What are Solar Screens?

Solar Screens are the most effective window treatments that you can apply to your home for lowering energy bills by stopping the heat transfer through your windows and doors while still maintaining your view. Window film, interior products, or awnings cannot compete with the efficiency rating of PHIFER SUN TEX solar screens.

Solar Screens are exterior full-length screens that cover the entire glass of your windows and doors.

Solar Screens work in three different ways:
1. Shading Coeffiency - the amount of shade created between the solar screen and exterior pane of glass.
2. Reflectivity - reflecting the direct sun's rays of light off of the screen, defusing the amount of direct sun's rays.
3. Absorption - the heat that is absorbed and held into the screen material itself and then dispersed back into the air away from the glass.
The following graphs show the difference between the amount of heat transfer that comes through the glass. The red line is the amount of BTUs that comes through without any protection, where the blue line is showing how many BTUs come through with the PHIFER SUN TEX solar screening under the same conditions. (Black 90% was the screen used for the test.)

PHIFER SUN TEX is made of PVC coated woven polyester non-stretch yarn.
PHIFER SUN TEX is flame retardant, heat sealable, mildew resistant and stable under either hot or cold temperatures. A
PHIFER SUN TEX is only made out of woven polyester because of its proven durability and performance qualities, as compared to fiberglass based solar screen products. Fiberglass based products do not have the ability to hold their color and the stability of the product itself over a reasonable period of time.
We do not use fiberglass in any of our solar screening products.
PHIFER SUN TEX is the #1 solar screening on the market today for quality, durability, and performance for the Texas Heat.
Don't be fooled by cheap imitations.
 

Why are solar screens a better choice than window films or awnings?

Film is an interior application and is not designed for your double pane windows. It is not nearly as effective as solar screens, and voids out all window warranties, as it is damaging to sealed thermal pane windows. Awnings are expensive and do not offer protection 100% of the time. Both of these alternatives offer no energy savings in the winter.
 

Will solar screens block my view?

Solar screen will still allow full visibility; only you will be looking through a material so it is almost like looking through a regular screen, only a little darker.
 

How dark will it make my house?

Solar screens will still allow light to come in, so it will not completely darken the room. However, there are no current statistics available as each person's homes will be subject to different variables. Such as, the angle of the sun on said windows, the cloudiness of the day, and even the amount of trees in the yard. Customers' opinions vary on this and the best idea is to have a R.C. Glass & Windows Rep hold a screen over your window and let you make your own decision.
 

Will people be able to see in my house?

Not in the daytime. Solar screens offer privacy in the daytime; however, at night if you have lights on, people will be able to see in.
 

How much will solar screens save on my electric bill?

There is no way for anyone to give you a specific accurate figure; there are too many variables involved. Therefore, we are not the kind of company who will make up a statistic. However, solar screens will dramatically reduce the cooling cost portion of your electric bill.
 

Should I take my solar screens off in winter?

No, some people think they will get more benefits from passive solar heating with the solar screen off in the wintertime. However, there are less daytime hours in the winter season, it is also usually more overcast, limiting your chances of passive solar heating. Solar screens also create somewhat of a barrier, keeping the cold winter winds off your glass, similar to a storm window, therefore, keeping the temperature of the glass warmer. The warmer you keep the glass, the less convection heat you need to pay to pump through your house will be attracted to the glass areas, conserving energy.
 

Will my solar screens pay for themselves?

Yes, since solar screens save energy, they normally will pay for themselves within a short period of time by reducing your energy bills. Also they will help your air conditioner last longer and need fewer repairs due to the reduction of its normal workload.
 

Do solar screens really work?

Yes, they are the most energy efficient product for your windows.


 

Are solar screens easily removed and how are they installed?

Yes, Your individual window track system or lack of will determine proper installation. We use just a few screws to hold it in place and can be easily removed with a hand screwdriver.
 

Will I still be able to open my windows for airflow?

Yes, solar screens installed properly will not inhibit the operation of your window. However, some airflow will be restricted due to the thickness of the material.
 

Will solar screens reduce fading?

Yes, solar screens will drastically reduce the chances of curtains, carpets and all items from fading.
 

How long will my solar screens last?

R.C. Glass & Windows screens are warranted for as long as you live in your home. However, 20-30 years is a realistic life expectancy.
 

Should I use the 80% or the 90% screening?

If you want more light, better airflow and visibility, you should go with 80%. If you want more glare reduction and energy efficiency you should go with the 90%. It is also possible to put 90% on the real problem areas and 80% on less problem areas and aesthetically will not look different on the exterior.
 

Will solar screens hurt my plants?

Not normally, solar screens help reduce the damaging ultraviolet rays, however the 80% screening is usually suggested for plants that require more light.
 

Are solar screens pet resistant?

Yes, solar screens are incredibly pet resistant being PVC coated polyester. However, nothing is pet proof.
 

What color of solar screen should I choose and why?

The darker colors are more efficient and also have the best view. However, we offer 4 different colors and you should pick the color you will be most happy with remembering again that the darker the color the better the view.
 

What windows or doors on my house should I do?

For maximum energy efficiency, solar screens should protect all windows and doors. However, you may order any windows done as you would like, such as just the real problem areas and add others later.
 

How fast can I get them?

That depends on the time of year. Normally in the busy season, 7 to 14 days. Sometimes in our slower season as little as 2 to 5 days.