments made from UV-filtering fabric that reduces heat and glare while still allowing some light inside. Unlike solar screens, which are installed outside the window, solar shades function like traditional roller shades and can be adjusted up or down based on your needs.

These shades are popular for homes, offices, and media rooms, where glare reduction is important but total darkness isn’t necessary. While they help with heat control, they don’t block as much heat as solar screens because they allow sunlight to enter before filtering it.

Benefits of Solar Shades

Filters Light While Reducing Glare

Solar shades allow natural light to enter while softening glare, making them ideal for offices, living rooms, and media rooms where screen visibility matters.

Moderate Heat Control

Unlike solar screens, which stop heat before it reaches the window, solar shades filter sunlight inside the home. They help with heat reduction but aren’t as effective at keeping indoor spaces cool.

Stylish and Adjustable

Available in different colors and openness levels, solar shades can match your home’s interior while letting you control how much light enters.

Best Uses for Solar Shades

Solar shades work best in indoor spaces where you want light control without completely blocking sunlight. They are popular in:

• Living rooms and offices – Reduce glare on TVs and computer screens while keeping the room bright.

• Bedrooms and media rooms – Provide some light filtering while still allowing some natural light in.

• Homes with modern interiors – Offer a sleek, stylish look that blends well with different décor styles.

If you want a decorative window treatment that filters light but doesn’t block as much heat as solar screens, solar shades are a good option.

Solar Screens vs. Solar Shades: Key Differences

Heat Reduction and Energy Efficiency

• Solar Screens: Block up to 90% of heat before it reaches the window, keeping rooms cooler and reducing energy costs.

• Solar Shades: Filter heat inside the home but don’t stop it from entering, making them less effective in hot climates.

Light and Glare Control

• Solar Screens: Reduce glare while still allowing natural light to enter.

• Solar Shades: Soften sunlight and provide adjustable light filtering.

Privacy and Visibility

• Solar Screens: Provide daytime privacy while keeping an outdoor view.

• Solar Shades: Offer privacy when fully closed, but visibility depends on the fabric’s openness level.

Installation and Maintenance

• Solar Screens: Installed outside the window, require minimal upkeep (rinse with water occasionally).

• Solar Shades: Installed inside, need regular dusting and occasional deep cleaning.

Which One Is Right for You?

Choosing between solar screens and solar shades depends on your needs. Here’s a simple breakdown:

• Choose Solar Screens If:
  ✅ You live in a hot climate and need maximum heat control.
  ✅ You want to lower cooling costs and block up to 90% of heat.
  ✅ You prefer daytime privacy without blocking natural light.

• Choose Solar Shades If:
  ✅ You want an indoor window treatment that filters light and glare.
  ✅ You need some heat reduction, but aesthetics matter more.
  ✅ You like adjustable light control with a modern look.

For hot climates like Las Vegas, solar screens offer the best protection against heat, glare, and energy loss.

Get Custom Solar Screens in Las Vegas

If you want to reduce heat, glare, and cooling costs, Eclipse Solar Screens has the perfect solution.

Located in Las Vegas, NV, they offer custom-fit solar screens in brown, gray, black, and stucco, designed to block heat before it reaches your windows—keeping your home cool while letting in natural light.

✅ Blocks up to 90% of heat
✅ Lowers cooling costs
✅ Provides daytime privacy without blocking your view

Exclusive Discounts Available:
🔹 10% off for Teachers
🔹 10% off for Seniors (55+)
🔹 10% off for Veterans

Beat the heat and start saving on energy bills today. Contact Eclipse Solar Screens now for a free quote!