Solar control glass is a hi-tech product developed by the glass industry to allow sunlight to pass through a window or façade while radiating and reflecting away a large degree of the sun’s heat. The indoor space stays bright and much cooler than would be the case if normal glass were used.

Solar control glass is not necessarily coloured or mirrored glass, although such finishes can be applied for aesthetic purposes if desired. It incorporates invisible layers of special materials on the glass which have the dual effect of allowing sunlight in, while repelling solar heat. Solar control glass units are typically doubleglazed, which means they also insulate well.

Solar control is a key issue in terms of energy saving:

• in hot conditions, or for buildings with high internal loads, it is used to minimise solar heat gain by rejecting solar radiation and help control glare,
• in more temperate conditions it can be used to balance solar control with high levels of natural light.