Solar Gard®  Energy Toolbox

Quantify the benefits of window film before you buy

Solar Gard window films provide one of the top energy saving solutions available for your building. It can be installed quickly and professionally, allowing you to begin realizing your energy saving goals without delay.

Using the Solar Gard Energy Toolbox, your dealer can estimate your long term energy savings and a projected payback period based on your film choice. And, rebates and tax credits can be applied to offset initial costs, accelerating your return on investment. Long term savings and comfort benefits go on for years.

When considering your film options, examine multiple factors and performance specifications. Custom reports generated by the Solar Gard Energy Toolbox help you quantify energy savings and comfort enhancements, providing you with data and recommendations for film installation.

Building information modeling

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a sophisticated energy analysis process that simulates projected energy savings due to window film installation. BIM provides an anticipated return on investment (ROI) payback schedule for window film projects before film is applied, assuring you that energy savings will be achieved.

To help our dealers provide BIM services Solar Gard Technical Services has developed an Energy Toolbox to analyze your needs and generate reports that illustrate how different films will perform, so that you can make an informed decision. After looking at scenarios and data from your project, an energy-saving window film strategy is recommended. Technical Services can also suggest tools for validating the results once the film has been installed.

Toolbox software
Solar Gard Technical Services has developed a suite of software for BIM simulations to perform energy analysis on a variety of structures, from small offices to large complex commercial buildings. For highest accuracy, the software is selected for each project individually, based upon the type of building, its size and shape, the type of windows and the facades.

Toolbox services
The Solar Gard Technical Services team has comprehensive experience and knowledge in the field of energy. The team’s qualifications include ABSA certification, WERS accreditation, testing experience and energy simulation experience. Technical Services can provide a full range of services, including:

• BIM simulations
• Recommendations for the most cost effective or efficient approach to energy projects
• Up to date information on energy legislation, such as the Australian Green Building Council’s points from installing window film

Toolbox industry standards
The Solar Gard Technical Services team uses reliable, industry approved standards for all calculations. DOE-2 and ASHRAE 90.1 calculation procedures drive all Solar Gard building information modeling.

The toolbox process
If you need a BIM analysis to justify your window film purchase, request an analysis from your local Solar Gard dealer. You will be asked to provide the following information to complete the request:

• Location of the building and building orientation (N, S, E, W)
• Number of stories and number of occupants
• Floor area and shape
• Type and construction of walls, floor and roof
• Glass area for each facade and shading of windows from awnings, trees, etc.
• Type of heating and cooling system, including power and efficiency
• Location of vents and thermostats as well as the thermostat settings

Technical Services Consultants will choose the appropriate resources and tools to complete the simulation. In certain instances, multiple scenarios can be run to evaluate different options.

As ROI analysis becomes the norm rather than the exception for commercial building projects, consider the Solar Gard Energy Toolbox to help shorten approval cycles or to meet tax credit or rebate requirements for energy-saving window film.