Abstract: A solar window shade includes a frame for supporting louvers for shading at least one window of a building. Preferably, the frame is pivotally connected to the building above the window, and a frame drive system selectively pivots the frame upwardly or downwardly in accordance with the elevation of the sun. A louver drive system rotates the louvers within the frame to track east-to-west movements of the sun. The louvers are preferably provided as outer and inner louvers interlaced with each other, and such louvers nest with one another when the sun is hidden, or approaches from an acute angle, to maximize passage of indirect light rays to light the interior, while minimizing obstruction of the view through the window. The device is modular and is easily applied to aligned rows of windows and/or windows on multi-story buildings, with central control of the associated frame drive and louver drive systems.

Abstract: A solar window shade includes a frame for supporting louvers for shading at least one window of a building. Preferably, the frame is pivotally connected to the building above the window, and a frame drive system selectively pivots the frame upwardly or downwardly in accordance with the elevation of the sun. A louver drive system rotates the louvers within the frame to track east-to-west movements of the sun. The louvers are preferably provided as outer and inner louvers interlaced with each other, and such louvers nest with one another when the sun is hidden, or approaches from an acute angle, to maximize passage of indirect light rays to light the interior, while minimizing obstruction of the view through the window. The device is modular and is easily applied to aligned rows of windows and/or windows on multi-story buildings, with central control of the associated frame drive and louver drive systems.