Film is applied to existing glass
Vela Smart Film is applied directly to your existing glass surface — no glass replacement required. It works on flat glass panels, partitions, windows, and doors.
Smart Film Technology — Birmingham, AL
Vela Smart Films for Birmingham Homes & Businesses
Vela Smart Films transform ordinary glass into switchable privacy glass at the touch of a button. Instantly switch from clear to frosted — no blinds, no curtains, no compromises. Solar Busters Birmingham is your local Vela installer.
What Is Switchable Smart Film?
Vela Smart Film uses PDLC (Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal) technology to switch glass from transparent to opaque in under a second. When powered on, the film is crystal clear. When powered off, it turns frosted white — providing instant privacy without blocking natural light. It can be applied to existing glass surfaces in homes, offices, conference rooms, healthcare facilities, and retail environments throughout Birmingham and the greater Jefferson County area.
How Vela Smart Film Works
Connected to a low-voltage power supply
The film is connected to a discreet low-voltage transformer. A licensed electrician handles the wiring — Solar Busters coordinates the full installation.
Control via switch, remote, or smart home
Switch between clear and frosted using a wall switch, remote control, or smart home integration (Alexa, Google Home, Control4, and others).
Instant privacy on demand
Power off for instant frosted privacy. Power on for full transparency. The transition takes less than one second and can be automated on a schedule.
Why Choose Vela Smart Film?
Instant switchable privacy
Clear to frosted in under one second. No mechanical parts, no cords, no maintenance — just glass that responds to your needs.
Natural light preserved
Unlike blinds or curtains, smart film in the frosted state still transmits diffused natural light — keeping spaces bright while blocking direct sightlines.
Applied to existing glass
No glass replacement required. Vela Smart Film is applied to your existing glass surface, making it a cost-effective upgrade for both new and existing buildings.
Smart home compatible
Integrates with Alexa, Google Home, Control4, and other smart home platforms. Automate privacy on a schedule or control it remotely from your phone.
UV protection included
Vela Smart Film blocks up to 99% of UV radiation in both the clear and frosted states — protecting interiors from fading regardless of the privacy setting.
Rear-projection screen
In the frosted state, Vela Smart Film doubles as a high-quality rear-projection screen — ideal for conference rooms, retail displays, and presentation spaces.
Where Vela Smart Film Is Used in Birmingham
Conference Rooms & Offices
Replace fixed frosted glass partitions with switchable film. Keep the room open and bright during the day — switch to private for sensitive meetings in an instant.
Healthcare & Medical Facilities
Patient privacy on demand without curtains or blinds. Ideal for exam rooms, consultation spaces, and reception areas in Birmingham medical and dental practices.
Residential — Bathrooms & Bedrooms
Bathroom windows, bedroom glass walls, and sidelights beside front doors are the most popular residential applications. Privacy when you need it, natural light when you don't.
Retail & Hospitality
Create flexible display windows, private dining areas, or VIP sections that can be opened or closed instantly. Popular in Birmingham restaurants, hotels, and boutiques.
Schools & Universities
Classroom glass doors and sidelights can be switched to opaque for lockdown procedures or privacy — a growing safety application in Birmingham-area schools.
Entry Doors & Sidelights
Sidelights beside front doors are a top residential application — clear during the day for natural light, frosted at night for privacy without replacing the glass.
Vela Smart Film Pricing
Smart film pricing is based on glass area and installation complexity. All quotes include film, power supply, and installation. Electrical wiring is quoted separately by a licensed electrician.
Residential
From $85 / sq ft
Bathrooms, sidelights, bedroom glass walls. Includes film, transformer, and wall switch. Electrical wiring quoted separately.
Commercial
From $75 / sq ft
Conference rooms, office partitions, healthcare facilities. Volume pricing available for larger installations.
Smart Home Integration
POA
Alexa, Google Home, Control4, or custom automation integration. Quoted based on existing smart home platform and scope.
Minimum project size applies. Contact us for a free on-site assessment and written quote.
Vela Smart Film FAQs
What is Vela Smart Film and how does it work?
Vela Smart Film is a PDLC (Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal) film applied to existing glass. When an electrical current is applied, the liquid crystals align and the film becomes transparent. When the power is off, the crystals scatter and the film turns frosted white. The transition takes less than one second.
Does smart film work on existing glass in Birmingham homes?
Yes — Vela Smart Film is applied directly to your existing glass surface. There is no need to replace windows, doors, or glass partitions. It works on flat glass panels of virtually any size, making it suitable for both residential and commercial applications throughout Birmingham.
How much does smart film cost in Birmingham?
Residential smart film installations typically start from $85 per square foot, including film, transformer, and installation. Commercial projects start from $75 per square foot with volume pricing available. Electrical wiring is quoted separately by a licensed electrician. We provide free on-site assessments and written quotes.
Can Vela Smart Film be controlled by Alexa or Google Home?
Yes. Vela Smart Film is compatible with Alexa, Google Home, Control4, and other smart home platforms. You can control it via voice command, smartphone app, or automated schedule. We coordinate smart home integration as part of the installation process.
Is smart film safe? Does it use a lot of electricity?
Vela Smart Film operates on low-voltage power and is completely safe. Power consumption is minimal — a typical 10 square foot panel uses approximately 5–7 watts when powered on, comparable to a small LED bulb. The film is UL-listed and meets all relevant safety standards.
How long does Vela Smart Film last?
Vela Smart Film carries a manufacturer warranty and is designed for long-term installation. With proper installation and normal use, the film is expected to last 10+ years. Solar Busters provides a workmanship warranty on all installations.
Can smart film be used as a projection screen?
Yes — in the frosted state, Vela Smart Film functions as a high-quality rear-projection screen. This makes it popular for conference rooms, retail display windows, and presentation spaces where a dual-purpose glass surface is valuable.
Do you install Vela Smart Film throughout the Birmingham area?
Yes. Solar Busters Birmingham installs Vela Smart Film throughout Jefferson, Shelby, and St. Clair Counties, including Hoover, Vestavia Hills, Mountain Brook, Trussville, Irondale, Bessemer, Pelham, and all surrounding communities.