The photothermal effect of Fe3O4 nanoparticles stimulated by solar light has been investigated for nanoparticles in solutions and as thin films. The mechanism for the photothermal effect of Fe3O4 nanoparticles is identified in terms of its band structure. Absorption-based photonic physics responsible for the much-enhanced photothermal heating by white-light as compared with NIR is discussed. U-factors are calculated showing the possibility of producing energy efficient single-pane windows based on nanoparticle coatings. So, window thermal insulation no longer replies in insulation materials but photothermal effect.