Solar Heat Gain Testing
 |
-
Located in Fresno, California, facility.
-
Spans 7 ft x 7 ft, large enough to hold materials from 1 sq ft. to 50 sq. ft, including assembled doors
and windows.
-
Stabilizes in less than 18 minutes.
-
Only device of its kind.
-
Only SHG-measurement technology accredited by the NFRC/DOE.
-
Makes it possible to benchmark comparisons to simplify decision making about energy-efficient materials.
|
Value
When designing energy-efficient buildings, it’s necessary to know the
solar heat gain of materials used on the structure’s exterior.
The Solar Heat Gain Coefficient
(SHGC) is the measurement of a material’s ability to block radiant
heat from the sun. Knowing the SHGC makes it possible to design and
select materials that reduce the building’s total heat load.
Solar heat gain is a factor for exterior materials such as:
- Glass and plastic blocks
- Patterned glazing
- Skylights
- Sunshades
- Roof structures
|
- Tubular daylighting devices
- Solar screens
- Electrochromic and photochromic glazings
- Translucent or solar-absorbent product
|
The Department of Energy’s
Energy Star™ requires that products sold in central and southern states
carry an SHGC rating certified by the National Fenestration Ratings Council (NFRC).
Back to Top
Innovations
While the benefits of determining SHGC are well known, the technology to test for
it was, until recently, questionable. But in 2004, Architectural Testing created a
solar calorimeter.
To effectively measure SHGC, the testing device must hold material in a chamber that
tracks the sun in the horizontal azimuth and vertical altitude, in conjunction with
test equipment that accounts for any conduction or convection heat loss or gain. The
Architectural Testing team created and
successfully applied such a device, which was thought impossible to build.
Back to Top
Insights and Possibilities
As an NFRC-licensed Independent Certification and Inspection Agency, Architectural Testing can:
- Certify performance.
- Review all simulation and test information.
- Conduct in-plant inspections.
- Provide oversight for the manufacturer’s in-house quality control program.
Benefits
- Rated products perform as tested product samples.
- Proper product ratings and labels affixed to the correct product.
- Quality assurance program’s accurate support claimed energy performance ratings.
Back to Top
Learn more about how the Architectural
Testing Difference can help you or Contact Us today.