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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.
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.
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.
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.
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 | Cons |
|---|---|
| Reduce glare for safer navigation by improving visibility on the bridge and making nav screens easier to read. | Provide limited nighttime privacy because they become transparent when interior lights are on. |
| Lower interior temperatures by reflecting UV rays and solar heat, easing the load on air conditioning systems. | Lighter-colored fabrics can slightly reduce outward visibility compared to darker shades. |
| Protect interior materials like dashboards, electronics, and upholstery from UV damage. | Installation for overhead, below-window, or horizontal applications may require wire guides. |
| Maintain outward visibility while cutting glare—unlike blackout shades or curtains. | Reduce heat but do not replace climate control systems in extreme temperatures. |
| Offer an IMO-compliant alternative to window tinting because shades are removable | May require periodic cleaning to prevent salt, dust, or residue buildup that affects clarity. |
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
The “openness” of a fabric shade determines how much light and heat pass through it.
As mentioned earlier, solar shades come in polymer film or fabric varieties.
Color plays an important role in how the shade performs:
Solar shades can be configured for:
Solar shades can be mounted:
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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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