It's no secret that heat waves in the summer can be harmful to our skin, and everyone’s trying out different methods to stay cool and comfortable. Solar shades are one of the best ways to keep your home cool and protect you from the sun's harsh rays.

Not only do they block out harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, but they also reduce your energy bills by blocking heat gain in summer and reducing heat loss in winter. However, with the abundance of choices available on the market, it can be hard to know which ones are best for your needs.

Top Solar Shades for Blocking Heat

We've done all the hard work for you and put together a list of the 5 best solar shades that offer maximum protection from heat in 2023.

1. Factory Direct Blinds Solar Shades

At Factory Direct Blinds, we offer solar shades at competitive prices without compromising on quality. Our solar shades are made of woven polyester fabrics that provide excellent protection from UV radiation and heat while allowing a pleasant view of the outside. They come in various colours, sizes, and openness levels so you can customize them according to your needs.

With an openness value of up to 14%, these shades are perfect for both residential and commercial use. Just note your window sizes ahead of time, as we currently cater to online orders as of the moment.

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2. Chicology Solar Shades

Chicology Solar Shades are a perfect choice if you want to reduce glare and block out heat while enjoying the view outside. These shades come with a cordless lift system that ensures smooth, safe operation. They also have room-darkening shades, so you can still enjoy your privacy even during the daytime.

These solar shades stand as one of the best choices in style and functionality, as they provide excellent insulation against heat while giving an attractive look to any window or door. One drawback, however, is that they have a small range of colours to choose from.

3. Windowsandgarden Solar Shades

Since solar shades are all about keeping your home cool, look no further than the Windowsandgarden Solar Shades. Designed with an enhanced reflective coating, these shades can effectively reduce heat gain by up to 80%, while also providing privacy and protection from UV radiation.

They're available in two types – standard rollup and multisystem vertical blinds – that come in multiple colours, so you can easily match them to any décor style. As they offer noise reduction as well, these are perfect for people who live in urban areas.

But these solar shades can be a bit pricey and may also require professional installation.

4. Levolor Solar Shades

Levolor offers smart blinds and solar screens for windows, but the Levolor Solar Shades are specially designed to provide maximum protection from heat and keep your home cool. These shades are made of a durable fabric that not only blocks out UV radiation but also reduces glare and prevents light from entering your home.

Their lightweight construction makes them easy to install, while their cordless design provides added safety for children and pets. Plus, they come in various size options, so you can get the perfect fit for any window or door at an affordable price, which could be the reason Levolor Solar Shades may not last as long as other options.

5. Bali Solar Shades

If you're looking for a more reliable and energy-efficient choice, then consider Bali Solar Shades. These solar shades are specifically engineered to deflect the sun's heat away from your home, reducing indoor temperatures by up to 20%.

They also come in various patterns and colours, so you can easily find one that will match your décor. Plus, they boast a cordless design for added safety as well as an easy-to-operate motorization option. Due to their technology, these shades may also be more expensive than other options because of the more advanced features. Additionally, the installation process may require professional help for the best results.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Solar Shades

Being equipped with the right information is essential when selecting solar shades for your home. This is due to the fact that each type of shade is designed differently, and therefore has different advantages and disadvantages.

When making your choice, you should consider factors such as:

Type

The type of solar screen or shade will be a factor in how much natural light or even sun rays it controls. This is evident, for example, in the difference between budget blinds, which are typically much lighter than solar screens or shades. The lightness of this type of shade can be beneficial if you need to allow more natural light into the room.

On the other hand, heavier products such as solar screens and room darkening shades will block sun rays and direct sunlight better, which is important in rooms that face south or get an abundance of heat from their windows due to direct sunlight.

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Material

Imagine a situation where you need to reduce heat and solar radiation entering through your south-facing windows. However, the material of the solar shade you were considering was not suitable for this purpose. This means that while it may look nice, it will be inadequate in blocking sun rays and solar heat. It's important to consider the material when making your selection, as some materials block UV light better than others.

For example, heavy-duty solar screens made from a thick fabric with an additional layer of vinyl may be best in order to block both sun rays and solar heat.

Color

This is another essential factor to consider when making your selection because most shades come in neutral colours designed to complement your home's existing décor. However, certain colours can help reduce the amount of natural light allowed into a room and also provide better temperature control.

Darker colors, such as black or navy blue, can be effective in blocking out more sunlight and solar heat than lighter colours like white or pastels. So depending on how much sun rays you need to block, picking the right colour for your shade may be beneficial.

Openness

When choosing a window shade, the openness factor can be an important consideration. Openness measures how much light is allowed through the material. For example, roller shades are typically more open than other types of shades and allow more natural light to enter through your windows while still providing some privacy.

On the other hand, cellular shades and solar shades offer greater insulation and visibility control as they create a barrier between you and the outside world. Solar shades for windows also provide additional protection from UV rays with their reflective qualities making them ideal for blocking out intense sunlight during summer months.

UV Protection

Shades and blinds for windows play an important role that people may often overlook: UV protection. Ultraviolet rays can be harmful to both people and furniture, so it’s important to select window treatments that can offer proper protection.

Cellular shades are a type of fabric shade that is great for this purpose as they provide excellent coverage without obstructing the view outdoors. They also trap air between the pleats which adds an extra layer of insulation, helping keep your home cool in summer and warm in winter.

Insulation

Aside from blocking UV rays, cellular shades are also great for insulation. The air pockets created between the pleats trap air and can provide an extra layer of insulation which helps to keep your home comfortable year-round.

Blinds for windows, such as faux wood blinds or aluminum mini blinds, can also be used to help insulate your space because they won’t have quite the same level of insulation performance as cellular shades. But they will still be effective in keeping energy costs down throughout the year.

Price

The economic advantages of solar shades and blinds for windows vary depending on the brand, material and style. However, typically these window treatments are more cost-effective than other options such as curtains or drapes.

Solar shades and cellular shades tend to be a bit pricier, but they often offer more benefits like light filtration, insulation and UV protection which can make them well worth the price in terms of energy savings over time.

Keep Cool This Summer With Factory Direct Blinds

As summer temperatures start to rise, it’s important to know your choices when it comes to window treatments. Blinds for windows and shades can be an efficient way of controlling the amount of light that enters a room while also providing insulation and UV protection. It’s important to consider factors such as budget, desired level of coverage, sun exposure and more when selecting the right product for your space.

At Factory Direct Blinds, we offer a wide selection of blinds – from faux wood blinds and aluminum mini blinds to solar shades and cellular shades – so you can find what fits best into your lifestyle needs and budget.

On top of that, we also offer comparison topics, such as those for roller shades vs solar shades and blackout vs room darkening shades.

Shop our collection today and keep cool this summer! Start by contacting our team of experts who can help you select the perfect window treatments for your space.

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FAQs

Do solar shades keep out heat?

Yes, solar shades can help to keep out the heat by blocking direct sunlight. The double honeycomb construction of these shades creates air pockets that act as a layer of insulation, helping to regulate the temperature inside your home or office.

What is the difference between 1% and 5% solar shades

1% solar shades are the most transparent option, allowing minimal natural light and a view to the outside. 5% solar shades provide more privacy and block out more of the sun’s rays while still allowing some natural light in.

What material is best to block out sun

The most effective material to block out the sun is a blackout fabric, such as woven polyester. This type of material blocks out 100% of sunlight and can be used in both roller shades and pleated shades.

Are blinds or curtains better for blocking heat

Blinds are usually more effective at blocking out heat than curtains because they provide a tighter seal when closed. Blinds also have the advantage of being adjustable, so you can choose how much sunlight to let in.