Deluxe Exterior Outdoor Solar Shades

Our outdoor solar shades can be installed in a number of locations to help you reduce overpowering sunlight and heat so you can enjoy your outdoor space.  Perfect for patios, overhangs and gazebos to block that morning or afternoon sun, our solar screen fabric is still see-through enough that you don't lose your view and air can still pass through. For windows with bright sun, you can install an outdoor shade outside over the window to block heat from ever entering your home so that your energy bills are lower (and you're more comfortable!). Cooler temps, less glare, and you don't lose your view? Perfect!

Why Choose Outdoor Solar Shades?

Outdoor solar shades turn a sun-baked patio back into a place you actually want to sit. The woven screen fabric blocks the majority of the sun's UV rays, protecting your skin, your outdoor furniture, and your flooring from the fading and heat damage that direct sun causes over a season. By stopping that heat before it reaches you, these shades keep covered patios, porches, and decks noticeably cooler on hot afternoons, so the whole space stays comfortable without shutting out your view.

Glare is the other problem they solve. The screen weave cuts the harsh brightness that washes out phone screens, laptops, and televisions, so you can read, work, or relax outside even at the peak of the day. Because the fabric is built for outdoor life, it resists water and moisture and the wear that comes with wind and weather, and it wipes clean with a damp cloth when pollen or dust settles in. The result is a cooler, calmer outdoor room that holds up year after year with almost no upkeep. Browse the color options to see how each tone changes the amount of view and privacy you get.

Get to know this shade:

• Vertilux® Solar Screen 3000 woven shade material is durable and waterproof, and is partially see-through to retain your view
• Two fabric options – 5% openness blocks about 95% of UV rays, and 10% openness blocks about 90%
• 10% openness gives you the clearest view to the outside while still blocking 90 percent of the sun's UV rays, and is the better pick when preserving your view of the yard, pool, or landscape matters most, and it works well on porches and shaded exposures that do not take the harshest direct sun
• 5% openness is the tighter weave, blocking 95 percent of the sun's UV rays for maximum heat and glare reduction, excellent for west-facing patios, pool areas, and any space that bakes in intense afternoon sun, where cutting heat and squint-inducing glare is more important than maximum view-through
• Use a clear beaded chain to raise and lower the shade (includes tensioning device to secure the chain)

Why you'll love this shade:

• Cooler patios: The solar screen stops direct sun from overheating the space, so afternoons outside feel comfortable instead of stifling
• Preserved views: The see-through weave keeps your line of sight to the yard, pool, or landscape intact even while the shade is down
• Reduced heat gain: Blocking the majority of UV rays means less heat radiating into the adjacent room indoors, which can ease the load on your air conditioning
• Improved outdoor comfort: Less glare and lower temperatures make the space usable for more hours of the day, and optional bungee hold downs keep the shade steady on breezy afternoons

Key considerations:

• Fabric will be up to 1 3/8" narrower than the ordered width in order to accommodate the operating mechanisms and installation bracket
• Darker colors read as more transparent, so pick a deeper tone if you want the most view-through, while lighter colors block slightly more light but less see-through
• Shades wider than 96" have a maximum height of 84" (orders larger than 96" wide AND 84" long cannot be produced)
• Bungee hold downs recommended to limit shade movement in the wind

Browse all ​exterior shades to compare outdoor options, or step up to the ​Premium Exterior Outdoor Solar Shades for additional fabric and finish choices. Before you order, review the ​measuring guide and ​installation guide, and remember every shade is backed by the ​Fit or Free Guarantee.

How to Choose the Right Outdoor Shade

Choosing the right outdoor shade comes down to a few decisions, and the configurator walks you through each one. Start with openness. Pick 5% for the most heat and glare reduction on high-sun patios, or 10% when you want the clearest view out and slightly more natural light, keeping in mind that darker colors give a better view through the shade while lighter colors block slightly more light.

Next, choose your mount. Choose inside mount if the shade will sit inside the window opening or between the posts and under a cross beam of a patio, deck, or pergola, entering the exact opening size so the factory can make its small hardware deduction. Choose outside mount if the shade will mount outside the opening to trim, a wall, a beam, or a door, entering the exact shade size you want with no deductions. Then size the shade to the space, extending an outside-mount shade slightly beyond a window for the best coverage and to control side glare. Finally, decide on finishing options: a cassette valance conceals the roller tube for a cleaner top edge, and bungee hold downs secure the hem against wind. If you are unsure how a color will look against your home, order free samples first.

Ideal Applications:

• Patio: Turn a sun-baked patio into a shaded, usable outdoor room for dining and lounging
• Porch: Cut glare and afternoon heat on covered front and back porches while keeping the view
• Pergola: Add sun protection to open pergola sides so the space stays comfortable at peak sun
• Deck: Shield deck seating and railings from UV fading and direct heat
• Balcony: Give apartment and second-story balconies privacy and shade without blocking the breeze
• Gazebo: Enclose gazebo openings with see-through screens for cooler, bug-aware relaxing
• Pool Area: Reduce glare off the water and protect poolside furniture from sun damage
• Outdoor Dining Area: Keep the table cool and glare-free so meals outside stay pleasant all afternoon

Openness, UV Protection, and Glare Control

When ordering outdoor solar shades, the openness percentage is the single most important variable to settle first. The 10% option blocks 90% of UV rays, making it an ideal choice for spaces where glare reduction is the primary concern while you still want a clear view to the outside. The 5% option provides 95% UV protection and is the better choice for windows or patios that receive intense, direct afternoon sun where heat control takes priority. Both openness levels allow for daytime privacy from the exterior while preserving your outward view.

Wind, Weather, and Moisture Resistance

Outdoor solar shades face conditions that standard indoor window treatments are not built to handle. The Vertilux screen material in these deluxe exterior outdoor solar shades resists mold and mildew buildup, which is especially valuable in humid climates or areas that see consistent rainfall. Wind is another factor worth planning for: the bungee hold down option provides practical support by anchoring the bottom of the shade and protecting the roller and fabric from stress caused by repeated wind movement (although you'll want to raise the shades when there's more than a moderate breeze so the shades are not damaged). It is a straightforward option to extend the lifespan of the shade in exposed locations.

Style Options That Complement Your Exterior

Six color choices provide flexibility to select a tone that will complement your home's siding, trim, or patio style. The standard roll configuration is the default and works well for most exterior solar shade installations. For windows with trim that is 3/4" thick or more, the reverse roll is the better choice because it keeps the fabric clear of the frame during operation. The cassette valance option gives the installation a clean look by concealing the roller at the top, which many homeowners and designers choose for a more polished exterior style.

Daytime Privacy Without Closing Off Your View

One of the more underappreciated qualities of outdoor solar shades is the daytime privacy they offer. The solar screen fabric limits visibility from the exterior while keeping your view clear from within, which makes these shades a smart choice for covered porches, patio enclosures, and windows facing a street or neighboring property. Both openness levels allow one-way vision during daylight hours, so you can enjoy your space without feeling exposed to passing traffic or neighbors. Just note that the view-through switches direction at night when the interior side of the shade is list.

Protecting Your Interior from Heat and UV Damage

Installed over a window, these deluxe exterior outdoor solar shades intercept solar heat and UV rays before they pass through the glass. Standard interior window treatments offer some light control, but exterior solar shades block energy at the source before it enters the room. This helps protect interior furnishings, flooring, and artwork from long-term UV exposure and can reduce the load on your cooling system during peak summer months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do these outdoor solar shades come with side tracks?

Side tracks are not included with this product. Side tracks are generally used on interior shades to seal any light gaps around the shade, and are not applicable for exterior shades for that use. Bungee hold downs are available to anchor the shade when lowered for stability during light wind.

Is motorization available for these deluxe exterior outdoor solar shades?

This product does not include a motorization option. If motorization is something you want, Blindster's Premium Exterior Outdoor Solar Shades offer motorized versions that provide the same UV protection and glare control with the added convenience of remote or smart home control. Click the Motorized Premium Exterior Outdoor Solar Shades listing to find available motorization configurations.

How do I clean outdoor solar shades?

Clean the screen fabric using a soft cloth or brush with mild soap and lukewarm water. Rinse thoroughly and allow the shade to air dry completely before rolling it up. The Vertilux material resists mold and mildew, so standard upkeep is all that is typically required. Avoid pressure washing, which can damage the material weave and roller components.

Do these shades help with insects?

The open weave of the solar screen fabric allows airflow through the material, but is tight enough that insects can't pass through. However since the shades don't completely seal off the opening it's in, but bugs can still go around the shade. If keeping pests out is a primary concern, a screened enclosure is better support for that specific purpose. These outdoor solar shades are designed to protect against UV rays, heat, and glare.

Where can I find installation videos?

Installation videos and step-by-step PDF guides are available on this product page. If the videos or guides do not answer your question, the customer support team is available by phone or live chat for information on specific installation scenarios.

What is the standard roll option?

Standard roll means the fabric rolls off the back of the roller tube, closest to the window. This is the standard configuration and the most common option for exterior solar shades. If your trim is 3/4" or thicker, the reverse roll option is recommended because it provides more clearance between the fabric and the frame during operation.

Which openness is best for patios?

For most patios, 5 percent openness is the best choice because it blocks 95 percent of UV rays for maximum heat and glare control on spaces that take direct afternoon sun. If keeping the clearest possible view matters more than maximum shade, choose 10 percent openness, which still blocks 90 percent of UV rays. Darker fabric colors give you a better view out, while lighter colors block slightly more light.

Do outdoor solar shades reduce cooling costs?

Yes. By blocking direct sun before it reaches your windows and outdoor living space, solar shades reduce the heat that builds up on your patio and radiates into the adjacent rooms. That can lower the demand on your air conditioning during the hottest part of the day, especially on west-facing and south-facing exposures.

Can outdoor shades stay down in windy weather?

Outdoor solar shades can stay down in normal breezes, and adding the optional bungee hold downs secures the bottom hem to limit swaying and keep the shade from banging against the frame. In strong winds or storms, it is best to raise the shades to protect both the fabric and the hardware.

Do they provide daytime privacy?

Yes. During the day, solar screen fabric makes it much harder to see in from outside while still letting you see out, so you get meaningful daytime privacy. Tighter 5 percent openness fabrics and darker colors offer more privacy. At night, when interior lights are on, solar shades provide limited privacy, so pair them with an interior treatment if nighttime privacy is a concern.

Do I need permission from my HOA to install outdoor shades?

HOA rules vary by community, so it is worth checking before you place an order. Many associations consider exterior solar shades a standard improvement and approve them without issue, particularly when the color chosen blends with the home's exterior. Choosing a neutral tone is often the simplest approach to move through the approval process smoothly.

Can I access or control the shade from inside the house?

These outdoor shades are operated from the exterior using the nylon beaded chain. They are not designed to be accessed or controlled from inside the home. If interior-facing control is a priority, consider an interior roller shade, or if smart home motorization is something you want, explore the motorized premium exterior options available at Blindster.

How are outdoor solar shades different from outdoor blinds?

Outdoor blinds typically use solid or hard slat materials, while outdoor solar shades use a semi-transparent woven solar screen fabric. The key difference is that solar shades provide UV protection, glare reduction, and partial outward visibility at the same time, whereas solid outdoor blinds block the view entirely. That makes solar shades the better choice when both privacy and view preservation are priorities.