What's the best solar film for a south-facing bay window?

Your south-facing bay window catches the sun from morning to night. While this is great for the light, it's not so great for the temperature... In fact, this constant sunshine leads to :

• A rapid rise in heat;
• Unpleasant glare;
• Increased air-conditioning consumption.

The result: less comfort and higher energy costs. So it's essential to filter the sun's rays before they enter your home.

1/ Light transmission

This is the amount of visible light the film lets through. A good film must strike the right balance between reducing glare and preserving natural luminosity.

2/ Infrared and UV reflection

Infrared rays are responsible for heat, UV rays for furniture discoloration. A high-performance solar film must reflect a large proportion of these rays to keep your interior cool and protect your objects.

3/ Aesthetics: mirror, neutral or dark

Tastes and uses vary:

• The heat-absorbing mirror-effect film is very effective and offers a privacy effect (view from outside blocked);
• Neutral or champagne film is more discreet, ideal for an elegant look;
• Darker films can bring a more intimate effect, perfect for bedrooms or living rooms.

Depending on the characteristics of your glazing, installation can be carried out indoors or outdoors.

👉 O utdoor installation: recommended!

• Repels heat before it enters:
• Protects glass from thermal shock:
• High-performance, long-lasting films:
• UV and weather resistant

Good to know: References ending in "x" are designed for outdoor use.

👉 Indoor installation: if not possible from the outside

• Solution for fixed or hard-to-reach windows;
• Less effective against heat build-up ;
• Avoid on large double-glazed units (risk of cracking).

Good to know: There are two specific situations in which you can install solar film indoors without taking too many risks:

• On unlaminated single glazing: In this case, heat is not trapped between two panes of glass, as it is with double glazing. It can escape more easily to the outside after passing through the pane, thus limiting the risk of overheating and cracking;
• On small double-glazed units (less than 1.2 m²): If your glazing is small, you can opt for a very clear solar film, specially designed for interior installation. The amount of heat transmitted will be reduced, which considerably reduces the risk of thermal shock.