Solar screens can reduce utility bills

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Texans know the scorching summer weather and soaring utility bills are coming. But one way to beat that is to install solar screening on a home's windows.

Phillip Forrest can help with that. He will drive his Screenmobile right to a home's front door. His truck and trailer are self-contained, complete with a work bench, generator and chop saw, ready to build a custom-fit solar window screen.

"I'm a mobile service, I come to you. I take all the measurements, I manufacture the screens on site and install them, so the customer doesn't have to worry about getting the measurements wrong or dealing with anything like that," he said.

Forrest said his screens will block out 90 percent of the sun's radiant heat, can reduce a utility bill up to 50 percent and prevent sun damage to furniture and floors.

Forrester also said it's cost-efficient,  just as efficient as a low double-paned e-glass, and at a lower cost.

"Compared to replacing windows with more efficient double-pane windows, the screens are probably a third or a quarter of the cost," he said.

With Friday's focus on Earth Day and conservation, it makes sense to do what will help reduce energy costs.