Solar Shading Benefits

• Properly designed external shading can reduce solar heat gain through glazing by up to 85%.

• Solar shading is an effective complementary strategy to air conditioning or mechanical ventilation, providing savings in running costs as well as general energy savings and reduced CO2 emissions.

• In naturally ventilated buildings it will provide lower internal temperatures by reducing the effects of solar heat gain.

• With the lower sun incidence angles in winter, it allows solar gains into the building, providing passive heating and reducing the energy consumption of the heating system.

• Can reduce solar heat gain and help to meet the energy conservation requirements of Building Regulations. External shading cuts out solar energy before it enters the building.

• Reduces building running costs and increases occupants’ comfort.

• Can reduce direct glare whilst allowing high levels of diffused (indirect) natural light, giving a further potential energy saving by reducing artificial lighting needs.

• Can play a major part in controlling light levels in sensitive buildings such as museums and art galleries, for conservation and climate control.

• Can be used as a striking feature of a building’s design, and provide greater design freedom in the use of glazing.

• External shading allows natural ventilation through opening windows, can provide privacy by shielding glazing and an uninterrupted view to the outside.

• Comfort conditions can be achieved using a combination of solar shading and night-time cooling in buildings that suffer from overheating, eliminating the need to retro-fit air conditioning.

- Solar Shading brochure >

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