Sustainability · Defined
Solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC)
The fraction of incident solar energy admitted through a window or glazed assembly as heat.
Why it matters
It is different from U-factor and visible-light transmission. Appropriate selection depends on orientation, shading, climate, and the building’s heating and cooling needs.
In practice
A project example
A west-facing glazed wall is evaluated for afternoon solar gain rather than selected only on insulation performance.
General educational guidance from KOW Building Consultants. Examples are illustrative, not project records. The applicable contract, standard, program, and jurisdiction control the requirements for a specific assignment.