you can also screen doors, windows, roofs, walls etc.. Reducing the sun heat load on your buildings in the summer equals easier cooling.
for an exceptionally low cost way to reduce sun transmission try sheets from the local "donation" store.
This is a pic of a $.50 sheet (a bed sheet, already used as a mud sheet for drywall) screening a door to my solar shed. my batteries went from 27-32C to 23-27C just by keeping solar gain from penetrating the metal door.
okay. I live away back where ... ha ha ... so I can get away with this stuff.
But screening, appropriate to the context, is a great way to save money and it works.
Personally I use sheets, sun fabric, trees, awnings, ... it ain't rocket science.
great post ben.
