Most interior window treatments filter sunlight after it’s already inside the home. Exterior solar screens work differently. Mounted on the outside of windows and doors, these tightly woven mesh panels intercept heat and UV rays before they ever touch the glass, resulting in a cooler home, lower cooling bills, and protection for your furniture and flooring.
What Are Exterior Solar Screens?
Exterior solar screens are panels made from durable vinyl-coated polyester or PVC-coated fiberglass mesh. Mounted directly on the outside of a window or door frame, the tightly woven fabric acts as a shield between the sun and the glass.
A few key properties determine how a solar screen performs. Openness factor refers to how much open space exists in the weave, typically ranging from 3% to 15%. A lower openness factor blocks more sunlight and offers more daytime privacy, while a higher number preserves more of the outdoor view. Color also plays a role. Darker fabrics like black and bronze provide clearer outward visibility, while lighter colors reflect more heat.
At Blindsgalore, our Outdoor Solar Screen is built from 35% PVC/Fiberglass and 65% Cotton/PVC/Polyester, with a powder-coated hem bar that resists rust. Every screen is custom-made to exact window measurements and includes all necessary mounting hardware.
How Do Exterior Solar Screens Work?
The science is straightforward. When sunlight hits the mesh fabric, the tight weave reflects a portion of the sun’s rays away from the window. At the same time, the fabric absorbs heat and dissipates it into the outdoor air before it can transfer through the glass.
That small air gap between the screen and the window is what makes exterior mounting so effective. Heat gets stopped outside rather than building up between the glass and an interior shade.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, about 76% of the sunlight that falls on standard double-pane windows enters the home as heat during the cooling season. Exterior solar screens dramatically reduce that number by blocking solar energy at the source.
An interior solar shade still reduces glare and UV exposure, but the heat has already passed through the glass by the time the fabric intercepts it. Exterior screens stop the problem earlier, which is why energy savings tend to be significantly higher.
Key Benefits of Exterior Solar Screens
Lower Energy Bills
Blocking heat before it enters the home means the air conditioner doesn’t have to work as hard. On south-facing and west-facing windows, especially, exterior solar screens can make a dramatic difference in cooling costs during peak summer months.
For even more control, motorized solar shades make it easy to lower screens during intense afternoon sun and raise them when natural light is wanted. Motorized options are also 100% cordless, making them the safest choice for homes with kids and pets.
UV Protection for Belongings
Constant sun exposure fades furniture, hardwood floors, and artwork faster than most homeowners realize. Exterior solar screens can block up to 90% or more of UV rays (depending on the openness factor), preserving the color and integrity of everything inside.
Glare Reduction Without Losing the View
Solar screens cut glare significantly, which makes working from home, watching TV, or just relaxing far more comfortable. The best part is the outward view stays clear, especially with darker mesh colors. Nobody wants to feel like living behind a wall.
Bug Protection and Daytime Privacy
Because exterior solar screens use mesh material, they double as insect screens. The mesh also creates a one-way visibility effect during daylight hours. Looking out is easy, but people outside can’t easily see in. Worth noting: solar screens do not offer nighttime privacy, since lighted interiors allow visibility from outdoors. A secondary treatment like blackout roller shades may be needed for privacy after dark.
Exterior vs. Interior Solar Screens
Both have a place in the home, but the performance difference is real. Exterior solar screens stop heat before it reaches the glass, making them far more effective at reducing heat gain. Interior solar shades still offer excellent glare reduction and UV protection, and are easier to install since no exterior access is required.
A layered approach often works best, especially in rooms that get intense afternoon sun, like sunrooms or west-facing home offices. For more on those spaces, check out What to Consider When Choosing Sunroom Blinds on the blog.
How to Choose the Right Exterior Solar Screens
Openness factor. Lower percentages (3% to 5%) block the most sun and offer the most daytime privacy. Higher percentages (10% to 15%) preserve more of the view.
Color. Black and bronze provide the clearest outward visibility. Lighter colors like stucco reflect more heat.
Wind resistance. At Blindsgalore, a bungee tiedown accessory keeps screens secure in windy conditions. Stainless steel guide cables on either side also help keep the shade taut.
Motorization. Motorized roller shades make daily operation effortless and integrate with Alexa, Google Home, Siri Shortcuts, Samsung SmartThings, and Control4 through compatible hubs like the Connector Smart Hub.
Installation Tips for Your Solar Screens
Exterior solar screens are a manageable DIY project, and 99% of Blindsgalore customers handle installation on their own. A few pointers:
Measure the window width and height at three points each (top, middle, bottom) and use the smallest measurement for an inside mount. The Blindsgalore Measuring Guide walks through the full process.
Leave a small air gap (about 1/4 inch) between the screen and the window glass. The gap allows absorbed heat to dissipate outdoors rather than transferring through the glass.
Secure the screen for wind using the available bungee tie-down and guide cables, especially in areas prone to strong gusts.
To keep them clean, use mild soap and warm water with a soft brush or sponge. Rinse thoroughly and air dry. Never submerge solar screens in water, and avoid pressure washers, which can damage the mesh.
Ready to Beat the Heat?
Exterior solar screens are one of the smartest ways to reduce heat, cut UV damage, and bring energy bills down without blocking the view. At Blindsgalore, every outdoor solar screen is custom-built to exact specifications and backed by a 30-day satisfaction guarantee with free exchanges on up to 4 windows. Custom orders ship with free shipping across the continental U.S.
Call (877) 702-5463 or text (858) 550-4750 to chat with an in-house window treatment expert.
FAQs
The energy savings, UV protection, and extended furniture life add up quickly. For homes with south or west-facing windows, exterior screens are one of the most cost-effective upgrades available.
Yes. All hardware is included, and Blindsgalore provides step-by-step videos, guides, and expert phone support at (877) 702-5463 or text at (858) 550-4750.
Not significantly. Darker mesh colors maintain excellent outward visibility, even at a 90% shade factor.
High-quality screens made from vinyl-coated polyester or PVC-coated fiberglass typically last 10 to 15 years with proper care.
No. Solar screens offer daytime privacy only. At night, interior lights make the inside visible from outdoors. Pair exterior screens with an interior treatment like roller shades or cellular shades for nighttime privacy.