Solar-controlled Glass: the Basics

Solar-Controlled Glass: The Basics

In the age of Global Warming we are all being constantly urged to do our bit in the battle to save the planet. Newly developed solar-controlled glass is an easy an effective way to ensure that your home is eco-friendly. Here’s how it works.

Essentially, solar-controlled glass is glass that is either tinted or has been treated with a coating to restrict the amount of sun-generated infrared radiation allowed to pass through the glass. Ordinary untreated glass can transmit over 90% of the solar energy sent by the sun, allowing your house to heat up and be filled with a glaring light. Glass that is simply tinted or bronzed provides moderate solar control, although having glass with a colour does not always suit every location.

Coated solar controlled glass has various transparent materials applied to the surface. By carefully selecting the coatings the spectrum of solar energy can be controlled to allow some wavelengths through and reflect others. The proportion of light and solar heat can be adjusted to provide a variety of products that meet the requirements of different building types.

In simpler terms, solar-controlled glass lets in a good amount of light, keeping our homes sunny and bright, whilst keeping them cooler in summer, or keeping them warmer in winter. Clever!

The Benefits of Solar-Controlled Glass

The new trend of maximising the use of glass in architecture might be visually spectacular, but gives little thought to the people left living with drastic levels of heat or cold and net curtains to control the constant glare.

Solar-controlled glass allows us to live in natural light, while still being as comfortable as possible, ideal for conservatories. The glass is available in a variety of subtle colours or neutral adding a unique and striking feature to our homes.

All household and commercial glass-needs can be catered for by these glass types and custom configurations are manageable. Solar-controlled glass can also be combined with other performance options, like noise control or self-cleaning glass, for maximum benefits. Toughened or laminated solar-controlled glass is also available, ensuring that your family is both safe and comfortable.

Most importantly, in our new quest to be ‘green’ and environmentally friendly, solar-controlled glass can reduce, and possibly even eradicate, the need to use air conditioners and heaters. This energy saving both reduces our monthly bills and contributes towards a healthier environment.