Fixscreen Go Solar: compact and durable sun protection fabric

The Antonissen-Verheyen family had no budget left over for screens when they had their new home built in Wuustwezel (Belgium) in 2014. Ten years later, the plans for sun protection were finally implemented. Reno Solar Screens combined with Fixscreen Go Solar to provide a neat integration into the modern façade after a quick installation… and there was no cutting or demolition work required for a power connection.

Danny Konings of Reno Solar Screens regularly receives requests for the post-installation of screens. “It’s a classic story,” he says. “During a new construction phase, every additional cost must be weighed against the available budget. However, the demand for sun protection often returns after a few years once the owners have entered a different phase of life. The challenge is then to choose a screen that is both solid and elegant.” The Fixscreen Go from Renson, with its limited head box dimensions, is a good match for this type of renovation project. The head box for the fabric measures barely 8.5 cm x 8.5 cm and doesn’t extend beyond the façade brick.

Prevent annoying reflection

The reason for installing screens is often overheating. This was not the case for this house in Wuustwezel. Unfortunately, the sun played tricks on the residents. “The piercing low sun caused an annoying reflection on the TV in the sitting area at certain times of the year, despite the crossing,” it said. “If we did not have underfloor cooling via our heat pump, the inside temperature might have been a good reason to invest in sun protection as well.” 

The family wanted to watch TV undisturbed, but preferred not to have any cutting or drilling work done or extra power sockets added. Solar screens on the south and west-facing windows turned out to be the solution. Their energy comes from daylight, via an integrated solar cell, and they therefore do not require a power supply. Danny Konings: “This is a major advantage for both the residents and our installers. The entire installation is carried out on the outer side. We don’t even have to go inside. In other words, the installation can even be carried out when the customer is not at home.”

Aesthetic finish

The Renson Fixscreen Go Solar brought all the wishes and needs of these customers together. The solar element makes drilling and additional sockets unnecessary, while the compact head box dimensions ensure a sleek end result in the contemporary façade. “In addition, screens are always a smart choice,” says Danny Konings. “Everyone wants to bring plenty of daylight inside with large windows. Roller shutters will create full darkness in the middle of summer as soon as you close them. Screens are translucent but filter the sun’s rays to prevent the heat from getting in. “The slim design of the head box for the fabric means the casing hardly covers the glass, allowing maximum light inside.”  

The fact that the Fixscreen Go is also available in various colours and fabric types makes this product widely applicable for the most standard window dimensions. The aluminium head box, guiding channels and fabric were finished in anthracite and are a nice match for the existing joinery. The result: A harmonious overall picture… and the sun under control for extra living comfort.