Short answer
Solar screens are woven mesh panels mounted on the outside of a window to shade the glass and reduce the heat the sun adds to your home. DIY kits typically give you the fabric, frame pieces and fasteners, and you measure and assemble them yourself. They can noticeably cut heat gain on sunny windows, though results vary with the fabric, the window’s direction and how well the screen fits. They are not solar panels and do not generate electricity.
What solar screens are (and are not)
- Solar screens (sun screens): mesh fabric stretched on a frame, usually mounted over the outside of the window like a heavy-duty insect screen. They block part of the sunlight and glare before it reaches the glass.
- Interior shades and films: these act after sunlight has already passed through the window, so they are generally less effective at reducing heat than exterior shading.
- Solar panels (photovoltaic): a separate technology that produces electricity. See the section below on buying and installing those.
Do solar window screens really work?
In general, yes, with realistic expectations. Blocking sunlight before it hits the glass stops more heat than shading from inside. Benefits people commonly report include cooler rooms on sunny sides, less glare and some protection for furnishings against fading.
Points to keep in mind:
- Performance depends on the fabric. Denser weaves block more sun and light, and also reduce the view. Manufacturers list how much solar energy a fabric blocks, but figures vary widely between products, so compare the stated ratings.
- Screens help most on south and west windows (in the northern hemisphere) that get strong afternoon sun.
- They are not a substitute for insulation, air sealing or proper cooling, and they will not fix a failing window; see window repair vs replacement.
- They also reduce daylight and some winter solar gain, so you may want to remove them in cold months.
Kit vs build from parts
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Ready-made kit | Matched fabric, frame and spline; clear instructions | Costs more; limited size choices |
| Fabric plus frame parts | Flexible sizes and cost; many fabric options | More measuring and assembly; you need a spline tool and a cutting method |
| Custom-made screens from a shop | Professional fit | Highest cost |
Kits commonly use aluminum frame sections that join with corner pieces, fabric that is pressed into a groove with a rubber spline, and clips or brackets to hold the screen against the house.
Does Home Depot sell DIY solar screens?
Retail stock changes by store and by year, so check the retailer’s current website or ask in store. Home improvement stores and window-screen suppliers often sell screen frame pieces, spline, rolling tools and screen mesh, and online sellers offer dedicated solar screen kits and fabric by the yard. If you cannot find a boxed solar screen kit locally, building from frame parts and sun-control fabric is a common alternative. Check that the fabric is labeled as solar or sun-control mesh and not ordinary insect screening.
How to measure and install a kit
- Choose the mounting style. Screens mount in the window frame, on the exterior trim or over the whole opening. Check your siding and trim before you buy.
- Measure each window separately. Measure width and height in several places and use the smallest, as instructed by the kit. Windows can be out of square.
- Assemble the frame by cutting the aluminum sections to length and joining them with corner keys.
- Install the fabric. Lay the mesh over the frame, press it into the groove with the spline using a spline roller, then trim the excess with a sharp blade.
- Mount the screen with the supplied clips, brackets or tabs. Make sure it is secure against wind.
- Label each screen for its window so you can reinstall them in the same order next year.
Work with a helper when you are lifting frames, and do not lean out of windows.
Making your own sun blocker
If you prefer a simpler approach, there are other ways to shade windows from the sun:
- Shade cloth stretched on a light wood or PVC frame, mounted outside the window.
- Awnings or exterior shades that shade the glass but keep the window usable.
- Deciduous trees or trellis plantings that give summer shade and let winter light through, though they take time to grow.
- Reflective or tinted window film applied to the glass. Check the manufacturer’s instructions, since some films can affect warranties on double-pane glass.
Use materials suitable for outdoor use, and ensure the frame is firmly fixed so it cannot fall.
Drawbacks and when screens are not the best choice
- Reduced view and some light, which may feel dim in some rooms.
- Dirt and pollen collect on the mesh, so you will need to rinse or brush it occasionally.
- Screens can be damaged by high winds, hail or heavy snow, and many people take them down for winter.
- Windows that need to open frequently, such as those used for cleaning access or fire exits, can be awkward to work around.
Safety notes
- Emergency escape windows. Bedroom windows are often required to open fully as an escape route. Do not install anything that blocks or is hard to remove from inside in an emergency. Check your local code and make sure any screen on an escape window can be released quickly from inside without tools.
- Ladders and upper floors. Use a stable ladder, have a helper, and do not work near power lines. For second-story windows, consider hiring a professional.
- Hardware and fasteners. Drilling into siding or trim can hit wiring or hidden pipes in rare cases. If you are unsure, pick mounting methods that do not require deep drilling.
- Old paint and siding. Drilling or scraping older painted trim can release lead-based paint dust in homes built before 1978. Use lead-safe practices or hire a certified professional. Older siding materials can also contain asbestos, so avoid cutting or drilling it until tested. The lead-safe steps in how to repair peeling exterior paint apply here too.
Can I buy and install solar panels myself?
You can buy solar panels (photovoltaic equipment) as a consumer, but a full installation involves electrical work, structural roof attachment, utility interconnection and often permits and inspections. Doing it wrong can create fire, shock and roof-leak risks. Many jurisdictions require licensed electricians or certified installers, and utilities often require approved systems and inspections before you can connect. Small plug-in or off-grid kits exist, but rules differ by area. Talk to your building department and your utility, and hire a licensed professional for any work on your electrical panel or roof. This is a different project from the solar screens described above.
FAQ
Do solar screens work? Generally yes, for reducing sun and heat coming through the glass, though results vary by fabric, window and fit.
Are solar screens the same as solar panels? No. Solar screens are shade mesh. Solar panels generate electricity.
Can I make my own? Yes. Kits and frame-plus-fabric builds are common DIY projects that need basic measuring and cutting skills.
Do I need to take them down in winter? Not required, but many people do to allow more winter sunlight.