Outdoor Solar Shade

Saving the planet may seem like a daunting task, but when we take small steps to reduce our carbon footprint, we can move closer to our goal.  One easy way we can do our part to reduce greenhouse gasses, while simultaneously cutting home energy costs, is to install solar shades on the windows and doors of our home.  Ideally, the windows or doors in question would be those in which the sun shines directly at some point during the day, but even windows or doors that do not receive direct sunlight can benefit from solar shades, also known as sun shades.  Outfitting our home with sun shades will keep inside temperatures down, reducing the need for air conditioning.

According to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), “Energy consumption for home air conditioning accounts for almost 5% of all the electricity produced in the U.S. for all purposes at a cost to homeowners of over $15 billion. This translates to roughly 140 million tons of carbon dioxide” (http://www.aceee.org/consumer/cooling).  That’s a lot of “green” going out the window, so to speak.

Solar shades are a practical solution because, for one, they are not black out shades; they do not darken a home and keep out all light.  Solar shades allow light and air to filter through, but, at the same time, they can reduce a room’s temperature by up to 25%.  Cooler temperatures inside mean more “green” — in other words, more money in our pockets and a healthier environment.