Which Polycarbonate Should I Pick for My Awning?
You can install an awning over a door, window, or outdoor area and still end up with poor performance if the wrong polycarbonate is selected. While an awning frame may stop the rain, the polycarbonate sheet you choose will determine how much heat, light, and comfort you actually get underneath the awning.
Choosing the wrong polycarbonate can unintentionally increase heat build-up, create glare, or make the area beneath the awning uncomfortable — especially in Australian conditions. Choosing the right polycarbonate, however, can significantly reduce solar heat, control light levels, and improve year-round usability.
At Eco Awnings, we use twin-wall polycarbonate specifically selected for awning applications. Different polycarbonate colours and finishes behave very differently in terms of heat reduction, light transmission, and visual appearance, which is why the choice matters just as much as the awning design itself.
Some polycarbonate options are designed as solar control sheets, helping to reduce heat under the awning, while others allow more natural light through but offer less heat reduction. For example, Platinum and Opal polycarbonate are solar colours designed to reduce heat and glare, whereas Grey and Bronze polycarbonate allow more light through but do not reduce heat as effectively. Clear polycarbonate provides the highest level of light transmission but will also result in the greatest increase in temperature beneath the awning.
This guide explains the different twin-wall polycarbonate options for awnings, how each one performs, and the best way to choose the right polycarbonate for your specific awning location and use.
Platinum / Silver Polycarbonate – Maximum Heat Reduction and Cleaner Appearance
Platinum polycarbonate is a high-performance solar control polycarbonate designed to significantly reduce heat while maintaining comfortable light levels. In addition to its thermal performance, platinum polycarbonate has a light-diffusing finish that helps disguise everyday marks and debris.
Because the surface diffuses light rather than allowing full transparency, dust, water marks, leaves, and general dirt are far less noticeable compared to clear polycarbonate. This means the awning maintains a cleaner, more uniform appearance for longer, with less frequent cleaning required.
Platinum polycarbonate is ideal for:
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North- and west-facing awnings
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Doorways exposed to strong afternoon sun
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Areas where heat build-up needs to be minimised
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Situations where long-term appearance is important
It is a popular choice for door awnings and window awnings where both heat control and low visual maintenance are priorities.
Opal / solar white – Soft Diffused Light and Reduced Visible Dirt
Opal polycarbonate is another solar control option that provides excellent heat reduction while producing a soft, evenly diffused light beneath the awning. The opal finish spreads light across the sheet, reducing glare and harsh shadows.
One of the key advantages of opal polycarbonate is its ability to hide surface marks and dirt. Because it is not transparent, water spotting, dust, and minor debris are far less visible, helping the awning look cleaner and less tired over time.
Opal polycarbonate is well suited to:
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Entry doors where glare needs to be controlled
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Windows requiring privacy
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Outdoor areas needing even light distribution
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Applications where a clean appearance with minimal upkeep is important
Clear Polycarbonate – Maximum Light, Maximum Heat, and High Visibility of Dirt
Clear polycarbonate allows the highest level of light transmission and full visibility through the awning. While it is effective at keeping rain off, it offers the least protection from solar heat.
In addition, clear polycarbonate will show every mark on the surface. Dust, leaves, water spotting, pollen, and general grime are clearly visible, meaning the awning can look dirty very quickly, especially in outdoor environments. Any debris sitting on top of the awning is easily seen from below.
Clear polycarbonate is best suited to:
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Fully shaded locations
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Areas where maximum light is required
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Installations where appearance is not affected by visible debris
In sun-exposed areas, clear polycarbonate will both increase temperature beneath the awning and require more frequent cleaning to maintain a neat appearance.
Grey & Bronze Polycarbonate – Moderate Light with Visible Surface Marking
Grey and bronze polycarbonate sit between clear and solar control options. They reduce glare and soften light but still allow a relatively high level of visibility through the sheet.
Because these sheets are partially transparent, dirt and surface marks are still visible, although less so than clear polycarbonate. Heat reduction is also limited compared to platinum or opal options.
Grey and bronze polycarbonate are best used where:
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Some shading already exists
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Light transmission is more important than heat control
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Appearance is less affected by visible debris
Appearance Matters as Much as Performance
When choosing polycarbonate for an awning, it’s important to consider not only heat and light, but also how the awning will look over time.
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Platinum and Opal polycarbonate reduce heat and hide dirt, keeping the awning looking cleaner for longer
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Grey and Bronze polycarbonate allow more light but show surface marks sooner
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Clear polycarbonate provides maximum light but shows every mark and increases heat
At Eco Awnings, we help customers select the right twin-wall polycarbonate based on sun exposure, usage, and long-term appearance. By reviewing photos of your property, we can recommend a polycarbonate option that performs well and continues to look good over time.
