Sunphade: Dynamic solar control film for windows

Indoor cooling is a significant driver of climate change, contributing to 2.7 per cent of global CO₂ emissions. To meet net zero emission targets by 2030, CO₂ emissions from cooling need to fall to 40 per cent of today’s level.

One of the challenges is direct heat created by sunlight through window surfaces. Although this heat can be reduced by using blinds and screens, such solutions often compromise building aesthetics and diminish the experience of people working and living inside. People value daylight and views, but need solutions that reduce glare and heat without disrupting comfort or productivity.

Sunphade is a Norwegian deep-tech startup that has developed unique, dynamic solar control film for windows consisting of photochromic nanoscale thin film. The film adapts to sunlight intensity, darkening in bright sunlight and returning to a clear state when the sun fades. This allows occupants to avoid glare, enjoy natural daylight and maintain a clear view outside.

Sunphade has a variable dynamic visible light transmittance range between 45 to 85 per cent and is easily applied to the outside of the window.

Sunphade film adapts to sunlight intensity, darkening in bright sunlight and returning to a clear state when the sun fades

By blocking up to 66 per cent of the sun’s energy, Sunphade reduces the need for artificial cooling, significantly reducing energy consumption.

The film also enhances indoor environments and offers an aesthetic alternative to blinds and screens, with significantly lower lifetime costs as it does not require maintenance.

Simpler production and dynamic adaptation to sunlight intensity without any user input makes it a better, less expensive and more sustainable alternative to other solar control technologies.

With more than 2.3 billion buildings worldwide and a solar control window film market projected to reach nearly USD 1.3 billion in 2030, the potential for innovation is enormous.

Additionally, the market for solar control glass presents a significant opportunity for Sunphade’s coating technology, with a projected market size of USD 10 billion by 2033.

Sunphade is targeting a massive market and is initially focusing on large commercial and public buildings in the EU, with plans to expand to the US.

In 2023, Sunphade signed 10 paid pilot agreements with major Norwegian property stakeholders. In 2024, it produced and sold 1 500 m² of solar film for installation at client sites.

The film is produced batch for batch and must be preordered.