Solar Blinds / Shades: Don’t Block The View, Just The Sun

The newest technology that increases the chances of going greener by converting solar energy into electricity is solar blinds, or more specifically, solar panel blinds. These solar blinds are solar panels that have been converted into window sunscreens. As a result, solar blinds have all the benefits of solar panels and even more.

Solar blinds are therefore anticipated to perform better than solar panels in urban settings since they are significantly simpler to install when mounted on windows rather than roofs. The solar blinds can, most crucially, lower your electricity costs and up to 30% off the cost of running your air conditioner.

Solar Blinds / Shades: What Are They?

As there are many kinds of solar panels, there are different kinds of sun blinds. Therefore, there should be a distinction between standard solar blinds and blinds powered by the sun.

Regular solar blinds, which resemble standard roller shades, use a specifically created cloth to block out the sun’s heat, glare, and UV radiation. The solar blinds’ levels of UV and heat protection, as well as their transparency, might vary depending on the color and composition of the cloth. The openness factor of solar sunshades is made up of all of these components.

Nevertheless, what are solar-powered window coverings? The solar-powered, or solar panel, blinds are solar panels that have been shaped into window coverings. As they convert solar energy into electricity, they are considered photovoltaic (PV) systems. In this approach, solar-powered blinds can help you save up to 70% on your monthly electric cost.

The Function of Solar Blinds / Shades

Solar sunshades come with all the benefits and drawbacks of using solar energy because they convert solar energy into electricity. Solar blinds, however, are one step closer to addressing some of the drawbacks of photovoltaic systems. lowering installation costs and relatively high space utilisation, for instance.

Additionally, there is a smart version of the solar blinds that let you operate the window coverings from a distance. Installing a mobile application on your phone will enable you to achieve that. Additionally, Google Assistant and Alexa are both connected with smart solar shades.

With the help of this feature, you may remotely open and close your smart solar blinds, get performance updates, and scan your windows. Additionally, the solar-powered blinds contain an option that enables automated rotation of the blinds in response to the angle of the sun.

UV Rays: Do Solar Blinds / Shades Block Them?

About 50% of the sunlight that reaches the earth is infrared, 40% visible, and 10% UV. Most of the visible, half of the infrared, and a little amount of the ultraviolet light are typically transformed by solar panels. Given that solar shades are based on solar panel technology, it is logical to assume that they can block some UV radiation much as solar panels do.

Do Solar Blinds / Shades Resist Various Weather Conditions?

Blinds that are powered by solar energy can function in a variety of climates and temperatures. For instance, they are appropriate for areas with temperatures between -20°C and 60°C and humidity levels of 20% or between -10°C and 40°C and 80%.

Both the inside and the exterior of the window can be used to install the blinds. Solar shades work best when they are mounted outside, though. Additionally, even though the blinds include a storm protection mode, it is advised that, when exposed to severe weather, the blinds be fully retracted.

Are Solar Blinds / Shades Heat-Reducing?

The solar-powered blinds can keep the heat from the sun out of your home when they are completely closed, much like traditional solar shades can. As a result, because they offer active shading, solar blinds are thought to be able to help you save up to 30% on your air conditioning expenses.

Considerations Regarding the Privacy and Openness of Solar Shades

Solar blinds are fully retractable and operate similarly to ordinary blinds. Therefore, the shades won’t get in the way of you taking in the scenery. Additionally, when completely extended, they can serve as an anti-robbery mechanism. A specific mobile app for security is also included with smart solar blinds, making them less desirable to criminals.

Smart Solar Blinds 

 The solar-powered blinds are photovoltaic systems, which transform solar energy into electricity like rooftop solar panels and solar roof tiles. They do this by collecting solar energy and converting it into direct current (DC) electricity.

But in a typical household, DC electricity is useless on its own. A DC inverter converts the electric power into the alternating current as a result (AC). The power source we utilise for our electric gadgets is AC electricity.

 In light of this, all you need to do to make your solar sunshades work is connect them to the electrical grid; the DC inverter will take care of the rest. The fact that the blinds are grid-connected PV systems is another significant benefit. With a two-way meter, you may either sell the extra energy to your electricity provider or store it in a solar battery for later use.

How Much Energy Can Solar Blinds / Shades Produce?

The geographic area, season, and architectural design of the structure all affect how much energy the solar window coverings generate. For instance, solar panel blinds may produce up to 100W per hour on a surface area of 1m2, which is sufficient to power 30 LED light bulbs, a smartphone, or a laptop. A typical window (2m2) will produce more than 1kWh every day, in contrast.

It is crucial to remember that intelligent solar blinds are made employing sunflowers’ sun-tracking abilities. Thus, solar blinds will automatically adjust to the direction of the sun’s rays to capture and generate the maximum quantity of solar energy.

Advantages of Solar Blinds

Smart photovoltaic blinds are one of the most widely used products in modern homes because of their many benefits. These blinds can be installed in any home because they can be customised, making them adaptable to any type of structural or aesthetic necessity and seamlessly blending into any style. They also help you save money on energy costs and provide thermal insulation. Both your house and your office can use this solution. It can also be an effective strategy to stop break-ins (there are some models made specifically for this purpose).

Photovoltaic smart blinds may generate up to 350 watts of electricity, which is sufficient to switch on a computer and keep it operating for a set period while saving energy. Installing these blinds has tax benefits, which is a further benefit. The assistance offered for home improvement might help pay for some of the installation costs. The price of buying and installing photovoltaic smart blinds must be deducted from your income on your tax return to qualify for a deduction.

Drawbacks of Solar Blinds

Numerous benefits of photovoltaic smart blinds can considerably enhance the lives of those who utilise them. This solution, however, also has drawbacks. Their expense is without a doubt the biggest drawback. Considering how intricate and meticulously they are constructed, photovoltaic blinds are very expensive. It should be kept in mind, though, that the upfront expense must be viewed as an investment because the cash you pay now will be put to use in years to come to reduce your electricity costs.