What is a shading coefficient (SC) and how does it compare to the solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC)? Does a lower shading coefficient mean less visible light?
Glazing that blocks greater levels of solar energy have lower shading coefficients. The shading coefficient is the ratio of solar heat gain admitted through the glass as compared to the solar heat gain admitted through 1/8″ clear glass (1/8″ clear glass = 1.0 Shading Coefficient). The SHGC is similar to the SC, but also accounts for absorbed, convected, and inwardly radiated solar energy. The SHGC can be calculated by multiplying the SC x .86 (SHGC=SC*0.86). Both the SC and the SHGC are values which represent the solar heat gain through the glazing from the total solar energy spectrum. They do not necessarily have a direct correlation to visible light transmittance. A good example of this is Pilkington EverGreen High-Performance Tinted Float Glass, which allows for a higher visible light transmittance and, at the same time, a lower SC than a typical bronze or grey tinted glass.
Related Questions
- What is a shading coefficient (SC) and how does it compare to the solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC)? Does a lower shading coefficient mean less visible light?
- What is the difference between SHGC (Solar Heat Gain Coefficient) and SC (Shading Coefficient)?
- What does Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) mean?
