What is Phifer SunTex® mesh?

Phifer SunTex® is the industry-leading solar screen fabric made in the USA. It uses heavy-duty PVC-coated polyester yarns woven to resist sagging, fading, and UV degradation, designed to last 10–15 years in Arizona desert conditions.

What colors does solar screen mesh come in?

Our mesh color options are Dark Bronze, Mocha, Black, Sand, White, Carbon, White/Grey, Chestnut, Alpaca, Stucco. Frame colors include Bronze, Adobe, White, Almond, Mill, Black.

How long does solar screen mesh last in Arizona?

With Phifer SunTex® mesh, you can expect 10–15 years of effective performance under normal Arizona conditions. Budget mesh typically fades and loses effectiveness within 2–3 years.

Does solar screen mesh reduce visibility from inside?

In daylight you can see through clearly; it is similar to a subtle window tint. 80% mesh provides better outward visibility than 90%. At night, when interior lights are on, visibility through any screen is reduced.

Will solar screens lower my electric bill?

Yes. By blocking up to 90% of solar heat before it reaches your glass, solar screens reduce the load on your AC. Homeowners commonly report 10–25% reductions in summer cooling costs.

Solar Screen Resource Guide

Solar Screen Mesh Types: 80% vs 90%, Colors & Materials Explained

Q: What is the difference between 80% and 90% solar screen mesh?

90% mesh blocks 90% of solar heat and UV before it reaches your glass, best for south-, east-, and west-facing windows. 80% mesh blocks 80% of heat while allowing slightly more natural light and better outward visibility, making it ideal for north-facing windows or shaded exposures.

Not all solar screen mesh is the same. This guide explains the differences between 80% and 90% density mesh, available colors and frame finishes, what Phifer SunTex® is and why it matters, and how to choose the right fabric for each window in your Phoenix-area home.

Quick answers

Up to 90%

Heat blocked by 90% mesh

Up to 80%

Heat blocked by 80% mesh

10–15 yrs

Expected mesh lifespan in AZ

80% vs 90% Solar Screen Mesh: What's the Difference?

The number refers to the percentage of solar energy, heat and UV, that the mesh blocks before it reaches your glass. Both options use the same Phifer SunTex® woven fabric construction; only the weave density differs.

The practical difference comes down to heat protection vs. outward visibility. 90% mesh is the right call for windows that take direct afternoon sun. 80% mesh is a better fit where you want more natural light or a clearer view out.

90% Mesh: Maximum Protection

Best for south-, east-, and west-facing windows that receive direct sun for more than 3 hours per day.

Blocks up to 90% of solar heat
Blocks up to 90% of UV radiation
Excellent daytime privacy
Strongest glare reduction
Heavy pet resistance

80% Mesh: Balanced Light and Protection

Best for north-facing windows, shaded exposures, or rooms where natural light is a priority.

Blocks up to 80% of solar heat
Blocks up to 80% of UV radiation
Better outward visibility
More natural light indoors
Still excellent bug protection

95%, 97%, and 99% mesh are available by special order upon request.

Cactus desert view through 80% solar mesh, no solar screen, and 90% solar mesh, with mesh close-ups below

Pro tip: Mix densities on the same house

Many Phoenix homeowners use 90% mesh on south and west walls where summer afternoon heat is brutal, and 80% mesh on north and east walls where direct sun is less intense. This gives you maximum protection where it counts most without sacrificing light in every room.

At a Glance: 80% vs 90% Mesh Comparison

Feature	80% Mesh	90% Mesh
Solar heat blocked	Up to 80%	Up to 90%
UV rays blocked	Up to 80%	Up to 90%
Glare reduction	Good	Excellent
Outward daytime visibility	Better	Good
Natural light indoors	More	Less
Daytime privacy from outside	Good	Excellent
Best window orientation	North-facing, shaded, or covered	South, east, and west-facing

Many Phoenix-area homeowners use 90% mesh on sun-facing sides of the house and 80% on north-facing or shaded windows. We advise window-by-window during your free estimate.

Phifer SunTex®: The Mesh We Use and Why

Not all solar screen fabric is created equal. We exclusively use Phifer SunTex®, the industry benchmark for residential solar screen mesh, because inferior mesh fails fast in Arizona conditions.

Heavy-duty woven construction

PVC-coated polyester yarns woven tightly to resist stretching, sagging, and deformation over time.

UV-stabilized coating

The PVC coating is engineered to resist UV degradation. Cheaper mesh fades within 2–3 years; SunTex holds its color and performance for 10–15.

Made in the USA

Phifer has manufactured SunTex in Tuscaloosa, Alabama for decades under consistent quality standards.

Corrosion resistant

Unlike metal mesh alternatives, SunTex does not rust, corrode, or oxidize, important in areas with water or humidity.

Pet resistant

The heavy gauge construction resists dogs and cats pushing through or clawing, far better than standard fiberglass bug screen.

Backed by our warranty

We stand behind the materials and installation. If something goes wrong with our workmanship, we make it right.

Mesh & Frame Colors

Solar screens should look like they belong on the house. We offer mesh and frame colors that work with the most common Phoenix-area home exteriors: desert stucco, painted block, and modern finishes.

Mesh Colors

Dark Bronze

Deep brown tone

Mocha

Warm brown tone

Black

Classic dark finish

Sand

Light sandy tone

White

Light neutral finish

Carbon

Dark gray tone

White/Grey

Soft gray neutral

Chestnut

Warm reddish brown

Alpaca

Warm taupe neutral

Stucco

Light beige tone

Swatches are approximate. Confirm your color using physical samples.

Frame Colors

Bronze

Dark bronze finish for dark window trim

Adobe

Warm neutral for stucco and desert palettes

White

Clean look for white window trim

Almond

Soft neutral for light home exteriors

Mill

Natural aluminum finish

Black

Bold finish for dark window frames

Swatches are approximate. Confirm your color using physical samples.

Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Screen Mesh

Everything Phoenix homeowners ask us before choosing their screens.

The percentage refers to how much solar energy, heat and UV rays, the mesh blocks before it reaches your glass. 90% mesh blocks 90% of incoming solar heat, giving you maximum heat reduction and stronger daytime privacy. 80% mesh blocks 80% of heat while allowing slightly more natural light through and giving you better outward visibility. Both are dramatically more effective than interior blinds, which block light only after the heat is already inside.

It depends on window orientation and your priorities. South-, east-, and west-facing windows that catch direct afternoon sun benefit most from 90% mesh. North-facing windows or covered patios where you want more light and visibility are good candidates for 80%. Many homeowners use 90% on the sun-exposed sides of their house and 80% on the shaded side. Our installer will walk you through a window-by-window recommendation during your free estimate.

Yes, but less than you might expect, especially with 80% mesh. In normal daylight you can see through the screen clearly from inside. The outward view is like looking through a subtle window tint. At night, when interior lights are on, the screen reduces visibility more (this is true of all window screens). The 90% mesh reduces visibility slightly more than 80% mesh, but both allow comfortable daytime viewing.

Phifer SunTex® is the industry-leading brand for solar screen fabric, manufactured in the USA by Phifer Incorporated. It uses a heavy-duty woven construction with a durable PVC coating that resists stretching, sagging, corrosion, and UV degradation. In a climate like Phoenix, where screens face 150+ days above 100°F, and material quality matters enormously. Budget mesh fades, sags, and loses its heat-blocking effectiveness within a few years. SunTex is designed to last a decade or more in desert conditions.

With Phifer SunTex® mesh, you can expect 10–15 years of effective performance under normal Arizona conditions. Screens on south-facing walls that take the most direct sun may show wear closer to 10 years; north-facing or partially shaded screens often last longer. Signs that mesh needs replacing include visible sagging, holes, fading color, or screens that no longer feel stiff. We offer replacement service; we reuse frames when possible to keep costs down.

Yes, measurably. By blocking up to 90% of solar heat before it reaches your glass, solar screens reduce the cooling load on your AC system. Studies and homeowner reports commonly cite 10–25% reductions in summer cooling costs. The savings vary depending on window orientation, existing insulation, AC efficiency, and how much direct sun your windows receive. South- and west-facing windows in Phoenix are the highest-impact targets.

Ready to choose your mesh?

We measure, build, and install, all in one visit. Get a free estimate and we'll walk you through the right mesh and frame options for your specific windows and exposure.

Also see: 2026 solar screen cost guide for Phoenix · full FAQ · Phoenix solar screen installation