Solar Shades & Roller Shades: How Are They Different?

Side-by-side, solar shades and roller shades look fairly similar. They’re both window coverings. Both are made with a single sheet of material and use a roller-and-tube system for functionality. In design though, solar shades and roller shades are different from one another and in important ways.

What’s The Difference Between Solar Shades And Roller Shades?

Solar blinds, or solar shades, are a type of roller shade. They are distinct in how they are designed, offering advantages that not every roller shade has.

The primary distinguishing factor in what are solar blinds compared to roller shades is that solar shades use a screen-like material that blocks UV rays but that does not block the view to the outside. If we’re talking roller shades, when you shop motorized roller blinds, you’ll notice the material can be any of a range of textiles with the sole purpose of controlling light. 

In terms of how they are applied in interior design, roller shades are frequently used to darken light or are used as a type of blackout blinds, whereas solar shades offer protection from the damage the sun can cause.

How Do Motorized Solar Shades Work? 

Motorized solar shades cover a window just like any roller shade does, as a single layer of woven fabric. Solar shades operate using a roller-and-tube mechanism to open and close. Some can operate with a simple tug, similar to how a projector screen is designed.

There is also an important distinction to be made between solar shades and motorized solar shades. When you buy solar shades online from Go Smart Blinds, you get motorized shades and the best in solar smart blinds. You can operate your motorized solar blinds by smart home automation on a schedule, by app, remote control, or voice control. You don’t have to adjust them manually. Once installed, you can optimize their light control in a way that can’t be done manually.

In terms of why solar shades make sense for a home, there are lots of reasons. They help regulate temperature. They save energy. Most importantly, if you have very expensive and valuable floors, furniture, art, or assets, sun can cause fading.

Motorized solar shades are categorized by openness. The ‘openness’ is given as a percentage and shows how much light is let in. For example, solar shades with 1% openness will provide less light than solar shades with 3% openness. In the same vein, 3% solar shades tell you they let in 3% UV rays. The average range of solar shades is 1% to 14%. You still get the transparency to the outdoors regardless, however, this lets you pick how much you want. This is an important point when buying solar shades.

What Color And Material Is Best For Solar Shades?

Most solar shades are made with neutral colors. As the function of the woven mesh is to block UV rays, the colors are more limited than they would be for the average DIY motorized blinds kit or roller shades.

Light and dark fabric both produce different effects. 

• Light material reflects heat better, helps to keep a room cooler, and will naturally brighten a space. The downside, however, is that light-colored solar shades sometimes create a cloudy look due to the brightening effect. Some people don’t like it.
• Darker fabrics absorb glare better and provide a clearer view than lighter fabrics but aren’t as effective at reflecting UV rays. They may need a tighter weave to get the temperature regulation you can get from lighter-colored roller shades.

Do Motorized Solar Shades Offer Privacy?

A disadvantage to solar shades is the lack of privacy, particularly at night. During the day, solar blinds are amazing! They preserve the view to the outside excellently. When the sun is out, you’ll notice though that your solar blinds look opaque. When it’s dark outside and lights, such as from a passing car, hit your roller shades, it also creates a sort of opaque effect.

With this in mind, smart home solar shades are best for windows that are not facing the street or have obvious light sources. 

Are Motorized Roller Shades Better? 

Some of the drawbacks of solar shades can be remedied with motorized roller shades.

Premium roller shades are often used to block out all light from a room. For bedrooms, living rooms, entertainment areas, work-from-home offices, and environments like this, smart roller shades provide all the privacy and glare protection you want.

For some homes and situations, unquestionably, roller shades are a better choice.

Benefits Of Motorized Roller Shades – Simple, Classic, And Affordable

• Roller shades are a reliable blinds or shades option for any room in the house or office.
• Reduce glare during the day to improve productivity and comfort.
• Readjust their positioning by app, remote control, or voice control for privacy or openness.
• Reduce energy costs by setting them up on a smart home blinds automation program through a smart home hub.
• They operate just like solar shades but provide additional privacy during the day and evenings.
• Choose from dozens of styles, from blackout blinds to room-darkening, light-filtering, and sheer. 

More Customization In Roller Shades With A Variety Of Looks

Motorized roller shades are available in all sorts of styles. Seeing the pages of Go Smart Blinds, you’ll find dozens of looks and aesthetics to consider. In addition to the array of colors, patterns, textures, materials, and opacities, they can also be custom-ordered and cut to fit the exact window dimensions of what you have.

Motorized roller blinds are incredibly stylish, whether used independently, or as a foundational element under drapery or curtains. 

Buy Your Motorized Solar Shades And Roller Shades At Go Smart Blinds

Both solar shades and roller shades have their benefits. What’s right for your home depends on what the objective is. If it’s to keep UV rays out and regulate sun exposure to a very specific degree, solar blinds are absolutely where it’s at. Most homeowners, renters, landlords, and businesses, however, are probably going to want to go with roller shades due to their greater variety in looks and the customization that comes along with them.