Getting the measurement right before a SOLASOLV® screen goes into manufacture is the single most important step in ensuring the screen fits correctly and the installation proceeds without problems. Every SOLASOLV® screen is manufactured to the specific dimensions of the window being supplied. There is no standard size and there is no margin for significant error once manufacture has begun.
This guide is written for ship managers, technical superintendents, purchasing teams, and installation crews who are responsible for ensuring SOLASOLV® screens are measured, ordered, and fitted correctly. It covers how to take accurate measurements, how to handle the most common window configurations found on commercial vessel navigation bridges and wheelhouses, what to check before the installer arrives, and what to do if something does not fit as expected.
Why Getting the Measurement Right Is a Right First Time Requirement
A SOLASOLV® screen that arrives with incorrect dimensions creates a sequence of avoidable problems: return to Solar Solve, replacement manufacture, additional freight, re-scheduling of the installation visit, and extended delay before the navigation bridge has compliant solar protection. Every one of these steps is avoidable with an accurate measurement before the order is placed.
The most common causes of incorrect sizing are not errors in the Solar Solve manufacturing process. They are errors in the measurement information provided at the point of order:
- Using the glass size rather than the recess or opening size
- Failing to account for any obstruction within the recess such as window handles, latches, or sill details
- Treating non-rectangular windows as rectangular and providing only a width and height
- Providing measurements from drawings that do not match the actual installed window dimensions
- Not specifying the recess depth for cassette-format screens
None of these mistakes is difficult to avoid. The Solar Solve measuring guide and window shapes guide exist precisely to prevent them.
Understanding the Window Configurations on Your Vessel
Before measuring, the first step is to identify the correct window configuration for each screen location. Navigation bridge and wheelhouse windows on commercial vessels are not all the same shape. Solar Solve manufactures screens for all of the following configurations:
| Window Configuration | Description | Measurement Consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Rectangular | The most common configuration. Straight top, bottom, and sides of equal height throughout the width. | Width and height of the opening. Straightforward to measure. |
| Raked or sloped | Top rail is not horizontal — window leans forward or backward. Common on modern navigation bridge designs. | Width at top, width at bottom if different, and height on both sides if different. Provide a drawing. |
| Trapezoidal | Four-sided window where the top and bottom are parallel but different widths, or the sides are not vertical. | All four dimensions and a sketch showing which side is wider. Provide a drawing. |
| Curved or bow-fronted | Window curves horizontally around the bridge front. Screen must be manufactured in panels matching the curve geometry. | Chord width, arc depth, and height. A template or detailed drawing is strongly recommended. |
| Porthole or circular | Round or oval opening, typically in accommodation areas rather than on navigation bridges. | Diameter (or major and minor axes for oval). Confirm whether cassette or non-cassette format is required. |
| Irregular or custom | Any window shape not covered above, including angled sills, obstructions within the recess, or split configurations. | Provide a drawing with all relevant dimensions marked and photograph if possible. Contact Solar Solve before ordering. |
The Solar Solve window shapes guide provides illustrated reference for all common window configurations and is the starting point for any ship manager who is unsure which category their vessel’s windows fall into.
How to Take Accurate Measurements
The Solar Solve measuring guide provides detailed step-by-step instructions for all window configurations. The principles below cover the most important points for each measurement type.
The three dimensions that matter
For any SOLASOLV® screen order, Solar Solve needs three key measurements:
- Width of the window opening — measured at the widest point inside the frame or recess, from one side to the other. Do not measure the glass. Measure the opening the screen will occupy.
- Height of the window opening — measured from the top of the opening to the bottom. For raked or sloped windows, measure the height at both the left and right sides separately.
- Recess depth — the distance from the face of the window opening to any obstruction behind it (such as the glass face, a frame detail, or a sill). This dimension is critical for cassette screens and must be sufficient to accommodate the cassette housing when retracted.
Rectangular windows — standard approach
For a rectangular window with a straightforward recess, the measurement process is as follows:
- Measure the clear width of the opening at the top, middle, and bottom. If all three readings are the same, use that figure. If they differ, use the smallest reading.
- Measure the clear height of the opening on the left side and the right side. If both readings are the same, use that figure.
- Measure the recess depth from the front face of the opening to any obstruction.
- Note any obstructions within the recess including handles, latches, ventilation slots, or sill projections that would prevent the screen from sitting flush.
Non-rectangular windows — provide drawings
For any window that is not rectangular, Solar Solve strongly recommends providing a dimensioned drawing rather than attempting to describe the shape in measurements alone. A drawing that shows the actual window geometry with key dimensions marked gives Solar Solve’s technical team the information they need to manufacture the correct screen for the window.
Photographs alongside the drawing are also helpful, particularly for unusual recess conditions or obstructions that are difficult to describe in dimensions alone.
Solar Solve’s technical team will review drawings before manufacture begins and will raise any questions before the order is processed. This drawing review stage is the most reliable way to prevent sizing errors on non-standard windows.
Cassette versus non-cassette: what changes
The measurement requirements are the same for both cassette (SOLASAFE®) and non-cassette (SOLAROLA®) formats, with one important addition for cassette screens:
| Measurement | SOLASAFE® Cassette | SOLAROLA® Non-Cassette |
|---|---|---|
| Width | Opening width required | Opening width required |
| Height | Opening height required | Opening height required |
| Recess depth | Critical — minimum recess depth required to accommodate cassette housing when screen is retracted | Not critical for the screen itself but note any obstructions that affect fixing positions |
| Drawing | Recommended for all non-rectangular configurations | Recommended for all non-rectangular configurations |
| Photograph | Helpful for any unusual recess or obstruction | Helpful for any unusual recess or obstruction |
Full step-by-step measuring instructions for all window types are available on the Solar Solve how to measure page.
What to Check Before the Installer Arrives
Once the screens have been ordered and delivered, there are several things a ship manager or technical superintendent should confirm before the installation crew begin work:
- Confirm that the installation guides supplied with the screens have been reviewed by the installation team before they board the vessel
- Confirm that the correct tools and any required fixings are available on board — the installation guide specifies what is needed
- Check that the window recess is clear of any temporary fittings, covers, or equipment that would prevent access during installation
- Confirm the screen format for each window location matches what was ordered — cassette screens for windows with sufficient recess depth, non-cassette for those without
- If any window dimensions have changed since the order was placed (for example, a frame modification during a refit), contact Solar Solve before installation begins
- Ensure the installation team has the contact details for Solar Solve’s technical support in case a question arises during installation
The Installation Process
Cassette screens (SOLASAFE®)
The SOLASAFE® cassette screen is designed for clean, integrated installation within the window recess. The cassette housing sits within the recess and is fixed to the window frame or surrounding structure using the fixing method appropriate for the vessel’s window construction. When the screen is retracted, the screen material is enclosed within the cassette housing, protecting it from dust, salt air, and mechanical contact during the periods when the screen is not in use.
The installation guide provided with every SOLASAFE® order covers the installation sequence, the fixing positions, and the final adjustment of the screen tension and side guide positions.
Non-cassette screens (SOLAROLA®)
The SOLAROLA® non-cassette screen uses a simplified roller mechanism without the enclosed cassette housing. This format is faster to install and is well suited to retrofit applications on vessels where recess depth is limited or where a simpler installation is preferred. The screen material rolls onto the barrel when retracted.
The installation guide provided with every SOLAROLA® order covers the bracket positions, the fixing method, and the final screen tension adjustment.
Solar Solve installation by the South Shields team
For vessels calling into the River Tyne at South Shields, Solar Solve’s own installation team can supply and install screens directly on board during the vessel’s port call. This service has been used by major operators including DFDS, whose repeat orders for MS Princess Seaways and MS King Seaways were installed by Solar Solve’s team while the vessels were docked on the Tyne between their regular crossings to the Netherlands.
For vessels at other locations, Solar Solve’s worldwide distributor network with more than 40 office locations across 6 continents supports installation at ports globally.
What to Do If a Screen Does Not Fit Correctly
Contact Solar Solve Marine directly at sales@solasolv.com or call +44 191 454 8595 as soon as the issue is identified. Solar Solve manufactures every screen to the dimensions provided at the point of order, so a fitting issue is typically traced to one of the following:
- A discrepancy between the measured dimension and the actual window opening at the point of installation
- A difference between the drawing dimensions provided and the as-installed window
- An obstruction within the recess that was not identified at the measurement stage
- A recess depth that is insufficient for the cassette format ordered
In every case, Solar Solve’s technical team will review the situation and advise on the fastest resolution. This may involve replacement manufacture with corrected dimensions or a site visit to assess the installation conditions before manufacture proceeds.
Documentation Provided with Every Order
Every SOLASOLV® and ROLASOLV® order is supplied with a complete documentation package covering everything the ship manager and installation team need:
| Document | Content and Purpose |
|---|---|
| Type Approval certificates | All four certificates from Lloyd’s Register, DNV, ABS, and RINA for inclusion in the vessel’s compliance documentation file |
| Product data sheet | Confirmed glare reduction, heat rejection, and UV rejection performance figures for the specific product ordered |
| Installation guide | Step-by-step installation instructions for the screen format ordered, covering tools, fixings, and fitting sequence |
| Cleaning and maintenance instructions | How to clean and maintain the screens to ensure long service life |
| Feedback form | Solar Solve requests feedback on every order — this contributes to the 285+ published customer commendations and supports continuous quality improvement |
All documentation is also available to download in advance from the Solar Solve downloads page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I measure for a SOLASOLV® marine anti-glare screen?
You need three key dimensions: the width of the window opening, the height of the window opening, and the available recess depth for cassette screens. Solar Solve’s measuring guide at solasolv.com/how-to-measure/ provides full step-by-step instructions with diagrams covering rectangular and non-standard window configurations.
Can SOLASOLV® screens be made for non-rectangular windows?
Yes. Solar Solve manufactures screens for sloped, tapered, trapezoidal, and curved windows commonly found on navigation bridges. The window shapes guide shows all supported configurations. Drawings or photographs of non-standard windows should be sent to Solar Solve’s technical team for review before ordering.
Does Solar Solve install the screens or does the ship manager arrange this?
Both arrangements are possible. Solar Solve’s team can install directly on vessels calling into the River Tyne at South Shields. For vessels at other locations, installation is carried out by the ship’s crew or contracted installer using the installation guides provided with every order. Solar Solve’s worldwide distributor network also supports installation at ports globally.
What tools and fixings are needed to install a SOLASOLV® screen?
The installation requirements are covered in the installation guide provided with every order. The guides are written for installation by ship’s crew or a contracted installer without specialist equipment. If there are questions about installation requirements, Solar Solve’s technical team can advise before delivery.
What should I do if the screen does not fit correctly after installation?
Contact Solar Solve Marine immediately at sales@solasolv.com or call +44 191 454 8595. A fitting issue is typically traced to a measurement discrepancy between what was provided at the point of order and the actual window. Solar Solve’s technical team will review the situation and advise on the fastest resolution. This is why a drawing review before manufacture is recommended for non-standard or unusual window configurations.
