Solar Window Film for Tinting, Privacy, and Energy Saving

Kelly Smith, Dad, Husband, Freelance Writer, Kelly Smith

Posted by
Kelly Smith
May 27, 2009

Since I've already finished installing radiant barrier foil and additional insulation in my attic, I'm on the hunt for my next energy-saving steps. And I do believe it's going to be solar window film. I can already tell the difference from the attic improvements.

Here at the hacienda in South Texas, the afternoon temperatures are already flirting with the high 80s and the low 90s. So here's a test I did. All my water pipes are in the attic where the temperature goes over 120 degrees easy this time of year.

Since my plumbing water pipes are in the attic, turning on a cold water tap before resulted in up to a minute and a half of hot water coming out before it got cool. (Space heated water already in the pipes, plus hot pipes.)

But now, since the radiant barrier foil went over the pipes, I get at most 30 seconds of lukewarm water. I think it's safe to say that my semi-unscientific test is an unqualified success.

But Back to the Window Film

Window film comes in different grades of efficiency. Additionally, it can be had with a mirror finish for privacy. It seems to me this is a good substitute for new double glazed argon-filled windows. Mind you, before I get a flood of email from window salesmen, I'm not saying it is as good a solution.

All I'm saying is that it's a monumental good step in the right direction for those of us on a budget. And in this economic recession, whom among us is not? Other than Obama political appointees. They aren't required to pay their taxes anyway it seems, so they have a tad bit more expendable income than the rest of us.

But are Solar Window Treatments Eligible for Energy Tax Credits?

This is where it gets tricky. You would think the green energy wonks would be doing cartwheels, 100 meter sprints, and high-fives for anything we did to save the planet. Alas, it just ain't so. Basically, whether you can claim a credit depends on three things:

Where you live.
Which solar film you use.
What your window frames are made out of.

Despite the fact that I live in one of the hottest parts of the country, I still have aluminum window frames so I'm out of luck. But, I can still cut my energy bills, even if it's not considered worthy of any incentives. Take that, global warming doomsday policy-making naysayers!