SolarSmart® Technology

SolarSmart® Technology

Efficient daylighting with high light transmission and heat blocking ability

SolarSmart technology defies the standard transmission of solar energy in transparent sheets and allows for the specification of more versatile color and solar transmission per project. Unlike regular tints, SolarSmart sheets and panels admit more natural daylight while reflecting outwards infrared radiation that creates heat. This characteristic breaks the traditional link between shading coefficient and light transmission to allow for more flexible specifications for natural light in architectural design.

Promoting Energetic Efficiency and Well-Being

SolarSmart tints enable the more efficient use of natural lighting without compromising interior comfort. More natural light in an interior contributes to a healthier and more productive environment, and energy saving is also promoted as both illumination and air conditioning requirements are reduced.

Promoting Energetic Efficiency and Well-Being

Main Benefits

  • Promotes energy efficiency and well-being

  • Better use of natural lighting without compromising interior comfort

  • Can be used to customize specific solar transmission properties

  • Reduces greenhouse effect

  • Applicable to all Palram transparent polycarbonate products

Typical Applications

  • Conditioned occupied spaces

  • Architectural roofing and glazing

  • Sports venues

  • Covered walkways and canopies

  • Swimming pool covers

  • Pergolas and canopies

The Solar Spectrum

250nm - 400nm 400nm - 750nm 750nm - 1,450nm
Ultra-Violet
Harmful to living tissue and may cause skin cancer. All Palram polycarbonate products block 99.9% of UV radiation.		 Visible Light
Visible light enables eyesight, whereas natural daylight also promotes well-being. Palram offers the tailoring of specific light transmission and diffusion for any given project.		 Near-Infrared
Converts to heat when absorbed by objects, resulting in heat buildup. SolarSmart products block a portion of the infrared radiation and transmit “cool light”, thus improving well being while reducing AC costs.

SOLARSMART EFFICIENCY COMPARISON

The graph on the left depicts the efficiency of SolarSmart products in comparison with clear and standard colored sheets. The graph shows how SolarSmart tints enable a higher light transmission while maintaining or decreasing shading coefficient values.

SOLARSMART EFFICIENCY COMPARISON

Three Grades of SolarSmart Technology

Solar Control
Solar Control
SMART
SMART
BREEZE
BREEZE

FEEL THE BREEZE EFFECT

When sitting under a SolarSmart Breeze roof on a warm, sunny day, you will immediately feel the difference. While Breeze products are transparent like bluish glass, the heat is kept out. The graphs below show the difference in temperature under a Breeze roof and a regular clear polycarbonate roof.

 

See the SolarSmart Comparative Graphs below: 

 

Temperature Buildup Graph
Heat Buildup Comparison

SOLAR TRANSMISSION PROPERTIES

The tables below give typical solar transmission properties for three of Palram’s polycarbonate products. You will notice the properties of different colors and tints of polycarbonate, including SolarSmart colors. By comparing the light transmission (LT) and the solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC), you will clearly understand the benefit of SolarSmart – allowing more natural light to penetrate, while providing a shading effect. This translates to “cool light”.

Go To the Solar Properties Calculator

Downloads

SolarSmart Technology Brochure
SolarSmart Technology Brochure

Efficient daylighting with high light transmission and heat blocking ability
Polycarbonate Light & Heat Transmission
Polycarbonate Light & Heat Transmission

Turning Polycarbonate into Architecture. HOW POLYCARBONATE SHEETS TRANSMIT NATURAL LIGHT & HEAT.