How Wall Mounted Canopies Help Academies Reduce Solar Gain in Classrooms

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How Wall Mounted Canopies Help Academies Reduce Solar Gain in Classrooms

Managing classroom temperature is an ongoing challenge for many academy schools, particularly in buildings with large areas of glazing or south-facing elevations. Excessive solar gain in classrooms can lead to overheating, discomfort, and increased energy costs due to the use of air conditioning and heating systems.

Installing wall mounted canopies for academies is a proven and cost-effective way to control solar gain, improve thermal comfort, and reduce long-term energy expenditure.

What Is Solar Gain, and Why Is It a Problem for Academies?

Solar gain refers to the increase in internal temperature caused by sunlight entering a building through windows and glazed doors. In academy classrooms, this can quickly result in:

Overheating during spring and summer
Increased reliance on air conditioning or electric cooling
Higher energy bills
Reduced pupil concentration and staff comfort
Glare affecting whiteboards, screens, and digital learning

As academies work to improve sustainability and manage tight operational budgets, reducing solar gain has become an important consideration for estates and facilities teams.

How Wall Mounted Canopies Reduce Solar Gain in Academy Classrooms

Wall mounted canopies are fixed directly to the exterior of a building, typically above classroom windows, doors, or glazed façades. Their primary function is to provide effective solar shading before sunlight reaches the glass.

Blocking Direct Sunlight

By preventing direct sunlight from striking classroom windows, wall mounted canopies significantly reduce heat buildup inside teaching spaces. This helps maintain a more comfortable and stable internal temperature throughout the school day.

High UV Protection

Modern canopy roofing systems provide high levels of UV protection, filtering harmful ultraviolet rays. This not only improves comfort for pupils and staff but also protects classroom furniture, flooring, and equipment from fading and sun damage.

Thermal Performance and Light Diffusion

Many canopy systems use materials with thermal properties that diffuse daylight rather than allowing harsh sunlight to penetrate the building. This ensures classrooms still benefit from natural light without the associated heat and glare.

Reducing Energy Bills and Improving Energy Efficiency

One of the key advantages of installing wall mounted canopies at academies is the impact on energy consumption.

By reducing solar gain:

Classrooms stay cooler naturally during warmer months
The need for air conditioning and portable cooling units is reduced
Heating systems work more efficiently due to improved temperature regulation
Overall electricity and heating costs are lowered

For multi-academy trusts managing multiple sites, these savings can add up to a significant reduction in annual energy spending.

Supporting Comfortable Learning Environments All Year Round

Thermal comfort is essential for effective teaching and learning. Fluctuating classroom temperatures can negatively impact concentration, behaviour, and productivity.

Wall mounted canopies help academies create:

More consistent internal temperatures
Reduced glare on teaching surfaces
Improved learning conditions throughout the year
A calmer and more comfortable classroom environment

Additional Benefits of Wall Mounted Canopies for Academies

In addition to controlling solar gain, wall mounted canopies also provide:

Weather protection for entrances and circulation routes
Covered outdoor transition areas for pupils and staff
Improved building appearance and professional presentation
Extended lifespan of doors, windows, and external finishes
A low-maintenance, long-term solution for school estates

A Sustainable Solution for Academy Schools

With increasing focus on sustainability, energy efficiency, and carbon reduction, wall mounted canopies support academies in meeting environmental objectives. By reducing reliance on mechanical heating and cooling, they offer a passive solution that delivers both financial and environmental benefits.

Conclusion

Wall mounted canopies are an effective way for academies to manage solar gain in classrooms, reduce energy costs, and improve learning environments. By blocking direct sunlight, providing high UV protection, and enhancing thermal performance, they help schools create comfortable, all-weather teaching spaces while supporting long-term sustainability goals.

For academy schools and trusts looking to improve energy efficiency and classroom comfort, wall mounted canopies represent a practical and proven investment.

Able Canopies Ltd. design, manufacture and install canopies and shade structures at schools, nurseries and educational settings to enable year-round Free Flow Outdoor Play and Outdoor Learning.
For more information please contact us

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