SOLAR WINDOW FILM TECHNICAL DEFINITIONS
VISIBLE LIGHT TRANSMITTANCE ( VLT)
It is the percentage of total visible light that passes through a window film or glass system. A lower VLT number indicates less visible light transmission. The bigger the number, the more light will pass through the film.
Which Window Films Are Lighter/Darker?
- Pure Vue 35
- True Vue 40, 30, 15, 5
- Silver 20, 35
- Stainless Steel 50, 35
- Pure Vue 50
- Pure Vue 60
- Pure Vue 70
- Panorama Hilite 55, 70, 80
- Sentinel Plus SX 80 (exterior film)
- Silver 50
- Stainless Steel 50
- Huper Optik KLAR 85
- Clear Safety 4-14 mil clear
- Graffiti Gard 4-6 mil clear
- PCR2
SOLAR WINDOW FILM TECHNICAL DEFINITIONS
VISIBLE LIGHT REFLECTANCE
This spec represents the percentage of total visible light that is reflected by the window film/glass system. A lower value indicates less visible light reflected.
GLARE REDUCTION
It is signifying the percentage reduction of visible light transmitted with the addition of window film compared to the same window without film.
SOLAR ENERGY TRANSMITTANCE
It is the percentage of incident solar energy that passes through the window film/glass system. A lower value indicates less solar energy transmitted.
SOLAR ENERGY ABSORPTANCE
It is the percentage of incident solar energy absorbed by the window film/glass system. A lower value indicates less solar energy absorbed.
SOLAR ENERGY REFLECTANCE
It represents the percentage of incident solar energy that is reflected by the window film/glass system. A higher value indicates more solar energy reflected.
TOTAL SOLAR ENERGY REJECTED (TSER)
Refers to the percentage of total solar energy that is either reflected or absorbed and then re-radiated outward. A higher value indicates a greater amount of total solar energy being rejected. This is calculated as 1 minus the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC). Window films with higher numbers have better energy-saving performances, which is one of the key reasons for solar window film installation.
Which Window Film Should You Choose for Maximum Energy Saving?
- Sentinel Plus DX 5 – TSER 91 (exterior film)
- Sentinel Plus DX 15 – TSER 82 (exterior film)
- SG Silver 20 – TSER 67
- True Vue 5 – TSER 66
- SG Solar Bronze 20 – TSER 65
- True Vue 15 – TSER 60
- Sentinel Plus SX80 – TSER 55 (very light exterior film)
SOLAR WINDOW FILM TECHNICAL DEFINITIONS
INFRARED REJECTION
It is calculated as 1 average unweighted transmittance from 780nm to 2500nm using ASTM E 903. A higher value indicates more infrared energy is either reflected or absorbed.
SHADING COEFFICIENT (SC)
It represents the ratio of solar heat gain through a glazing system relative to that of a ⅛” clear, unshaded, double-strength window glass. The lower the SC, the better the solar shading qualities of the window film/glass system.
SOLAR HEAT GAIN COEFFICIENT (SHGC)
It is the ratio of solar energy directly transmitted or absorbed and re-radiated inside. The lower the SHGC, the better the film is at reducing summer solar heat gain.
LIGHT TO SOLAR HEAT GAIN FACTOR (LSG)
It is the ratio of Visible Light Transmittance to the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (VLT/SHGC). A higher LSG indicates a more efficient transmission of visible light without excessive heat. Values over 1.00 suggest greater spectral selectivity.
SUMMER SOLAR HEAT GAIN REDUCTION
It represents the percent reduction in solar heat gain achieved by adding window film compared to the same window without film.
ULTRA VIOLET BLOCKED
Represents the percentage of invisible light blocked within the wavelength range of 300nm to 700nm, with a specific focus on 380nm. A higher percentage indicates a greater blockage of ultraviolet light. Ultraviolet light is a major contributor to skin cancer, as well as the fading and discoloration of furnishings, floors, and other materials. Therefore, a higher ULTRAVIOLET BLOCKED value signifies enhanced protection against these harmful effects.
EMISSIVITY
Emissivity measures a surface’s ability to reflect or emit far-infrared energy. The lower the emissivity, the better the insulating qualities of the window film/glass system.
WINTER U-FACTOR
The Winter U-Factor is a measure of the rate of non-solar heat loss through the window glass from the inside to the outside during the winter. A lower U-factor indicates less heat loss from the interior space during winter, making it more efficient.
What Is The Best Insulation Window Film On the Market?What Is The Best Insulation Window Film On the Market?
Panorama ECOLUX 70
SUMMER U-FACTOR
The Summer U-Factor is a measure of the rate of non-solar heat gain through the window from the outside air to the inside during the summer. A lower U-factor means less heat gain during the summer, making it more effective.
WINTER HEAT LOSS REDUCTION
This percentage represents the reduction in heat transfer to the outside by adding window film compared to the same window without film. A lower number indicates better heat loss reduction.
ULTRA VIOLET BLOCKED
Represents the percentage of invisible light blocked within the wavelength range of 300nm to 700nm, with a specific focus on 380nm. A higher percentage indicates a greater blockage of ultraviolet light. Ultraviolet light is a major contributor to skin cancer, as well as the fading and discoloration of furnishings, floors, and other materials. Therefore, a higher ULTRAVIOLET BLOCKED value signifies enhanced protection against these harmful effects.
Best films for Fading reduction:
- Sentinel Plus DX 5 (exterior film)
- Sentinel Plus DX 15 (exterior film)
- Ture Vue 5
- Panorama Slate 10
