Solar control glass concept

Solar control glass is a specialized type of treated or coated glass that reduces the amount of solar radiation passing through a glass surface, especially heat. Its main function is to minimize the internal heating of buildings caused by direct solar radiation, thus improving thermal comfort and reducing energy consumption associated with air conditioning systems.

This glass is widely used in facades, windows, curtain walls and skylights to optimize the energy performance of buildings, especially in hot or temperate climates where thermal gain from solar radiation can be significant. In addition, it provides benefits in terms of glare control and protection against ultraviolet rays.

Solar heat reduction mechanisms

Solar control glass acts by limiting the transmission of near-infrared radiation and ultraviolet radiation that carry solar heat, while allowing the passage of visible light to maintain natural lighting. This is achieved through surface treatments such as metallic coatings or interlayers that reflect or absorb thermal radiation.

These coatings can be applied through vacuum deposition processes or incorporated as special films within laminated glass or double glazing. The quality and type of coating determine the final optical and thermal properties of the glass, allowing an adequate balance between transparency, thermal control and aesthetics.

Relevant technical parameters

Among the key parameters to evaluate solar control glass are the solar factor (g), which indicates the fraction of total solar energy that passes through the glass, and the thermal transmission coefficient (U), which measures the thermal insulation capacity. A low solar factor indicates a greater ability to block heat.