Glare and heat from the sun can create real challenges on the water—washing out navigational displays, straining a captain’s visibility, and raising cabin temperatures to uncomfortable levels. Solar shades offer a practical solution, reducing glare and blocking UV rays without sacrificing the clear view boat operators rely on.

In this guide, we break down what solar shades are, how they’re used on commercial vessels and yachts, and the key benefits they provide. With insights from Sola-Cure marine shading expert Peter Jones, you’ll get a clear understanding of how these shades improve comfort, safety, and overall visibility onboard.

Key takeaways

• Solar shades reduce glare and block UV rays while preserving outward visibility, making them especially valuable on bridges and wheelhouses.
• They improve onboard comfort by lowering interior temperatures and easing the load on air-conditioning systems.
• Solar shades work best in daylight, offering privacy during the day but becoming transparent at night when interior lights are on.
• They are IMO-compliant alternatives to window tinting, since shades are removable and won’t hinder nighttime visibility.
• Different colors and materials offer unique performance benefits, with darker fabrics enhancing visibility and lighter fabrics reflecting more heat.

What are solar shades?

Solar shades, also known as sun shades, solar screens, or UV protection shades are boat window blinds that are used to eliminate glare from the sun, reject UV rays and reduce the temperature inside the vessel.

What’s the difference between solar shades and regular roller shades?

Solar shades are designed to combat the sun and block harmful UV rays without compromising the view and roller shades are meant to control or block the amount of light that enters a room and does compromise the view.

Do solar shades provide privacy?

It depends on the time of day. By nature, solar shades can provide privacy during daylight hours because people who pass by cannot see into the room. This effect is reversed when it’s after dark. When the room lights are turned on, solar shades become transparent which allows people to see inside your vessel.

What are the most common applications of solar shades on a ship?

The bridge and wheelhouse are the most important areas as solar shades are an essential safety feature and navigational aid. Other applications include galley windows where daytime privacy is required or where glare on monitors needs to be eliminated.

In other parts of a vessel there may be public areas such as bars, restaurants, gymnasiums, like on board ferries, cruise ships, and large yachts. In these areas, passengers want to see out but remain cool and free from glare.

What are the greatest benefits of solar shades?

The most important benefit is the reduced glare, giving operators a clearer view of where they’re headed as well as making navigational screens clearer and easier to read.

Because solar shades reflect UV rays, they also help to keep the interior of the vessel cool. If the boat is equipped with air conditioning, it will run more efficiently and effectively. We’ve tested Sola-Cure sunshades on a summer day in South Florida and the wheelhouse was 10° F cooler when the shades were in use.

Pros and cons of solar shades for boats

What color solar shades work best?

Since solar shades are primarily for blocking UV rays, there isn’t much variety in color, and are typically available only in neutral colors. Lighter-colored fabrics are better at reflecting heat and brightening the room, but lighter fabrics tend to obscure the view. Darker-colored fabrics are better at absorbing glare which provides a clearer view, but in order to regulate heat, look into a tighter weave (lower openness).

Why would I use solar shades instead of tinted glass?

International Maritime Organization regulations state that shading must be a removable feature. This is why permanent window tints should not be applied, much like rules concerning an automobile. In addition, permanent window tints can make seeing at night or in overcast conditions difficult, so the ability to retract the solar shades as it gets darker outside makes for the best possible visibility in all conditions.

How are solar shades mounted?

Typically they are mounted above or below the window, rolling in and out of a cartridge or cassette. They can also be used on overhead windows and in a few cases they are mounted alongside the window and roll out horizontally. In below-window, overhead and horizontally mounted applications, wire guides are typically required to keep the shade taught and in the correct place.

What material are solar shades made from?

The material is typically some form of polymer film. They can also be made from fabric that has many tiny holes, allowing crew and passengers to see through them but still reducing glare by 99%. While the film offers clearer visibility, fabric can be a bit more durable.

How to choose the right solar shade for your boat

Selecting the right solar shade depends on how and where your vessel operates. Before choosing a shade, consider the conditions on your bridge or wheelhouse, how much heat you need to control, and the visibility requirements for your crew. These factors will help you narrow down the best shade type for your specific vessel and environment.

1. Choose the right openness factor (weave density)
2. Select the material based on durability and clarity
3. Pick a shade color based on lighting goals
4. Consider manual vs. assisted operation
5. Match the mounting style to your window layout

1. Choose the right openness factor (weave density)

The “openness” of a fabric shade determines how much light and heat pass through it.

• Lower openness (1–3%) blocks more heat and glare but slightly reduces outward visibility.
• Higher openness (5–10%) provides better visibility while still cutting glare effectively.
• Bridge and wheelhouse applications usually benefit from tighter weaves to maximize clarity on navigational screens.

2. Select the material based on durability and clarity

As mentioned earlier, solar shades come in polymer film or fabric varieties.

• Film offers the clearest outward visibility, making it ideal for critical navigation windows.
• Fabric is more durable long-term and better resists wear in high-traffic areas.
• The choice often comes down to whether clarity or durability is the top priority.

3. Pick a shade color based on lighting goals

Color plays an important role in how the shade performs:

• Darker shades absorb glare and generally provide the clearest external view.
• Lighter shades reflect more heat and brighten interior spaces but slightly obscure the outside view.
• Neutral tones are most common due to their performance and IMO compliance.

4. Consider manual vs. assisted operation

Solar shades can be configured for:

• Manual pull-down operation (simple and reliable)
• Spring-assisted rolls (smooth deployment)
• Motorized options on some vessels for large or hard-to-reach windows
• Wheelhouse windows with frequent adjustments may benefit from assisted or motorized systems for quicker control.

5. Match the mounting style to your window layout

Solar shades can be mounted:

• Above or below the window
• Overhead (for skylights)
• Horizontally, rolling side-to-side for unique installations
• If your windows are angled or exposed to wind draft, wire guides help keep the shade taut and properly aligned.

Need Help Selecting the Right Shade?

Choosing the right solar shade depends on your vessel’s layout, operating environment, and visibility requirements, and sometimes the best solution isn’t obvious until you compare a few options side by side. If you’re planning an upgrade to your bridge, wheelhouse, or interior windows, Imtra’s team is always available to help you evaluate materials, mounting styles, and shade configurations that will work best for your vessel. Explore additional resources in our Learning Center as you plan your project.

If you’re interested in solar blinds, be sure to check out our next article: Common Questions About Sizing & Installing Sola-Cure Solar Blinds

Solar shades FAQs

What are the benefits of solar shading on boats?

Solar shades reduce glare, block harmful UV rays, and help keep the interior of the vessel cooler. They also protect dashboards, displays, and upholstery from sun damage while maintaining clear outward visibility.

What are the pros and cons of solar shades?

Pros: Excellent glare reduction, cooler interiors, UV protection, and IMO-compliant removability.

Cons: Limited nighttime privacy, slight visibility differences between light and dark fabrics, and certain installations may require wire-guides for proper tension.

Do solar shades provide both daytime and nighttime privacy?

Solar shades offer good daytime privacy because people outside cannot easily see in. At night, however, they become transparent when interior lights are on, so they are not a reliable option for after-dark privacy on their own. For full nighttime privacy, many pair solar shades with blackout blinds, which completely block visibility after dark.

Where are solar shades most commonly used on vessels?

They are most frequently installed in the bridge and wheelhouse to support safe navigation, but are also used in galleys, control rooms, passenger lounges, and other areas where glare reduction and cooler temperatures are beneficial.

Why choose solar shades instead of tinted glass?

Tinted glass is not permitted for bridge windows under IMO regulations, and permanent tinting can reduce visibility in low-light or nighttime conditions. Solar shades provide the flexibility to retract them when needed while still offering strong glare and UV protection during the day

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