Have you ever heard of solar window films? Don’t worry if you haven’t, they’re a bit of a specialist item! But they are something we work with quite a lot, and clients are always surprised by just how much of a difference they can make. Despite the name, these aren’t like the solar panels you might find on the roof that generate energy. Instead, these thin films are designed to coat the windows of your office, shop or workshop, providing privacy, protection and a break from the blistering heat.
What Are Solar Window Films?
Before we get into the benefits solar films can bring, we first need to understand what they are and what they can do. Solar window films are essentially strong sheets of polyester laminate that’s been heavily treated to improve the performance of your windows. One side has a scratch-resistant coating, and the other has an adhesive that bonds the film to the glass surface. One side of the film is always silver, and you can choose from gold, green, blue or bronze for the other side.
You can also choose whether you want one-way or two-way visibility, which controls whether people outside can see into your office. Once the film has been fitted, it’s incredibly effective at controlling the amount of sunlight that enters your space, as well as the heat and UV rays that come with it.
What Are The Benefits For Businesses?
Control Room Temperature: When the temperature starts to creep up, our first instinct is to turn on the fans and run the air conditioner as cool as we can. We all know Brits don’t cope with heat well! One of the biggest benefits of solar window films is their heat control properties. When applied to a window, they reflect heat out, reducing the ‘greenhouse’ effect by up to 85%. This means your staff will be more comfortable, and you won’t need to run the air conditioning as much.
Add Privacy: Solar films are available in a completely transparent finish, but many companies like them to have some tint to them. Not only does this add some visual interest to their windows, but it adds some privacy too. After all, you don’t always want everyone who walks by to be able to see into your office. Solar films can deliver effective, two-way privacy for your business, allowing employees to see out and natural light in, but an opaque surface on the exterior. They are slightly less effective at night if you have lights on inside, but they still provide you with a measure of privacy. You can even get them with a mirrored appearance, so passers-by are greeted with their own reflection! This is especially important for ground-floor offices, where employees might appreciate the extra privacy.
Save Energy Costs: This one is linked to the heat control properties of solar films. Because they help control the temperature within the space, you won’t need to run air conditioners or fans nearly as much. Since energy bills are at an all-time high, this simple step can save you a lot on your energy bill.
Improve Staff Efficiency: Glare and heat are two of the bigger issues staff face during the summer months, and they can have a significant impact on their overall productivity. This isn’t some sort of trade secret – it was such a problem that it was studied extensively, and the results found that adding solar control window film applied to windows improved employee performance by 15%-21%. Just by reducing the glare they were exposed to and improving the ambient temperature. Given that blinds can be damaged and cost extra in maintenance over the years, solar window films are an obvious best choice.
UV Protection: Heat isn’t the only danger from too much sunlight in your office, especially during the summer months. The harmful UV rays from the sun can pass straight through your windows and onto anything in their path. They can damage your employee’s eyes and skin, as well as any plants and fading soft furnishings you have within the office. Eye strain, headaches, heatstroke and dry skin are all the result of exposure to too much UV throughout the work day. Solar films come with built-in UV protection, cutting the amount of UV light coming in by up to 99%. So less harm for your employees and your furniture will fade at a much slower rate too!
Why Choose Signwrite Studios For Your Solar Window Films?
At Signwrite Studios we’re committed to providing high-quality signage and displays for businesses, and that includes your window films. We can create solar window films that give you all the benefits listed above, as well as a great opportunity to showcase your brand. While you can’t print directly onto solar films themselves, you can combine them with branded window graphics that provide a stunning visual display for passers by while keeping your office space cool and comfortable. And since solar window films, are made from durable materials that can withstand harsh weather conditions and wear, they can keep your business looking good all year round.
For more information on solar window films for your business, just get in touch with the Signwrite team today and book your consultation, or send us some measurements for your complimentary quote.
