Technical aspects of solar curtains

Sun and heat protection
The main function of outdoor curtains is to control the amount of light and heat entering the premises. We measure the effectiveness of this protection by several parameters:
The opening factor (OF) determines how much light passes through the fabric. The lower the coefficient, the better the protection from light. Typical values are 1%, 3%, 5% and 10%. When choosing, it is worth remembering that a lower coefficient also means less visibility outdoors.
The g factor (solar factor) determines how much of the sun's energy penetrates the curtain-window system. The lower the g-factor, the better the system protects against heating. Modern systems can reduce the amount of incoming heat by up to 85%.
Weatherproof
External curtains must be durable. The key parameters are:
Wind resistance - defined in classes 0 to 6. Zip-screen systems achieve the highest grades thanks to the guides that hold the fabric. They can work even in winds up to 120 km/h.
Waterproofing - especially important for awnings and pergolas. The best systems have integrated water drainage and special seals.
UV resistance - technical fabrics are stabilized against UV radiation, which ensures the durability of color and parameters for many years.
Automation and control
Modern solar curtain systems can be fully automated. The basic elements are:
- Electric motors with built-in limit switches
- Wind, sun and rain sensors
- Drivers for integration with smart home systems
- Mobile applications for remote control
Components and materials
The quality of the materials used directly translates into the durability of the system:
Cassettes and guides are usually made of extruded aluminum, which provides rigidity and corrosion resistance. Finishing is also important - powder coating or anodizing.
Technical fabrics consist of fiberglass coated with PVC or polyester. They must be resistant to stretching, tearing and UV radiation.
The zip system uses special aluminum or stainless steel inserts that keep the fabric in the guides even in strong winds.
More details on each aspect can be found in the related articles:
- Types of technical fabrics and their characteristics
- Automation and control systems
- Weatherproof
- Maintenance and use
eSol Sun Curtains
