Outside of a modern office building which has mirrored windows because of a solar control window film which has been applied.

What is solar control window film?

Solar control window film is a specialist film that reflects and absorbs a portion of the sun’s energy before it passes through the glass. This helps regulate temperature, reduce brightness and improve usability of interior spaces.

It is commonly used where large glazed areas allow excessive sunlight, heat or glare into a building.

Solar control film can be applied to:

Modern house with large glass windows which have had a solar control window film applied.

Benefits of solar control window film

Heat reduction

Solar control film helps reduce heat build up caused by direct sunlight, helping rooms stay cooler and more comfortable.

Glare reduction

By softening harsh sunlight, solar control film improves visibility on screens and reduces eye strain.

UV protection

Most films block up to 99 percent of harmful UV rays, helping protect furnishings, flooring and displays from fading.

Improved comfort

Maintaining a more stable indoor environment makes spaces easier to work and live in throughout the year.

Modern facade of a school with reflective silver window film applied to reduce heat and glare.
  • Reduce heat and glare
  • Different shades and tints available
  • Buy online or professional installation

Solar control for homes and commercial buildings

Solar control window film is suitable for a wide range of environments and can be tailored depending on the glazing type and sunlight exposure.

Common applications include:

  • homes and apartments
  • offices and meeting rooms
  • retail environments
  • conservatories
  • public buildings

Different film types are available depending on performance requirements and appearance preferences.

A modern kitchen skylight which has has solar control window film fitted to reduce heat and glare

Heat reduction window film

If excess heat is the main issue, specialist heat reducing window films are available to target solar gain and help keep rooms cooler.

These films are particularly effective for:

  • south facing windows
  • conservatories
  • offices with large glazed areas
  • retail spaces exposed to direct sunlight

Explore: Heat Reduction Window Film Projects

View from a window which has solar control window film fitted.

Choosing the right solar control window film

The most suitable film depends on several factors:

  • glazing type
  • building use
  • level of heat and glare
  • appearance requirements
  • internal or external installation

We can recommend the correct solution to achieve the best performance.

Modern garden office with wooden exterior and glass doors on a sunny day. The glass doors have heat reduction window film applied to them, giving them a reflective appearance.

Professional solar control window film installation

Correct specification and installation are essential for optimal results. Professional installation ensures:

  • the right film is selected
  • safe application to the glass
  • long term performance
  • a clean and consistent finish

Solar control installations can usually be completed with minimal disruption.

An installer from The Window Film Company applies film at the Lowry Hotel in Manchester.
  • Click here to call us on 01494 794477 for more information, samples and a free quote

Get fresh inspiration for your project

Solar Control and Printed Privacy Window Film Installation for Offices in Clerkenwell
Window Film Installations for Greggs Stores Across the UK
Solar Control for London Leisure Centre
Solar Control and Privacy Window Film for Huel in Hertfordshire
Solar Control for The Glasshouse Hotel
Solar Control Film installation for a house in Warwickshire

Solar Control and Printed Privacy Window Film Installation for Offices in Clerkenwell

Location: Clerkenwell, London EC1

Goal: Improve workplace comfort by reducing glare from external glazing while introducing privacy to internal meeting rooms without compromising light, openness or design.

Results:

  • Reduced glare across desk and seating areas near external glazing
  • Meeting rooms made private without blocking natural light
  • Bespoke printed finish created a strong architectural design feature

The completed installation significantly improved the usability of the workspace, reducing glare at desks and creating meeting rooms that felt private without losing the open, modern character of the office.

Window Film Installations for Greggs Stores Across the UK

Location: Various locations, UK

Goal: Improve comfort, reduce glare, and introduce privacy across multiple Greggs locations using a mix of solar control and privacy window films.

Results:

  • Reduced solar heat and glare in customer areas
  • Reduced solImproved privacy and visual consistency across glazingar heat and glare in customer areas
  • Flexible film specification across multiple store types

The installations delivered consistent performance across multiple sites, improving customer comfort while maintaining the clean, recognisable appearance of Greggs storefronts.

Solar Control for London Leisure Centre

Location: Dulwich, South East London

Goal: The project addressed rising internal temperatures caused by untreated rooflights. A solar control window film solution was specified to improve comfort without reducing natural light.

Results:

  • Installed solar control window film to rooflight glazing.
  • Reduced heat build-up while maintaining natural light.
  • Completed scaffold-assisted installation to high-level glass.

The installation highlights the benefits of solar control film on large rooflight areas. Heat build-up was significantly reduced without compromising daylight levels. A practical solution for busy leisure environments.

Solar Control and Privacy Window Film for Huel in Hertfordshire

Location: Tring, Hertfordshire

Goal: Reduce heat and glare while introducing ground-floor privacy at Huel’s UK headquarters using a tailored commercial window film solution.

Results:

  • Reduced heat build-up and screen glare
  • Improved privacy at ground-floor level
  • Enhanced comfort for staff and visitors

The installation created a more comfortable working environment while improving privacy and maintaining a clean, professional appearance across the glazing.

Solar Control for The Glasshouse Hotel

Location: Edinburgh, Scotland

Goal: The project aimed to reduce heat build-up caused by extensive glazing. Solar control film was specified to improve comfort without altering the appearance.

Results:

  • Installed solar control film to over 300 panes of glazing.
  • Reduced heat gain, glare, and UV transmission.
  • Completed phased internal installation with minimal disruption.

This project demonstrates how solar control window film can effectively manage heat gain in large glazed spaces. Comfort is improved without compromising views or aesthetics.

Solar Control Film installation for a house in Warwickshire

Location: Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire

Goal: Reduce excessive heat build-up within the property by installing a high-performance solar control window film solution that works with complex, shaped glazing.

Results:

  • Significant reduction in solar heat gain
  • Improved internal comfort
  • Effective solution for shaped glazing

The installation provided a noticeable reduction in heat while maintaining outward visibility during the day. The solution worked perfectly with the shape of the windows and avoided the need for impractical shading systems.

Window film solutions for every situation

The Window Film Company is proud to offer an extensive range of window films, delivering solutions for issues such as excess heat, glare, fading, privacy, safety and security.

Thanks to our fully equipped print and graphics studio, we can also supply and install custom created graphics for application to glass and other surfaces.

Our fully trained Account Managers and advisors are on hand to ensure you fully understand all that's available and to make sure that you choose the right product for your project. To get started, give us a call on 01494 794477 or email sales@windowfilm.co.uk.