How much do solar screens cost?
How much do solar screens cost?
$50 – $150 average cost per window installed (exterior solar screens)
$60 – $520 average cost per window installed (interior sun shades)
$900 – $8,000 average total cost (interior sun shades – whole house)
Solar screens cost
Solar window screens cost $50 to $150 per window installed for exterior screens. Interior sun shades costs $60 to $380 per window installed for manual shades or $160 to $520 per window installed for motorized models. Exterior solar shades costs $10 to $50 per square foot for labor and materials.
| Project | Average cost installed |
|---|---|
| Exterior solar window screen | $50 – $150 per window |
| Solar door screen (partial glass door) | $40 – $250 per door |
| Solar door screen (full door) | $150 – $600 per door |
| Interior sun shade (pull-down) | $60– $380 per window |
| Interior sun shade (motorized) | $160 – $520 per window |
| Exterior sun shade (pull-down) | $10 – $30 per square foot |
| Exterior sun shade (motorized) | $20 – $50 per square foot |
Exterior solar window screens cost
Exterior solar window screens cost $50 to $150 per window installed, depending on size, material, and number of windows. These fixed panel screens block 65% to 90% of the sun's heat, with higher percentages costing more. Exterior solar screens may be left up all year or stored during winter months.
Exterior solar screens block the sun's heat and UV rays before they reach the window glass, making them more effective than interior solar shades.
Sun shades cost
Interior sun shades cost $60 to $520 per window installed on average. The shades alone cost $40 to $400 per window. Size and operation style has the biggest impact on price, with small pull-down shades priced the lowest and large motorized models costing the most. Most solar shades are DIY-friendly.
| Window size | Average unit cost per window | Total installed cost per window |
|---|---|---|
| Manual sun shade | ||
| Small (24" x 36") | $40 – $120 | $60 – $240 |
| Medium (32" x 48") | $50 – $170 | $70 – $290 |
| Large (44" x 54") | $75 – $200 | $95 – $320 |
| Extra-large (48" x 72") | $80 – $260 | $100 – $380 |
| Motorized sun shade | ||
| Small (24" x 36") | $140 – $300 | $160 – $420 |
| Medium (32" x 48") | $160 – $360 | $180 – $480 |
| Large (44" x 54") | $180 – $390 | $200 – $510 |
| Extra-large (48" x 72") | $220 – $400 | $240 – $520 |
Solar shades have a 1% to 14% openness level, meaning 1% to 14% of the fabric weave allows light through.
Choose dark-colored shades for larger windows with nice views as they provide the best glare reduction and view to the outside. Choose lighter fabric for smaller windows and to brighten the interior space.
Reserve solar shades for kitchens, living rooms, and other public areas as they do not provide sufficient privacy for bedrooms or bathrooms.
Exterior sun shades cost
Exterior sun shades cost $10 to $50 per square foot installed, depending on the size, openness level, and whether manual or motorized. Exterior sun shades are common for patios and porches, blocking up to 99% of UV rays, providing daytime privacy, and preventing outdoor furniture fading.
| Sun shade type | Material cost (per square foot) | Total installed cost (per square foot) |
|---|---|---|
| Manual pull-down | $5 – $15 | $10 – $30 |
| Motorized | $15 – $30 | $25 – $50 |
Solar blinds cost
Solar blinds cost $250 to $700 without installation, depending on the size and features. Motorized solar blinds with custom valances cost the most. Solar blinds open from the middle or side and have a 2 to 5-panel sliding track that works well for larger windows and sliding glass doors.
A handyman charges $50 to $125 per hour or $10 to $50 per window on average to install solar blinds. In comparison, installing other types of window treatments costs $100 to $800 per window, depending on the design and installation time.
Solar screen door costs
A door solar screen costs $40 to $600 with installation, depending on the screen size, material, and whether installing it alone or along with a solar window screen installation. The door solar screen price is often significantly reduced on larger projects.
| Type | Average cost installed* |
|---|---|
| Solar screen installed on existing door (partial glass) | $40 – $250 |
| New full screen door | $250 – $600 |
| New sliding screen door | $150 – $400 |
*Some installers have a $100 to $400+ minimum fee.
Solar screen installation costs
| Factor | Average cost per window |
|---|---|
| Materials | $30 – $120 |
| Labor cost | $20 – $30 |
| Total cost | $50 – $150 |
The following factors affect the cost of installing exterior solar window screens:
Labor – Installers charge $40 to $100 per hour on average to measure, assemble, and install solar screens. Some companies waive the installation fee when you purchase several solar screens at the same time.
Location – Warmer states have more installers which often leads to better pricing due to increased competition.
Window size & shape – Larger windows require more materials. Arched or uniquely shaped windows cost $20+ more than standard windows.
Number of windows – The more window screens installed, the higher the total project cost, but the cost per screen is typically lower for larger projects. Whole-house and quantity discounts range from 10% to 25%.
Screen material – 90%-rated solar screens cost more than 65%-rated screens but block more of the sun's heat and glare.
Time of year – Installation prices are higher in late spring and summer. Contractors may have deals or incentives in the slower fall and winter months.
Gridwork – Windows with gridwork often cost 2 to 3 times more than plain windows.
Window screen replacement (link) / / window repair (link)
Rebates – Some areas offer up to $1.00 per square foot rebate for professionally installed solar screens.
Warranty – Some installers offer extended warranties for an additional $90 to $170+ fee.
Solar screen prices
Solar screen prices range from $2 to $8 per linear foot on average when buying by the roll, depending on the width and density. 80%-rated screens block 80% of the sun's UV rays and glare and work well in most cases. 90% is best for south or west-facing windows.
| Screen density | Average cost per linear foot |
|---|---|
| 65% – 70% | $2.00 – $5.00 |
| 80% | $2.50 – $6.00 |
| 90% | $3.00 – $8.00 |
Solar screen rolls come in 36", 48", 60", 72", and 96" widths.
Frame kits cost $10 to $20 per window and include the spline, frame, corners, and clips needed to build and install the screen.
Custom-sized solar screens cost $50 to $90 per window for 80% density or $60 to $180 per window for 90% density and come framed and ready to install.
Solar screen FAQs
What are solar screens?
Solar screens are mesh fabric light-filtering screens that block up to 90% of the sun's heat, reduce glare, and provide interior daytime privacy while still allowing visibility to the outside. Solar screens installed on the exterior or interior of a window, with exterior installs offering the best heat reduction.
Solar screens may be fixed panels, rolling shades, or track panel blinds.
The most common solar screen fabrics give 80% and 90% sun blockage, with 90% providing slightly less visibility due to the tighter weave fabric.
Do solar screens work?
Solar screens work to block dangerous UV rays and heat from entering the home by 65% to 90%. Installing solar screens prevents furniture and carpet fading, reduces the home's energy demands, and adds privacy while still letting light in and allowing a view to the outside.
How much will solar screens save me?
Solar screens may save you 25% to 30+% on utility bills during the hotter months. In warm climates, the average payback period for solar screens is 2 to 3 years. Actual savings depend on several factors, including:
Home's orientation & amount of direct sunlight
Geographic location & climate
Solar screen type & openness factor
Number of windows
Check for state and local energy-saving incentives. Some areas offer rebates for professional solar screen installation.
How long does it take to install solar screens?
Installing solar screens takes 30 minutes to 3 hours on average, depending on the number of screens installed and whether the home is one or multiple stories. The solar screen installation process typically includes removing the old screens and installing the hardware to secure the new screens in place.
What is the difference between solar screens, blinds, and shades?
Solar screens are fixed panels—like typical insect screens—and install on the windows' exterior. Solar shades and blinds open and close and install on interior windows and doors or exterior areas like porches and patios. Solar shades may be manual or motorized. Solar screens have no moving parts.
The terms "solar screens" and "solar shades" are often used interchangeably online.
Solar blinds are made from the same material as solar shades but have wide panels that open and close like traditional vertical blinds.
Getting quotes for solar screen installation
Before hiring a solar screen installer, be sure to:
Get at least two to three in-person estimates to compare.
Check their reviews on HomdGuide and Google.
Ask for local references with contact information.
Hire a company that is licensed, bonded, insured, and established for more than 5 years.
Avoid hiring the lowest bidder, as quality may suffer.
Get a detailed contract and warranty in writing before the project starts.
Never pay in full before the job is complete.
Questions to ask
What brand and density of screen or shade do you recommend?
How will you protect my gutters when accessing the roof?
Is there anything I need to do to prepare for installation?
How are the screens installed?
Do I need to be present for installation?
What colors of solar screens are available?
Which windows should I put solar screens on?
Do you install the screens outside the window frame or into the window frame?
Will the screen installation void my window warranty?