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Liquid Applied Solar-control Films

Last Updated: 09/30/19
Liquid Applied Solar-control Films

Product designed to block direct solar heat to reduce cooling demand and to insulate to reduce energy use.

Product Details
Procurement Info

Where to Buy

  • No federal source identified
Life Cycle Cost Savings

Life Cycle Costing (LCC) aims to quantify the financial impact of a product over its entire life cycle to assist consumers in making decisions that will save them money over the long term.

According to the analysis by GSA's Proving Ground, liquid applied solar-control films are cost effective for single-pane clear glass. They are not recommended for double-pane bronze glass in most climates.

Guiding Principles
Contributes to meeting The Guiding Principles for Sustainable Federal Buildings
Additional Guidance

28% of cooling energy demand is due to heat gain in windows. Applied solar-control films can reduce cooling demand by reflecting or absorbing solar energy before it reaches interior spaces. The reduce heat gain by absorbing or rflecting solar energy. Spectrally-selective films affect only the infrared spectrum, with little impact on the visible appearance of glass.

The Green Proving Ground recommends targeting buildings in climates with hot summers and mild winters, exposure to direct sun without exterior shading, and south, east or west orientations. Reflective film is currently more cost-effective and more broadly recommended. Consider absorbing films for historic buildings where reflected solar radiation might damage exterior wood trim.

Potential LEED Contributions

This product may contribute* toward points in multiple LEED v4 rating systems, including areas required for LEED v4 building certification. Primarily, the credits will apply in the Building Design and Construction (BD+C) and Building Operations and Maintenance (O+M) categories. This includes the specialty areas of: New Construction and Major Renovation, Existing Buildings, Core & Shell, Schools, Retail, Data Centers, Warehouse and Distribution Centers, Hospitality, and Healthcare. Specific credits are:

  • Energy & Atmosphere - Optimize Energy Performance
  • Indoor Environmental Quality - Low-Emitting Materials

* It is important to note that no products, individually or collectively, can guarantee a specific number of points for LEED Category credit. Each credit will need to be matched to the product by a certified professional.