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Solar Control Glass Comparison: Complete Guide 2026
The solar control glass allow you to enjoy natural light while reducing excessive heat. They are ideal for south-facing facades, large windows and glass enclosures, especially in Mediterranean climate areas such as the Costa Blanca.
Why choose solar control glass?
At Cristalería Altea we work with the best solar control glass from Saint-Gobain, the world's leading brand in glazing solutions. These are the main advantages:
- They block up to 71% of solar energy
- They maintain luminosity natural (60-72% light transmission)
- Thermal insulation thanks to low emissivity
- They reduce consumption of air conditioning in summer
Comparison of Solar Control Glass
PLANITHERM® 4S – The «Four Seasons»
The most versatile glass for homes and commercial premises:
- Solar factor (g): 0.42 – Blocks 58% of solar energy
- Light transmission: 60-70%
- Ug coefficient: 1,0 W/m²K
- Ideal for: Residential, tertiary
PLANITHERM® 4S combines solar control in summer with low emissivity to keep heat in winter. It is the perfect solution for those looking for comfort all year round.
PLANISTAR® ONE – High Performance
For those looking for greater energy efficiency:
- Solar factor (g): 0.38 – Greater solar control
- Light transmission: 50-70%
- Ug coefficient: 1,0 W/m²K
- Ideal for: High energy efficiency
COOL-LITE® XTREME – Extreme Solar Control
Maximum protection against heat:
- Solar factor (g): 0.29 – Blocks 71% of solar energy
- Light transmission: 61%
- Ug coefficient: 1,0-1,1 W/m²K
- Ideal for: Buildings, large facades, enclosures
Technical Comparison Table
| Glass | Solar Factor (g) | Light Transmission | Ug | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PLANITHERM® 4S | 0.42 | 60-70% | 1.0 W/m²K | Residential |
| PLANISTAR® ONE | 0.38 | 50-70% | 1.0 W/m²K | High efficiency |
| COOL-LITE® XTREME | 0.29 | 61% | 1.0-1.1 W/m²K | Large facades |
| COOL-LITE® SKN | 0.25-0.40 | 40-65% | 1.0-1.1 W/m²K | Large surfaces |
| Standard glass | 0.75-0.85 | 85% | 2.8 W/m²K | No solar control |
What do these values mean?
Solar Factor (g)
It is the percentage of solar energy that passes through the glass. Lower value = greater solar protection. A g-factor of 0.29 means that only 29% of the solar heat enters, blocking 71%.
Low Emissivity
Low-emissivity glass (e = 0.01) reflects interior heat in winter, keeping the house warm. PLANITHERM® 4S combines solar control + low emissivity for maximum comfort all year round.
Combinable Additional Functions
Solar control glass can be combined with other functions according to your needs:
- STADIP® SILENCE: Reinforced acoustic insulation for areas with traffic noise
- STADIP® PROTECT: Anti-theft security and user protection
- SGG BIOCLEAN: Self-cleaning glass for easy maintenance
What is the best glass for your project?
The choice depends on several factors:
- Facade orientation: South and west orientations require greater solar control
- Glazed surface: The larger the surface, the more important solar control is
- Use of space: Offices and shops generate more internal heat
- Budget: PLANITHERM® 4S offers the best value for money
At Altea Glassware We advise you free of charge to choose the ideal glass for your project. We work in Altea, Calpe, Benidorm, Alfaz del Pi, La Nucía and all of the Marina Baixa.
Performance in Mediterranean Climate (Costa Blanca)
| Glass | Cooling savings | Estimated annual savings | CO₂ avoided/year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guardian Sun (g=0,38) | 35-45% | 250-400 € | 0.8-1.3 t |
| SGG Cool-Lite (g=0,27) | 45-55% | 350-500 € | 1.0-1.7 t |
| Pilkington Suncool (g=0,30) | 40-50% | 300-450 € | 0.9-1.5 t |
Estimates for a 100 m² dwelling with 10 m² of glazed surface facing south/west. Data based on HULC simulations for climate zone B4.
Advice for Specific Orientations
- South: Control solar con alta selectividad (Guardian Sun). Recibe sol todo el año pero especialmente en verano al mediodía.
- West: The most critical. Choose the lowest possible solar factor (g<0.30). The afternoon sun in summer is the most difficult to manage.
- East: Moderate solar control (g=0.35-0.42). Morning sun, less aggressive.
- North: Does not need solar control. Prioritize low emissivity for thermal insulation.
Very complete article. Our house faces south and in summer it is an oven. We are between solar control glass and putting exterior awnings. What do you recommend? Does the glass really lower the interior temperature a lot?
Hello Roberto Sánchez, thank you very much for your recommendation! We are very happy that you are satisfied with the result. Anything you need in the future, we are here. Best regards, the Cristalería Altea team.
We switched to solar control glass in our south-facing windows. Huge difference! The interior temperature dropped significantly. We no longer close the blinds all day. Best investment.
We have had solar control for 3 years. It works very well, in summer the house stays cool without overusing the air conditioning. The electricity bill has dropped considerably. I recommend it.