August 2nd, 2011 
Tushar Mathur 
We’re all more conscious of “Going Green” these days and one of the best-kept secrets is not only highly energy efficient, but includes additional major benefits for your home.
Shade is a commodity
Living in those areas where large, luscious shade trees just aren’t around, puts a burden on folks in sun-drenched regions of the country. The answer suggested here delivers visual and measurable improvements in the form of Solar Screens—today’s solution to the shade problem, especially for homeowners with older homes and who doesn’t need help with their power bills?
Bringing a host of benefits to the wise homeowner who installs them, solar screens:
- reduce heat penetration by 80%
- (here’s the Green part) reduce power consumption
- add an attractive feature to the exterior
- shade the interior
- protect furniture, drapes and carpets from fading
A little math shows how they work
Contrary to regular screens that only reduce about 17%, let’s say that 230 BTU’s (British Thermal Units) are hitting a solar screen. This screen is capable of blocking 184 BTU’s that get through to the window’s exterior surface. Assuming most (even older) homes have double-paned, insulated glass, of the remaining 46 BTU’s the window takes care of 14 BTU’s, leaving 35 to reach the inside of your home: 35/230 = 15 means 85% of those rays stay outside.
Attractive appearance approved by decorators
Decorators give solar screens thumbs up, because they can either be all but invisible, match the exterior walls, or perhaps even be an accent color that brings out the style of the home. Nice.
Results Count Big for the Air-Conditioning Bill
Obviously, many other factors come into play when it comes to the cost of cooling your home. However, looking at these numbers tells a big story for the southern home in a treeless landscape—especially when you may have to occasionally open the windows to air out your home. The price will be much less with the solar screens in place and the sun’s entry is obstructed. Moreover, in spite of their density, amazingly, they are remarkably transparent. Views are still enjoyed.
What about cost?
When you look at your air-conditioning bill, a few months down the road, you’ll see how quickly your original cost is recovered with each passing month. You’ll like the fact that using less power to keep your home cool and moving into the Green Zone didn’t require a major investment to achieve. Most local solar screen contractors will come to your home or business for a free estimate.
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