This is a topic that can get a little confusing, especially now that there are many more solar options for inside and outside the home. It used to be that talk of solar always had to be an outdoor phenomenon. Well, with the solar patio cover, this is true. This type of patio cover can be referring to two different ideas, so we will address both of those here. A cover for your patio that has solar panels on it is one way to describe what we are discussing. Another way is to consider the solar cover, a way to protect you and your guests on your patio from the harsh sun. So, solar in this regard just refers to the protection from the sun itself.
With the solar panels model, we are talking about a really great way to have an energy producing set up in space that may otherwise be ‘wasted’. Now, your patio roof may not be a wasted space as such, but it can be put to good use if you can combine both the shade element and something more. In this case, even a small patio roof can provide enough of a platform to allow for a fairly moderate amount of energy production. On an average patio of about 300 square feet, you can get 250-400 kwh of power.
Now, in the case of a discussion about the other solar idea, that of solar protection on your home’s windows, then we are talking about solar shades. These are nothing more than those mesh screens that you would place inside the window frames on the exterior side of your home. They provide better protection from the sun’s rays entering your home than an interior blind and also allow for some privacy. While the primary reason to own them is for the heat gain element inside your home, they do provide that side benefit of some privacy from prying eyes. So, if you are looking to keep your cooling costs down in the intense summer months and benefit from the energy production of solar cells, get both the solar patio cover and solar shades.