California Institute for Energy and Environment (CIEE)

The objective of this study is to make a preliminary assessment of the energy savings and cost-benefit of exterior operable window shading systems combining DOE-2 computer simulations, and a limited market survey of availability and cost. Some queries have been made on an "as available" basis with vendors and store staff on user acceptance and operations, but any systematic market assessment or user survey is beyond the scope of at least this initial phase of the project. The aim of the DOE-2 simulations is to quantify the potential savings of these exterior operable window shading systems (exterior roller blinds and Mediterranean shutters) under various operating strategies. The aim of the limited market survey is to determine what devices are currently available in the state, as well as in other countries. The latter task is important because this is very clearly a developing or immature market in California, so that availability and costs in other locations may give a better indication of likely mature market situations. Once these costs are obtained, a cost-benefit analysis will be done to inform the Commission whether and to what degree such products and strategies should be promoted.