What is a solar shade?
A solar shade is a roller shade made from a tightly woven screen fabric that blocks a set percentage of sunlight while you can still see out. The fabric is rated by "openness": a 3% solar shade lets through about 3% of direct light and blocks the rest, cutting glare, heat and most UV rays.
Made for low Atlantic sun
Here is a fact most people in the region feel without knowing: at noon on December 21 the sun is only about 22 degrees above the horizon in Halifax, and 19 degrees in St. John's. At that angle, sunlight does not land on the floor by the window. It travels straight across the room into your eyes, onto the TV, and across the screen you are trying to work on.
Overhangs and deep eaves do nothing about it. Heavy blinds fix the glare but block the harbour, the lake or the field you bought the house to look at.
Solar shades are the answer we fit most for this. They cut the glare and keep the view. See the winter sun angle for your town.
Choosing the right openness
| Openness | What it does | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 1% | Blocks about 99% of direct light. Strong glare control, softer view. | South and west windows that take direct low sun, TV rooms, screen-heavy offices |
| 3% | The most popular balance. Strong glare control with a clear view by day. | Living rooms, kitchens, most offices |
| 5% | A clearer view, moderate glare control. | East and north windows, rooms with less direct sun |
| 10% | Maximum view, light control. | Shaded windows, where you mainly want to soften light |
Colour matters too. Darker fabrics give the clearest view out and reduce glare more. Lighter fabrics reflect more heat back out but the view through them is softer. Many homeowners choose a dark interior colour for the view and accept a little less heat rejection.
What solar shades do not do
Be clear about this before you buy:
- Night privacy. At night, with the lights on inside, people outside can see in through a solar shade. For bedrooms and street-facing rooms, pair it with a blackout or privacy layer, or choose a dual roller that carries both.
- Insulation. Solar fabric is a thin, open weave. It does little to keep heat in during winter. For a cold room, cellular shades are the better choice.
- Darkness. Solar shades are not for sleeping.
Where solar shades work best
- Waterfront and lakefront living rooms
- South- and west-facing kitchens and family rooms
- Home offices with screen glare
- Glass-heavy condos and offices downtown
- Sunrooms (with a second, insulating layer for winter evenings)
Options
- Cassette or fascia to hide the roll
- Dual roller: solar shade in front, blackout behind, on one bracket
- Side channels for maximum glare control
- Motorization, including sun-sensor automation that lowers shades when direct sun hits the glass
- Fire-rated solar fabrics for commercial projects, available on request
Frequently asked questions
What is the best openness for solar shades?
For most Atlantic Canadian homes, 3% openness is the best balance of glare control and view. Choose 1% for south- or west-facing windows that take strong, low winter sun, and 5% for east or north windows where you mainly want a clear view with some softening.
Can people see in through solar shades at night?
Yes. At night, when it is darker outside than inside, people can see in through solar shades. For night privacy, add a second layer, such as a blackout roller behind the solar shade on a dual bracket, or choose a different product for street-facing rooms.
Do solar shades block UV rays?
Yes. Solar shades block a large share of ultraviolet light, roughly matching their openness: a 3% shade blocks about 97% of UV. That helps protect floors, furniture and artwork from fading in sunny rooms.
Do solar shades keep a room cooler?
Yes. Solar shades block much of the sun's heat before it spreads into the room, which helps on south and west windows in summer. Lighter colours reflect more heat; darker colours give a clearer view.
Are solar shades good for winter?
Solar shades are excellent for winter glare, which is a big problem in Atlantic Canada because the sun is so low. They do not insulate much, so in cold rooms pair them with a cellular shade or choose a dual system.
Do dark or light solar shades work better?
Dark solar shades give a clearer view out and reduce glare more. Light solar shades reflect more heat but the view through them is softer and they can glow in direct sun. For most homes with a view, we recommend a dark interior colour.
How much do solar shades cost?
Custom solar shades usually cost about $280 to $700 per window installed, depending on size, fabric and openness. Dual rollers and motorization add to the price.
Pairs well with: Motorized blinds · Cellular shades · Atlantic Light data Read next: Best window coverings for large windows