Hi there! If you need more privacy than the solar shades offer the Silhouettes are a great choice. Since solar shade fabrics have different fenestration properties depending on things like how open the weave is, what color the fabric is, it's hard to tell if Silhouettes would block more or less u.v. when the vanes are open. However, with the Silhouettes, you also have the option of closing the vanes. When you close them they would definitely block more u.v. than solar shades. Keep in mind they are not as kid and pet friendly as solar shades. Another option could be zebra shades. https://www.hunterdouglas.com/window-treatments/roller-shades-solar-shades/designer-banded The roller shades you have could probably be retrofitted to be dual shades which would add another layer that could provide privacy. (I know we could do that.) Depending on the top treatment you have on your shades, it might be as simple as changing the bracket to a dual bracket and then getting another shade to put in front of or behind the one you have now. Or you could get new dual shades like this: https://www.hunterdouglas.com/operating-systems/manual/dual-roller There are window films that block about 99% of u.v. rays, too. Since solar heat gain is a problem for you, you might like window films that help with that. There are some that don't have much of a tint to them. (Check with your window manufacturer on whether or not film would void your window warranty.) http://www.johnsonwindowfilms.com/residential-commercial-products/sunlight/ We manufacture Open Light roller shades in Ann Arbor, Michigan. If we can help, please let us know. Good luck!

HAVE you asked where the difference came from? That could be as simple as your choice of fabric! ASK!!! We certainly have no way of knowing. We don't know the size of the windows, we don't know anything. But there is a huge variance in pricing, depending fabric selection, veins, al of it. Including width of the window and length. Jeesh. Get all the estimates you want. but there needs to be certainty in every aspect of pour selection, to do that. Apple to apples, not apples and a banana. "Decent sized" makes about as much sense as "standard window". There simply IS no such thing.

I'd like to see one with 30 years of age on it.

I think HD bought comfortex.com and less expensive 3dayblinds.com is another source