Solar blinds refer to any blind that has a special silver coating applied to the reverse of the the fabric. This is also known as ASC and SPC coating, however we change name to 'solar' to make them easier to understand. Whilst technically anything blocking the sunlight could be classed as solar-control, the real solar fabrics are ones with the special coating.
Solar coating reflects heat and light away from the room, making these fabrics more effective at temperature control than conventional ones, and reflect fabric solar glare. These fabrics also double as a thermal energy-saving fabric, as they also reduce thermal loss during the colder months, by retaining heat within the fabric. Because of these energy-saving factors, solar-coated fabrics are popular for all settings - offices, schools, homes and industrial areas.
Scroll down to see the different types of solar-coated blinds you can get.
"A benefit of the SPC® coating is it helps conserve energy in both winter and summer. SPC® retains heat in a room by reducing thermal loss through the window in winter and on summer days it reduces the heat build up through reflectance. A result can be reduced energy bills!"
- SOURCE
What are the different types of solar blinds?
As there are a lot of blind types that use the same fabric, there are many blinds that are available with solar-coatings on. These are...
Solar Pleated Blinds
Solar-coated pleated blinds are some of the best blinds for temperature control. This is because they are not only super light weight-wise, but they come in many variations. You can buy pleated blinds as a single layer, both solar or fully blackout, or the best option is to for for a 'hive' honey-combe structure.
Honeycomb fabrics are fantastic insulators anyway due to their comb-like build, as they allow air flow to pass through the fabric. However if you add a solar-coating to the mix, they increase their UV-fighting properties!
"An additional benefit of the SPC® coating is its ability to decrease glare – ideal for offices, schools and commercial spaces using computers or projectors. The coated blinds can be raised, lowered or adjusted to reduce the glare while still obtaining a view of the outside."
Solar Roller Blinds
As roller blinds are one the most widely-used fabrics and blinds, its not surprising that oller blinds are also available with solar-coated options. Though less effective and weighing more when compared to pleated blinds, roller blinds offer a thicker fabric compared to pleated blinds, and usuaslly a much wider range of colours and styles to choose from.
Due to this, you can also get solar-coated fabrics in the following roller-related blind types; electric roller blinds, panel blinds and Perfect Fit rolller blinds.
"Use SPC® coated blinds in offices, hotels, healthcare sectors, care homes, educational institutions, nurseries, restaurants, conservatories and orangeries."
Solar Vertical Blinds
Vertical blinds also have solar-coated options, and as they are one of the best blinds that offer optimal light and privacy control, they are one of the favourite tyoes ordered for offices, schools and homes.
Solar-coated vertical blinds act much like roller blinds, and are treated the same way. Again, like roller blinds, verticasl blinds have thicker fabric when compared to pleated blinds, and as such are good thermal insulators.
You can also order replacement vertical slats if you already have a headrail in place, a cost-effective and quick way to refresh you window décor.
