by Bob Wainwright

Created on: March 30, 2008   Last Updated: November 29, 2011

This article speaks first hand to the absolute benefits of solar blocking window film or tint. We designed and built a passive solar home, with a great deal of southern window exposure, approximately 300 square feet of glass, to take advantage of the Sun's warmth, as well as, providing access to an incredible view. Unfortunately, at the time, too little was really understood about all of the negative implications of direct sun exposure on a home and its furnishings.

Quickly our great solar experience turned into something far less than expected, for in addition to the eventually insignificant amount of heat derived from this exposure in the colder months, the damage done by the Sun easily offset any benefits. The combination of solar energy, ultraviolet and infrared radiation had inflicted considerable damage to the woodwork, floors, rugs and furniture. As for the view, the glare from the Sun's rays obscured literally everything when looking out, it was impossible to read or watch television, imagine for a moment sitting in one's living room wearing a ball cap when trying to read!

First, custom made draperies were ordered and installed to cover the windows during the period of the day when the Sun was most intense. This was a disappointing alternative. Because of the southern exposure, this end of the house was "in" the Sun virtually all day. With the drapes drawn, the house was gloomy...if not outright dark, and they completely blocked the view. Venetian blinds were considered and quickly rejected. True, they would provide privacy in the evening, but during the day, the effect was as no less overwhelmingly gloomy.

Irrespective of the less than ideal or, immensely costly alternatives, e.g., redesign/rebuild, live in a solar oven, or, a "cave like" atmosphere, it was evident something had to be done. Product researches lead us to the possible benefits of solar blocking window film or tint. Initially, it was this statement from the U.S. Department of Energy, "An estimated $30 billion or more of Energy is lost per year through single pane windows" "An Average Home Loses 25-40% of Energy through Windows." Additional inquires provided such data as, reduction of up to 100% of ultraviolet light as well as, high rates of infrared rejection and so on.

Convinced of the eventual benefits of blocking the Sun's intrusion, all the windows in the entire house were covered. The results were immediately obvious. Although the benefits of blocking the heat loss in the cold weather

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