Image for Solar heat gain coefficient

Solar heat gain coefficient

The Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) measures how much solar energy passes through a window and enters a building as heat. It ranges from 0 to 1, where a lower SHGC means less solar heat gets inside, helping keep interiors cooler, and a higher SHGC allows more heat, which can be beneficial in colder climates. SHGC is an important factor in choosing windows for energy efficiency, comfort, and climate appropriateness. It considers both transmitted sunlight and absorbed heat that can transfer inside, affecting indoor temperatures and cooling or heating needs.