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As the sunnier days of spring and summer arrive, keeping indoor temperatures comfortable while managing energy costs becomes a top priority. Solar control glass offers a smart and sustainable solution to this challenge, enhancing comfort in homes and businesses.
Solar glass, or solar control glass is standard glass that has a specialist metallic coating applied to reflect away infrared radiation whilst allowing UV light through the glass. This results in a glass that can allow the maximum amount of light in balance with reducing the heat from the sun.
As we head into 2025, energy costs and sustainability goals have become even more prominent in architectural design. Solar control glass is at the forefront of these advancements, helping architects and property owners strike the perfect balance between abundant natural light and energy-efficient climate control. This article dives deeper into how solar control glass works, its types, and why it’s a must-have feature for skylights in the modern era.
Key Benefits of Solar Control Glass
| Feature | Solar Control Glass | Standard Glass |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Management | Specialised coating reflects/absorbs infrared radiation, helping reduce interior heat and reliance on cooling systems. | Allows most infrared radiation to pass through, leading to higher indoor temperatures and increased energy costs. |
| UV Protection | Can filter out up to 99% of harmful UV rays, protecting furniture, flooring, and artwork from fading. | Offers little to no UV filtering, making interiors more susceptible to fading and potential sun damage. |
| Energy Efficiency | Helps reduce cooling demands in summer, and when combined with low-E coatings, can also minimise heat loss in winter. | Minimal effect on indoor temperatures, often resulting in higher energy consumption for heating and cooling. |
| Light Transmission | Maintains high levels of visible light, ensuring bright indoor spaces without excessive glare. | Lets in ample natural light, but often brings in heat and glare without the benefit of advanced coatings. |
| Comfort & Climate Control | Reflects excess solar energy, helping maintain stable, comfortable indoor temperatures year-round. | Quick heat buildup in sunny weather and higher likelihood of chilly indoor temperatures in cooler conditions. |
| Long-term Value | Enhanced occupant comfort, potential energy savings, and added property value can offset initial cost over time. | Lower upfront cost, but higher energy expenses and less attractive environmental credentials in the long run. |
What is solar control glass?
Solar control glass is built to keep indoor spaces comfortable without sacrificing natural light. Engineered with advanced coatings, it reflects or absorbs a large portion of the sun’s heat—yet still allows plenty of visible light to flow through.[1]
In 2025 and beyond, it’s an increasingly attractive option for both homes and commercial buildings looking to meet rising energy standards.
How does solar control glass work?
The key lies in the specialised coating. When sunlight hits the glass, a significant amount of infrared (heat) radiation is either reflected away or absorbed before it enters the space. This helps maintain a stable and comfortable indoor temperature and reduces the need for heavy reliance on air conditioning or heating systems.
In simple terms, solar control glass is designed to manage solar radiation effectively while letting in the daylight you want. With energy efficiency top-of-mind going into 2025, it’s no wonder this glazing solution is being embraced across various industries.
Types of solar control glass
From modern homes seeking natural light without the heat, to commercial buildings looking for enhanced temperature management, solar control glass comes in several varieties. Below are the main types you’ll encounter:
Low-E Glass
Low-emissivity (Low-E) Glass is coated with a thin metallic layer that reflects infrared light, effectively reducing heat loss in winter and minimising heat gain in summer. [2] By filtering out harmful UV rays and infrared radiation, Low-E Glass strikes an excellent balance between visibility and insulation. Whether you live in a region with dramatic temperature swings or just want to boost energy efficiency, Low-E Glass is an outstanding choice.
Reflective Glass
Reflective glass has a metallic coating that bounces back a significant portion of solar radiation, making it an excellent option for controlling heat. It’s often seen in commercial buildings and skyscrapers for its sleek exterior appearance. [3] Beyond its aesthetic value, reflective glass reduces solar heat gain and provides daytime privacy, making interior spaces cooler and more comfortable.
Tinted Glass
Tinted glass incorporates small amounts of metal oxides during manufacturing, giving it distinct shades like bronze, grey, blue, or green. While it maintains visibility, it effectively reduces glare and controls solar heat gain. [1] It’s a popular choice for both residential and commercial applications because it adds a stylish flair while boosting energy efficiency.
Sunsquare Skylights with Enhanced Solar Control Glass
Sunsquare takes solar control a step further by offering skylights featuring a high-performance, 29.5mm insulating glass unit. Here’s an inside look at the layers that make these skylights a top choice for 2025:
6mm Clear Toughened SN70/35 Outer Pane
Coated with an SN70/35 solar control film, this outer pane reflects a large amount of solar radiation to kerb heat gain, while still letting in ample daylight. The result is a low G-value of 0.346, ensuring your home or business stays cooler in hot weather—without sacrificing natural light.
12mm Warm Edge Spacer Bar (Black, Argon Filled – Silicone Edge Seal)
The warm edge spacer bar, filled with argon gas, boosts insulation by limiting heat transfer around the glass edges. This helps maintain a more consistent indoor temperature, contributing to better energy efficiency overall.
11.5mm Clear Laminated Heat Strengthened Inner Pane
This laminated inner pane delivers extra durability, safety, and sound insulation. Plus, it helps block UV rays, protecting your interiors from sun damage. It’s an all-around win for comfort, safety, and longevity.
By integrating advanced coatings and gases, Sunsquare skylights boast a solar control performance G-value of 0.346—making them a reliable option if you want to invest in long-term comfort and cost savings.
The Benefits of Solar Control Glass
1. Energy Efficiency
Solar control glass can significantly reduce cooling and heating demands by minimising heat gain in warm months and heat loss in cold months. [2] This lowers overall energy consumption, trimming both your utility bills and your carbon footprint. As 2025 approaches with heightened environmental standards, these energy savings can help meet stricter regulations and green building certifications.
2. Comfort and UV Protection
Solar control glass ensures a comfortable indoor temperature, even when the sun is blazing outside. [1] It also filters out up to 99% of harmful UV rays, protecting your skin and preventing damage to furniture and artwork. You get the best of both worlds: abundant daylight with less heat and lower risk of sun-related wear and tear.
3. Aesthetic and Functional Versatility
Available in various tints and finishes, solar control glass provides ample design flexibility. [3] Whether you want a reflective look for a futuristic skyscraper or a subtle tint for a home renovation, it adapts to your aesthetic and performance needs—making it ideal for both new builds and retrofit projects.
4. Environmental Impact
By optimising energy use and reducing HVAC dependency, solar control glass cuts down on carbon emissions. [4] This aligns with growing global commitments to sustainability and puts your building on the path to a greener future—something more crucial than ever in 2025, as climate goals become more ambitious.
5. Increased Property Value
Thanks to heightened comfort and energy efficiency, properties equipped with solar control glass often command higher value and greater appeal to potential buyers or tenants. [3] In today’s market—where eco-friendly features can be a major selling point—this investment can pay off handsomely.
Summary
Solar control glass is a forward-thinking solution designed to elevate comfort and efficiency, particularly in the warmer months. As you plan for spring and summer in 2025 and beyond, consider upgrading to solar control glass for its multiple advantages: reduced cooling costs, enhanced occupant comfort, and long-term environmental benefits.
Ready to make the switch?
Discover how Sunsquare’s solar control glass Skylights can transform your space. Contact us today to learn more about how solar control glass can lead to a brighter, more sustainable future, and how it can specifically improve your property’s energy performance. [2]
References
Here are the references that were used in this article:
- in.saint-gobain-glass.com. (2020). 8 Major Benefits of Solar Control Glass. [online] Available at:
https://in.saint-gobain-glass.com/blog/benefits-solar-control-glass - www.pilkington.com. (n.d.). Solar Control Glass. [online] Available at:
https://www.pilkington.com/en/global/knowledge-base/types-of-glass/solar-control-glass
[Accessed 24 May 2024]. - www.aisglass.com. (2023). Benefits of Solar Control Glass for Commercial Buildings -. [online] Available at:
https://www.aisglass.com/blog-benefits-of-solar-control-glass-for-commercial-buildings/
[Accessed 24 May 2024]. - www.everest.co.uk. (n.d.). Solar Control Glass Explained. [online] Available at:
https://www.everest.co.uk/glass/solar-glass/ - www.ipswich.glass. (n.d.). Is Solar Control Glass Worth It? An In-depth Analysis – Ipswich.glass. [online] Available at:
https://www.ipswich.glass/blogs/post/is-solar-control-glass-worth-it
[Accessed 24 May 2024].
