InSync Solar

If you would like an analysis of the energy savings from installing exterior solar shades, please answer the following 5 questions. We will send your potential energy savings by email. 

Over the past few years, solar power has been growing exponentially. Some of the factors behind the surge in popularity has been the US Government Investment Tax Credit for Renewable Energy, as well as the Obama Administration’s pro-solar policies, and the increasing technological advances across a wide spectrum, which in turn has brought the costs down significantly enough to compete with mainstream energy sources like coal.

Somfy Systems, Inc., the world’s largest manufacturer of radio-controlled motors for interior and exterior window coverings, is proud to introduce the ultra powerful and ultra quiet Sonesse ULTRA 50 AC motor. Packed with innovation, the Sonesse ULTRA 50 provides up to 6 Nm of power and acoustic performance of less than 38 dBA, making it the strongest and quietest motor for interior window coverings on the market today. 

“The Sonesse ULTRA 50 AC motor marries innovation with functionality,” said Tom Murphy, Chief Operating Officer of Somfy North America. “Sleek and convenient, the motor is also strong enough for commercial projects. The Sonesse ULTRA 50 AC offers energy savings, UV protection, and a touch of everyday luxury.” 

As you have read so far, exterior motorized shades provide the ultimate solution where heat and glare control are needed while preserving the view. Many European countries are now mandating exterior shading on all new building projects.  The US is rapidly embracing this concept and exterior solar shading will become a commonplace solution set for most architects and designers.

The challenge of selecting a control system design is often hampered by a lack of knowledge and manufacturers who do not fully understand the limitations of the equipment they are proposing.  There is a fundamental difference between the actual equipment selected and how it is configured and laid out.  In short, the equipment is not the control system.  It is just one element in the overall design.  Use the following checklist as an aid to smarter exterior shading designs. Engineered shading consultants should be an essential part in the overall design process and will add value to the finished project. 

Exterior Shading Solutions require fabrics that can withstand the elements as well as for certain applications, perform under constant tension.  The best fabrics for Exterior Shading Solution are from Serge Ferrari. Their fabric uses the technology they call Precontraint. It is a high-tenacity polyester micro-yarn base cloth coating of the warp and weft threads under a high performance polymer surface layer. This technique provides exceptional dimensional stability, long tern strength and exceptional flatness. The Serge Ferrari fabrics can be seen on the London Olympic Stadium roof as well as many other prestigious projects worldwide.

Exterior Solar Shades are in their infancy in the United States. Architects are now being introduced to the innovative European systems that provide superior performance for the reduction of solar heat gain, glare control and elegant design. All across the European continent (including northern climates) exterior shades, blinds and shutters are seen on the most sustainable buildings. This Architect’s Guide to Exterior Shading Solutions provides the reader with a complete understanding of why one should consider an exterior shade in the first place, as well as seeing the range of possible solutions, choosing the correct fabric, checking out what’s required for controls and sensors, an installation overview, how to maintain the diverse systems and where Exterior Shading Solutions fits into Sustainable Architecture.

The main reason Exterior Shading Solutions are gaining popularity is because of its superior performance in reducing solar heat gain. The graphic below tells it all. A space with no shades allows 80% solar heat gain to enter a space. An Interior Shading Solution offers better results blocking over 50% of the solar heat gain. However, for maximum results nothing beats an Exterior Shading Solution, which blocks over 85% of solar heat gain.