Solar Shades: Control the Sun Without Blocking the View
West-facing porches in Wisconsin are brutal in the afternoon. The sun comes in low, the temperature spikes, and the glare makes the space unusable from about 2 PM until sunset. Solar shades solve that problem — they reduce heat and glare while preserving your view through the fabric.
M2 Decks & Enclosures installs Betterliving solar shades for homeowners across 14 Wisconsin counties. Motorized, Somfy-controlled, and available in multiple fabric opacities, these shades work on porches, patios, sunrooms, pergolas, and any opening where sun control matters.
Sizing and Configuration
Solar shades are available from 3 feet to 16 feet wide, with drops from 2 feet 1 inch to 12 feet. That covers standard porch openings, large patio spans, and tall commercial storefronts.
The guide system keeps the fabric taut and in position. You choose from three options:
- Cable guides — minimalist, low-profile, work well in most residential settings
- Rod guides — more rigid, good for larger shades or windier locations
- Track guides — the most secure option, ideal for captured-edge performance in exposed locations
The shade housing is a 4-inch or 5-inch cassette that protects the rolled fabric when retracted. It’s clean-looking and unobtrusive.
How Solar Shade Fabric Works
Solar shade fabrics are woven mesh — not solid material. You can see through them from the inside, but from the outside, they dramatically reduce visibility into the space. The tighter the weave, the more UV and heat they block, but the less transparent they become.
We help you choose the right openness factor for your application. A porch facing Pewaukee Lake where you want to preserve the view? You might go with a more open weave. A west-facing family room window getting hammered by afternoon sun in Waukesha or Brookfield? A tighter weave blocks more heat.
The fabrics also reduce UV transmission, which protects furniture, flooring, and artwork from fading. This matters in sunrooms especially — pair solar shades with a 3-season or 4-season sunroom for the best combination of light and protection.
Somfy Motorized Operation
Like all Betterliving motorized products, solar shades run on Somfy motors. Quiet, reliable, controlled by remote or the TaHoma smartphone app. You can group multiple shades together and operate them with a single button press.
Add a Rain & Sun Sensor and the shades deploy automatically when the sun hits a certain intensity — then retract when clouds roll in. Wind Sensors retract the shades in gusty conditions to prevent damage. For homeowners who travel or have lake houses in the Oconomowoc and Delafield area, the automated sensor system means the shades manage themselves.
Solar Shades vs. Retractable Awnings
Both products manage sun, but they do it differently.
A retractable awning provides overhead shade — it blocks the sun from above.
A solar shade drops vertically to block the sun from the side. On west-facing spaces where the sun comes in at a low angle, solar shades are often more effective than overhead coverage.
Many homeowners combine both — awning overhead and solar shades on the sides — for complete sun management.
Frequently Asked Questions
Solar Shades Gallery
Ready to Get Started?
Call M2 Decks & Enclosures at 414-491-9334 or request a free quote below. We’ll evaluate your sun exposure, recommend the right fabric and guide system, and design a solar shade setup that makes your space comfortable.