Automobiles of the future will have more glass area and will require better fuel economy. On a current sports car 70% of the load on the air conditioner is due to solar heating through the glass areas when the car is in direct sunlight. This will increase with cars currently on the drawing board. More power will be needed for the air conditioner unless the load is reduced by solar control glass.
A solar control coating has been produced that is only 36% transmissive to solar radiation, yet transmits 71% of the visible spectrum weighted to Illuminant “A”. Computer models predict that this glass can reduce the heat loads on automobile air conditioners up to 22%. Actual tests indicate a 17°F difference in interior temperature after a 1 hour soak as compared to standard glass.
The glass produced is highly reflective to UV and IR radiation from the sun and is tuned to transmit light in the heavily weighted red end of the visible spectrum. This allows the highest solar reflection while maintaining 71% visible transmission. The same film can be tuned to lower transmissions for back and rear sidelights for vans.