Solar screens are devices that are semi-permeable to light, but provide protection against some forms of harmful ultraviolet light. They are very common in cars and in some buildings where the setting sun can cause very harsh light through the windows at various times of the day. They are also used in recreational areas, such as parks and pools, and as patio shades.
One of the most common places to see solar screens is in cars and other vehicles as solar window shades. On buses especially, where there are very large windows, they are often installed. In car windows, they are commonly seen when babies are present. Due to the nature of infant car seats, the infant's head is always positioned upward. That makes it important to have something there that can block the light. Otherwise, the baby's eyes may be pointing directly into the sun.
Another common use is at swimming pools. Solar screens at public pools are especially important, as people generally have a great portion of exposed skin and are there for many hours. In these cases, pool builders may not only install solar screens on the deck, but also over some of the pool area itself. This will allow those who want to take advantage of the shades to enjoy both the deck and the water at their convenience.
Homeowners may choose to take advantage of a solar screen either as a patio shade or retractable awning. This ability to retract provides an even greater benefit to the homeowner because it allows for the awning to be rolled back during cloudy days and at night. This can change the entire atmosphere of the patio and help provide an entirely different look.
Solar screens come in a wide variety of colors, though the most common color is black. Swimming pools often like brighter, more cheerful colors that matches a color scheme of the overall facility. For those who want something more customized, solar screens can be made with different designs or advertising different products. In fact, the manufacturers of solar shades for use by those with babies often prominently display their brand on the screen.
The cost of a solar screen greatly depends on the use and the size. Those which attach to car windows are usually available for less than $20 US Dollars (USD). Solar screens for commercial use may cost many thousands of dollars. In such cases, it is not only the screen that needs to be considered, but also the support structure, which can also be very expensive, depending on how large it is.