Where to Buy Solar Film & What to Consider Before Making a Purchase

Want to make an easy upgrade to your home? Consider installing solar window film. It’s an affordable upgrade to your living space that reduces heat, lowers energy bills, and protects the interior from the effects of harsh sunlight. And it does it all without changing how your home looks or functions. Many homeowners are eager to experience the benefits, but that means asking yourself where to buy solar film. 

The answer to that question matters more than you might think. Where you buy your solar window film can impact its performance, durability, and even warranty coverage. Here’s what you need to know before making a purchase. 

What Is Solar Window Film & Why Do Homeowners Use It?

Solar film is a high-performance window treatment made of thin, multi-layered polyester designed to block a portion of the sun’s rays from entering your home. When installed on the interior side of the glass, it can reduce heat, filter out UV radiation, and cut glare, all while preserving the natural light and view. 

Homeowners choose to install solar window film for a lot of reasons, including: 

• Energy savings: Solar film can reduce heat gain, keeping your home cool and easing the strain on your HVAC system in warmer weather. 
• Comfort: Creates a more consistent indoor temperature, especially in rooms with heavy sun exposure. 
• UV protection: Blocking up to 99% of UV rays, it protects flooring, furniture, and artwork from fading. 
• Privacy: Solar films offer added daytime privacy with reflective surfaces that shield outside viewers from seeing in. 

Where to Buy Solar Film: Options for Homeowners 

Once you’ve decided to try it, you’ll need to decide where to buy solar film for your home. Not all your options offer the same quality or value, so you must choose carefully. 

Online Retailers

Websites offer a wide variety of window film options, but buyers beware. Low-cost DIY solutions can be tempting, but these products are often lower in quality and probably don’t offer a manufacturer’s warranty. If you don’t correctly apply the film, DIY installation can result in bubbling, peeling, or poor performance. 

Big Box Stores

Home improvement chains sometimes carry basic window film options. These are usually geared toward budget-conscious DIYers, so limited options will exist. These stores often lack in-depth product knowledge and won’t be able to guide you in purchasing, so you could end up with the wrong film for your window needs.

Window Film Manufacturers 

Brands like 3M and Llumar are industry leaders in high-performance window films. However, they don’t sell directly to homeowners. They may be able to refer you to authorized dealers and professional installers who have access to their top-tier product listing and training, though. 

Professional Installation Companies

Working with a certified installer like U.S. Film Crew ensures access to premium solar film, expert recommendations tailored to your home, and flawless installation. Professional installers know how to evaluate things like the orientation of your windows, how you use the space, and your local climate to recommend the best solution. They’ll do the job right the first time. 

What to Consider Before Buying Solar Film 

When you go to make a purchase, there are a few factors you’ll want to keep in mind. These can help you find the right film for your windows: 

• Performance ratings: See specs like Total Solar Energy Rejection (TSER), UV rejection, and visible light transmission (VLT). The higher the TSER and UV rejection, the more effective the film will be at controlling heat and fading. The higher the VLT, the more natural light the film will allow through your windows. You’ll want to find a good balance between these numbers for your space. 
• Warranty: Reputable brands offer warranties ranging from 5 to 15 years or more on high-quality window films. Remember, though, that most brands require professional installation for a valid warranty. This can be a big protection for your investment. 
• Window compatibility: Some films aren’t suitable for dual-pane windows, oversized glass, or specific coatings. Using the wrong film can cause thermal stress or glass breakage. 

Why Work With a Window Film Professional?

Buying the right film is only half the equation when upgrading your space. The other half is finding the right installation team. Professional installation ensures that your chosen product performs its best and stands the test of time. 

U.S. Film Crew offers personalized recommendations based on your home’s layout, sun exposure, and your goals for the space. We work with premium brands to give you access to top-tier solar film options. With decades of experience, our installers know how to apply film precisely so the final look is flawless. 

If you’ve been wondering where to buy solar film, start with us. We understand the product, the process, and your goals. Request a free quote from our installation team today.