Solar
window shades offer a simple yet efficient way of protecting
a home from any damaging effects of the sun.
Most solar window shades will block out around 90% of the harmful UV
rays of the sun while still letting in valuable light. In other words,
rolling these shades down will provide the same amount of protection
as curtains do. However, while drawing curtains closed will block a
window view, closing a solar shade will not. Those indoors can still
see out, but others cannot see in. The exception to this would be when
a home is lit from within at night.
Too much sunlight shining in a room can damage furniture, carpet, and
wallpaper. An example of this is how upholsteries end up more lightly
colored where the sun hits them during the day. Another example is how
people can occasionally tell on walls where frames had been hung, even
after the pictures have been taken down.
A benefit of solar window shades is that they stop this fading, but
they still allow natural light into the room. It would be counterproductive
to have to turn on electrical lights during the day because the shades
are closed for better insulation. There is more than enough sunlight
available outside to provide for indoor lighting needs; it simply needs
to be let in to light up rooms.