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Performance metrics & physics

SHGC (Solar Heat Gain Coefficient)

The Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) is the fraction of incident solar radiation that passes through a glazing assembly into the interior; lower SHGC means less heat gain.

SHGC ranges 0.0 to 1.0. Plain single-pane glass has SHGC around 0.86; a ceramic film over the same glass drops SHGC to 0.30–0.45.

SHGC accounts for both directly transmitted solar energy and the portion that is absorbed and re-radiated inward. It is more comprehensive than just transmission.

For Singapore architectural projects, SHGC is the headline thermal specification. Building energy modelling uses SHGC to predict cooling load and aircon energy consumption.