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Solar reflective glass – advanced online hard-coat reflective glass engineered for maximum solar control. Solar reflectance up to 75%, shading coefficient as low as 0.25. Available in multiple colors (Grey, Green, Bronze, Silver, Blue). Thickness 4-10mm, max size 3400×6600mm. Ideal for net-zero buildings, LEED projects, and high-performance facades. CE / ISO 9001 certified. Request FOB quote.
Solar Reflective Glass | High‑Performance Solar Control Glass with Enhanced Reflectance
High‑Performance Solar Control for Energy‑Efficient Buildings – Enhanced Reflectance, Multiple Colors
Solar reflective glass is a premium grade of online hard‑coat reflective glass produced by chemical vapor deposition (CVD), where a specially formulated metal oxide layer is chemically fused to high‑quality float glass. Unlike standard reflective glass which balances aesthetics with solar control, solar reflective glass is engineered specifically for maximum solar energy rejection — achieving the highest solar reflectance and lowest shading coefficient in the reflective glass family while still offering a choice of neutral or colored appearances.
Solar reflective glass is the technical workhorse for projects where energy performance is the primary driver — net‑zero buildings, LEED Platinum certifications, passive house envelopes, and high‑performance curtain walls in extreme climates. It is available in the same color families as standard reflective glass (Grey, Green, Bronze, Silver, Blue) but with optimized coating thickness and composition that deliver 15–25% better solar control than equivalent standard reflective glass.
| Key Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Glass Type | Online hard‑coat reflective float glass (solar‑optimized) |
| Color Options | Solar Grey, Solar Green, Solar Bronze, Solar Silver, Solar Blue |
| Thickness Range | 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 8mm, 10mm |
| Maximum Size | 3360 × 6560 mm (jumbo); standard 2400 × 3750 mm |
| Coating Position | #2 surface (outboard) recommended for exterior installation |
| Solar Reflectance (6mm Solar Grey) | ~52.0% |
| Visible Light Transmittance (6mm Solar Grey) | ~15.0% |
| Shading Coefficient (SC) | 0.25 – 0.42 (depending on color & thickness) |
| Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) | 0.22 – 0.37 |
| Emissivity (ε) | < 0.1 |
| Processing | Cutting, tempering, heat strengthening, bending, laminating, IGU assembly |
| Certifications | CE, ISO 9001, CCC, SGS, EN 410 (solar factor testing) |
| MOQ | 1 × 20′ FCL (~20–27 tons) |
| Lead Time | 2–4 weeks |
💡 Solar reflective glass typically outperforms standard reflective glass by 15–25% in solar heat rejection while maintaining the same color appearance. This makes it the preferred specification for energy‑code‑driven markets such as California Title 24, European EPBD, and Singapore Green Mark.
Solar reflective glass uses a denser, thicker metal oxide coating than standard reflective glass. This optimized coating increases solar reflectance while reducing solar transmittance, delivering industry‑leading performance:
| Parameter | Standard Reflective Glass (6mm Grey) | Solar Reflective Glass (6mm Solar Grey) | Improvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solar Reflectance | ~34% | ~52% | +53% |
| Shading Coefficient | ~0.51 | ~0.30 | -41% |
| SHGC | ~0.44 | ~0.26 | -41% |
| Visible Light Transmittance | ~20.5% | ~15.0% | -27% (acceptable trade‑off) This performance level rivals many soft‑coat Low‑E products while retaining the durability, scratch resistance, and processability of online hard‑coat reflective glass. |
Solar reflective glass helps buildings meet stringent energy codes:
Unlike spectrally selective Low‑E coatings which are typically neutral, solar reflective glass is available in the full color palette:
| Color Option | 6mm Solar Reflectance | 6mm Shading Coefficient | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solar Grey | ~52% | ~0.30 | Neutral aesthetics, maximum solar control |
| Solar Green | ~50% | ~0.32 | Biophilic design, tropical climates |
| Solar Bronze | ~48% | ~0.34 | Hospitality, warm climates |
| Solar Silver | ~55% | ~0.28 | Bright facades, high daylight needs |
| Solar Blue | ~46% | ~0.36 | Cool, contemporary architecture |
A typical 10,000 m² curtain wall using solar reflective glass instead of standard reflective glass can reduce annual cooling energy by 12–18% , depending on climate. For a building in Dubai or Phoenix, this translates to $80,000–$150,000 USD/year in electricity savings.
Like all reflective glass, solar reflective glass provides daytime privacy. The denser coating actually enhances the mirror effect, giving a deeper, more consistent reflection.
Solar reflective glass blocks >97% of UV radiation, exceeding the already‑high UV blockage of standard reflective glass.
The online CVD coating is chemically fused to the glass, offering:
| Glass Type | Thickness | Visible Light Trans. | Visible Light Ref. | Solar Reflectance | Solar Transmittance | SHGC | Shading Coeff. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solar Grey | 5mm | 17.0% | 50.0% | 50.0% | 18.0% | 0.28 | 0.32 |
| Solar Grey | 6mm | 15.0% | 52.0% | 52.0% | 15.0% | 0.26 | 0.30 |
| Solar Grey | 8mm | 12.0% | 55.0% | 55.0% | 13.0% | 0.24 | 0.28 |
| Solar Green | 6mm | 16.0% | 48.0% | 50.0% | 18.0% | 0.28 | 0.32 |
| Solar Bronze | 6mm | 14.0% | 46.0% | 48.0% | 19.0% | 0.30 | 0.34 |
| Solar Silver | 6mm | 20.0% | 58.0% | 55.0% | 14.0% | 0.24 | 0.28 |
| Solar Blue | 6mm | 18.0% | 44.0% | 46.0% | 21.0% | 0.31 | 0.36 Values are indicative based on optimized solar‑grade coating formulations. Exact performance depends on manufacturer composition and glass substrate. Request project‑specific WINDOW 7.8 simulations for final specifications. |
| Thickness | Max Size | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|
| 4mm | 2380 × 3880 mm | Interior partitions, decorative glazing |
| 5mm | 2590 × 4190 mm | Windows, doors, shopfronts |
| 6mm | 2790 × 4590 mm | Curtain walls, façade panels (most popular) |
| 8mm | 3090 × 5490 mm | Structural glazing, spandrel panels |
| 10mm | 3370 × 6570 mm | High‑performance façades, laminated IGU Standard stock sizes: 1190×1790mm, 1630×2220mm, 1780×2630mm, 2080×3570mm, 2200×3740mm, 2450×3840mm. Custom jumbo sizes up to 3480×6880mm available on request. |
Solar reflective glass is the default specification for energy‑efficient curtain walls in hot and mixed climates. It is widely used in commercial office towers, government buildings, and educational facilities pursuing green building certifications.
Projects targeting net‑zero energy consumption rely on solar reflective glass to minimize cooling loads, reducing the size and cost of renewable energy systems needed to offset energy use.
Solar reflective glass contributes directly to energy performance credits in all major green building rating systems. Its high solar reflectance also reduces urban heat island effect (SSR credit).
Large‑span glazing in airports benefits from solar reflective glass's ability to admit daylight while rejecting solar heat, keeping passenger areas comfortable without excessive air conditioning.
Data centers use solar reflective glass for administrative and support spaces to reduce overall facility cooling load. The high UV blockage also protects sensitive equipment.
Luxury residential towers in Dubai, Miami, Singapore, and similar markets specify solar reflective glass to keep apartments cool while maintaining stunning views.
Embassies, courthouses, and public libraries choose solar reflective glass to demonstrate environmental responsibility while controlling operational costs.
Solar reflective glass (online hard‑coat) can be fully processed identically to standard reflective glass:
⚠️ Installation note: The coated surface should face outward (toward the exterior) during installation, while the uncoated surface faces inward.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Glass Substrate | High‑quality float glass |
| Coating Type | Online CVD metal oxide hard coat (solar‑optimized) |
| Color Options | Solar Grey, Solar Green, Solar Bronze, Solar Silver, Solar Blue |
| Thickness | 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 8mm, 10mm |
| Maximum Size | 3380 × 6660 mm (standard); up to 3520 × 7020 mm (jumbo) |
| Minimum Size | 170 × 280 mm |
| Emissivity (ε) | < 0.1 |
| Solar Reflectance | 46–55% (varies by color & thickness) |
| Shading Coefficient (SC) | 0.25–0.42 |
| Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) | 0.22–0.37 |
| UV Blockage | > 98% |
| Processing | Cut, temper, heat‑strengthen, bend, laminate, IGU |
| Edgework | Polished, beveled, seamed, arrissed |
| Standards | EN 413, CE, ISO 9051, CCC, SGS, EN 411 |
| Packaging | Seaworthy plywood crates with paper interleave |
| MOQ | 1 × 20′ FCL (~20–27 tons) |
| Lead Time | 2–4 weeks |
Indicative FOB pricing (USD per m², bulk packaging included):
| Thickness | Solar Reflective Glass | FOB Indicative Range |
|---|---|---|
| 4mm | $4.50 – $6.50 | $5–9 |
| 5mm | $5.50 – $8.00 | $7–12 |
| 6mm | $6.50 – $9.50 | $8–14 |
| 8mm | $8.50 – $12.00 | $11–18 |
| 10mm | $11.00 – $16.00 | $14–24 |
Solar reflective glass carries a moderate premium (15–25% above standard reflective glass) due to the optimized coating formulation and enhanced performance. Final pricing varies with: Color option (Solar Grey is most economical; Solar Silver commands highest premium) Thickness and jumbo size requirements Processing complexity (tempering, laminating, IGU) Order volume (FCL vs. LCL) 💡 For a precise project quotation including energy modeling inputs, send us your curtain wall elevation drawings or glass schedule.
Q1: What is the difference between solar reflective glass and standard reflective glass?
Solar reflective glass uses a denser, thicker metal oxide coating that increases solar reflectance by 15–25% while reducing the shading coefficient proportionally. The color appearance is similar, but the solar control performance is significantly better.
Q2: Can solar reflective glass be tempered?
Yes. The online CVD coating is chemically fused to the glass and withstands the tempering process without degradation.
Q3: Which side should the coating face?
The coated surface should face outward (exterior) to maximize solar reflection. The uncoated surface faces inward.
Q4: What is the typical shading coefficient?
Depending on color and thickness, SC ranges from 0.25 to 0.42. Solar Silver 6mm achieves SC 0.28; Solar Grey 6mm achieves SC 0.30.
Q5: How does solar reflective glass compare to Low‑E glass?
Solar reflective glass provides better solar rejection (lower SHGC) than most soft‑coat Low‑E products, but with lower visible light transmittance. It is also more durable and can be processed without coating damage. For maximum thermal insulation (U‑value), combine solar reflective glass in an IGU with Low‑E glass on the inner lite.
Q6: Can solar reflective glass be used in insulating glass units (IGU)?
Yes. It is commonly used as the exterior lite (#2 surface) in double or triple IGUs. When combined with Low‑E glass on the interior lite, the IGU achieves both low SHGC and low U‑value.
Q7: What is the maximum size?
Standard jumbo size up to 3330 × 6530 mm. Larger sizes up to 3640 × 7140 mm available on request.
Q8: Which color should I choose for my energy‑efficiency project?
Tell us your project requirements and we'll respond within 48 hours with a competitive FOB quotation and preliminary energy performance estimates.
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With over 20 years of experience and expertise in glass manufacturing and processing, we are seasoned glass specialists, ready to answer your questions and provide guidance on product selection, installation, and maintenance.
