sunshields

Sunshield refers to any device or material designed to block or reduce exposure to solar radiation and heat. Its primary role is to control heat gain, reduce glare, and protect people, spaces, and equipment from sunlight. Sunshields can be passive, relying on shading or reflective properties, or active when integrated with mechanical systems, sensors, or control strategies.

In architecture, sunshields include fixed or adjustable elements such as overhangs, louvers, fins, and brise-soleil. These shading devices intercept direct sunlight, influence daylighting, and help manage cooling loads. They are designed according to climate, orientation, window geometry, and aesthetics, and can be constructed from metals, concrete, timber, textiles, or coated glass. Properly planned sunshades can improve energy efficiency and occupant comfort without sacrificing exterior views.

In aerospace and space science, sunshields serve to protect sensitive equipment from intense solar radiation and to keep temperatures within operable ranges. Spacecraft sunshields are typically large, deployable, and multi-layered, using reflective membranes and thermal insulation to minimize solar heat gain and infrared emission. Famous examples include sunshields on telescopes and other space instruments, such as those used to maintain cold operating temperatures.

Other applications include vehicle and outdoor shading devices, such as retractable canopies or awnings that block sun and reduce heat in transit or outdoor spaces. Material selection, deployment mechanisms, and maintenance considerations vary by application but share the goal of reducing solar heat exposure while preserving desired visibility or access.