Is The Window Place USA an authorized vendor for government window film procurement?

Yes. The Window Place USA is a SAM.gov-registered vendor (CAGE Code: 52MH9, DUNS: 807327700) and an authorized distributor of Saint-Gobain SolarGard architectural window films. We accept GSA SmartPay and P-Cards for federal and municipal procurement of ASTM F1642-compliant Armorcoat blast mitigation films and solar control films.

Which window film is recommended for school safety and delayed intrusion?

For school safety applications, we recommend SolarGard Armorcoat Safety and Security Window Film in 8-Mil or 14-Mil thicknesses. These films are tested to delay forced entry, buying critical time for law enforcement response, and hold shattered glass together to minimize injury during impact events. Both the 8-Mil and 14-Mil products are certified to ASTM F1642 blast mitigation standards.

Does SolarGard Ecolux 70 Low-E qualify for the Federal Energy Tax Credit?

SolarGard Ecolux 70 Low-E window film may qualify for the 30% Federal Energy Efficiency Tax Credit (Section 25C, IRS Form 5695) under the Inflation Reduction Act for qualifying residential installations through December 31, 2032, subject to an annual cap of $1,200. Consult your tax advisor to confirm eligibility for your specific installation.

Does The Window Place USA ship window film to all 50 states?

Yes. The Window Place USA ships factory-sealed SolarGard master rolls via FedEx Ground and Freight to all 50 states. Orders placed before 2:00 PM EST are eligible for same-day dispatch. We do not offer overnight or expedited shipping options.

The ROI of Window Film: What DOE Modeling Shows for Your Bills

Posted by The Window Place USA on Mar 17th 2026

Source: U.S. Department of Energy & Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Energy Savings from Window Attachments. Retrieved from [https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2013/11/f5/energy_savings_from_windows_attachments.pdf](https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2013/11/f5/energy_savings_from_windows_attachments.pdf). Public domain.

Calculating the Return on Investment

When investing in home improvements, the most important metric is the Return on Investment (ROI). How long will it take for the energy savings to pay for the initial cost of the upgrade? When it comes to residential window retrofits, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has done the math for you.

Through extensive modeling conducted by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), the DOE has proven that surface-applied window films offer one of the most compelling ROIs of any energy efficiency upgrade, particularly when it comes to reducing cooling costs.

The LBNL Energy Savings Data

In a comprehensive 2013 report titled Energy Savings from Window Attachments, LBNL researchers modeled the performance of various window treatments across typical U.S. residential buildings in different climate zones.

Their findings regarding window film were definitive:

Measurable Reductions in HVAC Loads: The modeling demonstrated that surface-applied films provide measurable energy savings by drastically reducing the cooling load in hot climates and during the summer months in mixed climates [1].
Passive, Continuous Savings: Unlike blinds or shades that rely on the homeowner to open and close them at the right times, the study noted that interior surface-applied films are "always fully deployed" [1]. This means they are constantly working to reject solar heat, guaranteeing continuous energy savings without any manual effort.
Climate-Specific Benefits: The report emphasized that in cooling-dominated climates, all high-quality window attachments (especially solar control films) save significant amounts of energy by reducing the need for air conditioning [1].

The DIY Advantage for Faster ROI

While the LBNL data proves that window film saves energy, the speed of your ROI depends entirely on how much you pay to have it installed. If you contact a certified Solar Gard installeration company, labor costs can double or triple the price of the project, pushing your ROI out by several years.

The smartest financial move is to purchase a supply-only roll of professional-grade window film. Because these films are designed to be applied directly to the flat glass surface, they are an ideal DIY project.

By eliminating the cost of labor and paying only for the material, you drastically lower your initial investment. This allows the measurable energy savings modeled by the DOE to pay for the film in a fraction of the time, immediately putting money back into your pocket through lower utility bills.

The Window Place USA: Data-Backed Savings

The Window Place USA supplies homeowners with the exact same high-performance window films analyzed by energy researchers. Don't guess about your home's efficiency—rely on proven data.

Accelerate your ROI and start lowering your utility bills today with our easy-to-install, supply-only rolls. Contact us: inquiries@thewindowplaceusa.com | (866) 274-2769.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does window film really provide a return on investment?
Yes. By reducing the amount of energy required to heat and cool your home, window film lowers your monthly utility bills, eventually paying for itself over time.

What did the DOE modeling show about window film?
Comprehensive modeling by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) demonstrated that surface-applied window films provide measurable energy savings by reducing heating and cooling loads across various climates [1].

How can I get the fastest ROI on window film?
The fastest way to achieve ROI is to eliminate labor costs by purchasing a supply-only roll and installing the film yourself as a DIY project.

References

[1] U.S. Department of Energy & Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. "Energy Savings from Window Attachments." 2013. https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2013/11/f5/energy_savings_from_windows_attachments.pdf