The ideal energy saving glass for solar building

CLIMATOP MAX is a triple-glazed insulating glass which has been specially developed for solar building – for the construction of low-energy and passive houses with maximum use of existing energy from solar radiation. It has excellent insulating performance up to 0,5 W/m².K and allows the strength of the winter suns rays to keep more warmth in the room than what escapes. This positive energy balance is increased through large expanses of South-oriented glazing – achieving maximum comfort. The glass is warm on the inside, being close to the glass is actually comfortable.

In the dark autumn and winter months the limited availability of solar energy is well used. The transparency of CLIMATOP MAX allows all East to West oriented glazing to harvest the heat energy of the sun. The OIB (Austrian Institute for Building technology) allows the energy gains – dependent on the location and orientation of the glazing – to be used in the Energy certification. With a reduction in heating costs you are also contributing to climate protection by reducing Co₂-emissions. Passive house concepts are exactly suited to such modern types of glazing.

In favoured climate locations, CLIMATOP MAX can achieve a negative Ug-equivalent value of up to - 1,6 W/m².K. Glass is therefore the only building material which can show proven solar energy gain. Even highly insulated walls with U-Values of < 0,1 W/m².K are left in the shadows.

Passive houses

By the year 2020 the Passive house standard can save as much energy as the equivalent production by 23 power stations such as that of Freudenau on the Danube, or the fule required by 2.3 Million cars PKWs per year. This Passive house offensive will also create additional employment – estimated at 500,000 positions in Austria alone and a reduction of the Austrian Co₂-Balance by 6.2 Million Tonnes. (Source: IG Passivhaus)

The increased residential building government incentives in Upper Austria define Passive houses [>] with a usable heat-energy value of max. 10 kWh/m²a. This requires large window areas to the South with at least 30 - 50 % area. Just with this you can reduce heating costs by up to 40 %.

Renovation

The Upper Austria Energy saving association recommends that windows be renovated. Simple measures such as replacing seals, adjusting hinges etc. Mean that it is not necessary to change the windows immediately.

However, changing to energy saving glass with U-Values of 0.4 – 0.7 W/m².K will significantly improve the thermal insulation.