Low-E Glass vs Solar Control Glass:
Glass is one of the most popular and versatile construction materials used today, owing to its numerous advantages, including enhanced thermal and solar efficiency. ‘Low-E’ (low emissivity) and ‘solar control’ are significant expressions associated with energy optimisation and proficiency.
Low-E glass and Solar Control Low-E glass are popular choices for windows, but they cater to distinct objectives. These are used to revolutionize the energy efficiency of contemporary buildings by lessening heat transfer via windows. Each of them has a core aim of minimising energy consumption and upgrading indoor tranquillity but they differ in their explicit potential and applications. Awareness about their different characteristics is important for architect and homeowner seeking perfect match for their climate and energy efficiency requirements.
Low-E(low emissivity) Rooflight Windows:
Low-E glass features an extremely thin, transparent coating—often made of materials like silver, zinc, or indium tin oxide—that is thinner than a human hair. This coating reduces heat loss and heat gain through windows by reflecting thermal energy. The emissivity of a material measures its ability to emit energy as radiation, and Low-E glass minimizes this to enhance energy efficiency. While some Low-E glass may have a slight blue-greenish tint or haze, modern coatings are often designed to be nearly colorless for improved aesthetics. Low-E glass is highly versatile and can be tailored for various climates, with high-solar-gain coatings ideal for colder regions and low-solar-gain coatings suited for warmer areas.
In winter, the Low-E coating reflects indoor heat back into the home, reducing heat loss and keeping interiors warm. In summer, it helps block external heat to maintain cooler indoor temperatures. The principle is similar to a thermos flask, where a silver coating reflects heat to keep liquids hot or cold. Low-E glass achieves this through advanced coatings applied either during manufacturing (pyrolytic hard-coat) or post-manufacturing in a vacuum (sputter soft-coat), ensuring durability and performance. For example, Low-E glass can achieve a U-value of 0.25-0.35, significantly reducing heat transfer compared to standard glass.
We also provide Customised Rooflight Solutions For more details you can check our Page Custom Rooflights. You Can Also Read the Benefits of Installing Rooflights.
Solar Control Rooflight Windows:
Solar Control glass is a specialised type of Low-E glass with metallic coatings designed to reduce heat gain by blocking solar radiation while allowing ample natural light. It is particularly effective in areas with intense sunlight and high summer temperatures. By reflecting infrared radiation and a portion of visible light, Solar Control glass minimises solar heat gain, often achieving a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) of 0.2-0.4, which helps keep interiors cooler and reduces cooling costs.
The coatings on Solar Control glass are applied using advanced techniques, such as sputter coating in a vacuum post-manufacturing or pyrolytic coating during glass production, ensuring long-lasting performance. This glass balances natural light transmission with heat reduction, making it ideal for buildings with large windows or in hot climates. Its ability to block harmful UV rays also protects interiors from fading and damage.
Advantages of Low-e And Solar Control :
Low-E glass and solar control glass have some differences, but both offer significant advantages which makes them an essential part of any building or roof light project.
If you want to gather more information about The Best Glass For Rooflights You Can Read Our Article Glass Information.
1. Energy Efficiency:
Low-E Glass: This is the most significant benefit of such glass windows and this makes the investment in them worth it. Low-e coatings has a foremost target of transmitting thermal energy inside and outside of the window. This makes the temperature of the room constant and provide cooling in summer and warmth in winter.
Solar Control Glass: Solar Control glass is specifically designed to reduce thermal heat gain by blocking a significant portion of solar radiation. By regulating solar heat transmission through the window, it reduces the demand for mechanical cooling, leading to energy savings.
2. Heat Reflection:
Low-E Glass: Soft Coat Low-E windows reflect heat back into the room, improving insulation and reducing heating costs during winter.
Solar Control Low-E Glass: Glass with solar coating on windows reflect both infrared and a part of solar radiations thus facilitating improved protection against heat gain in intense climate or in buildings with more windows.
We do want to tell you that we also provide standard Circular Rooflights.
3. UV Protection:
Ultraviolet (UV) rays can have harmful effects on humans, including severe damage to the skin. Excessive exposure to UV rays can also degrade fabrics, furniture, and other home furnishings.
Low-E Glass: Primarily designed to reduce heat transfer, Low-E glass also provides some UV protection, helping to prevent fading and interior damage.
Solar Control Low-E Glass: In addition to minimizing heat gain, Solar Control Low-E glass acts as a barrier against UV radiation, ensuring a safer indoor environment while preserving aesthetics.
4. Visible Light Transmission:
Low-E Glass: Allows most visible light to pass through, maintaining indoor brightness and comfort while also enhancing productivity.
Solar Control Glass: Although it permits visible light to enter, its transmission is slightly lower compared to standard Low-E glass, depending on the specific coatings applied.
Disadvantages:
While Low-E and Solar Control glass offer numerous benefits, there are some considerations:
Cost: These glass types are more expensive than standard glass due to their specialized coatings. However, their energy savings—potentially reducing energy bills by 10-25%—often offset the initial investment over time.
Visibility: Some coatings may impart a slight blue-greenish tint or haze, though modern advancements have led to nearly colorless options that maintain aesthetic appeal without compromising functionality.
Durability: Both Low-E and Solar Control glass are highly durable, typically lasting 20-30 years or more in properly sealed insulated glass units. With regular maintenance, their performance can remain effective for the lifespan of the window, though the glass may need replacement if the seal fails.
For more insights, check out our detailed article on the Benefits of Laminated Glass.
Which is Better For Your Climate?
Choosing between Low-E and Solar Control glass depends on your local climate and energy needs:
- Cold Climates: Low-E glass with high-solar-gain coatings is ideal for cold regions, as it allows short-wave infrared radiation to pass through, providing warmth in winter while reducing heat loss. Its U-value of 0.25-0.35 ensures excellent insulation.
- Hot or Mixed Climates: Solar Control Low-E glass is better suited for warm or variable climates, as it blocks a significant portion of solar heat (with an SHGC of 0.2-0.4) and UV rays, keeping interiors cool and reducing cooling costs. It’s also effective in buildings with large windows exposed to intense sunlight.
Both options offer enhanced durability, resistance to condensation, and long-term performance. While they target slightly different aspects of energy efficiency, your choice depends on your specific requirements. If you need further guidance, feel free to reach out—we’re happy to help you find the perfect solution.
Our Blogs:
1. What Are Framed Rooflights?
2. What are Fixed Rooflights
3. Difference Between Rooflights And Skylights
