Security, privacy, shading, and style – are some of the benefits of applying window film to glass windows. Solar shading is one of the most common reasons why commercial buildings choose tinted windows. Commercial buildings are often glass-heavy and installing tinted films can lead to significant savings on energy bills.

Types of Solar Film

There are two types of solar film.

The first is designed to protect from the sun. It is a tinted window film that blocks the sun, keeps the temperature down, and reduces the need for cooling. This is a popular concept and many commercial buildings opt for this method. Applying tinted film can also have significant benefits in terms of energy bill savings.

It also has aesthetic benefits. Tinted windows provide privacy and look more elegant and professional. By blocking UV rays, this film can prevent fading of furniture, carpets, and upholstery. Tinted window film is available in many colors and textures, such as frosted and etched glass. Filming existing windows is also a much more cost-effective alternative to replacing windows or getting colored or textured glass.

The other type of solar film falls into the category of solar energy generation. Solar energy technology has remained largely inaccessible due to the costs involved. A more affordable system for generating solar energy is available in the form of solar films. These films are basically very thin solar panels that can be placed on a surface, almost any surface that will be exposed to sunlight, be it the roof, the walls, or even the windows.

Traditional photovoltaic panels

Traditional photovoltaic panels are much more efficient compared to solar film. But the sun x film has some advantages over photovoltaic panels. It is much lighter, can be installed almost anywhere, and is sturdy. Being a relatively inefficient technology, it takes a large surface area to generate a significant amount of energy. But for buildings where floor space is available, it can be a useful technology and can help keep heating costs low.

The field of renewable energy sources and related technology is a very relevant area. Funds and resources are invested in research into alternative fuels and new innovations are constantly being produced. Just a few years ago, the available solar film was much less efficient than what we have today. It is reasonable to expect even more efficient solar film technology in the near future than photovoltaic panels.

Advantages

Solar films of both types have their own advantages. Commercial buildings mainly opt for the installation of solar films. In the case of solar control film, this is because commercial spaces have a lot of glass surfaces and can benefit from lower air conditioning costs, more privacy, and better aesthetics. In the case of solar foil, this is because only large commercial buildings can take advantage of this type of technology, as it requires a lot of space to be cost-effective.

Sheet of plastic

A window film is a sheet of plastic used to cover a window. Its most common use is to limit the amount of sunlight entering a room. It is a perfect way to regulate sunlight. Some films also have a reflective coating to reflect UV rays that can ruin furniture and floors. It also helps reduce energy costs by controlling room temperature.

Patterns for decorative window films

Patterns can be frozen on foil. This gives a window translucency, meaning you can't see the other side clearly. This is ideal for office doors or anywhere that needs a little privacy. If you want complete privacy, an opaque film is also available which blocks out complete visibility.

For a more classic and inspiring look, a stained glass foil is also available. Its appearance is very similar to the stained glass windows normally found in cathedrals. Now you can achieve that look for your home at a fraction of the cost.

Stained glass window films

Stained glass window films are easy to use and affordable. Aside from their aesthetic appeal, they are also useful for regulating sunlight. Most kits come with a full set of instructions so you can install them yourself. However, hiring a professional is still an option. No special tools are required for cleaning. They also fit most windows as they come in many sizes. It can also be installed on most glass surfaces, adding to its functionality. This is not only for residential use but also for commercial use.

References:

 1-Stained Glass Windows

Published: 01 February 2021 By John M. Parker

https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118801017.ch10.8

2-Light management in crystalline silicon thin-film solar cells with imprint-textured glass superstrate

Available online on 23 May 2019 By D.Eisenhauer

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solmat.2019.109928