The purpose of solar shading devices is to reduce heat and glare into buildings through external means.
Fin Angle and Depth
Horizontal fins can be used to good effect because the sun is at its highest in summer and lowest in winter. The depth and angle of the fins can be designed so that in full summer the whole of the sun’s radiation is shaded whilst in winter the lower sun can pass through to provide warmth to the interior of the building. The geometry of the fins will depend upon the latitude of the building and the orientation of the facade.
Reducing Solar Gain
Every degree of heat that can be kept from passing through the glass before it enters the building will save in terms of cooling. It will save in terms of energy and it will save in terms of building users’ comfort. Overheating is one of the issues highlighted in the guidance on overheating in buildings. The solar gain entering through the external facade of a building is one of the primary sources of risk of overheating in the typical modern building that is highly glazed. The most effective way to reduce solar gain is to reduce it at the source of entry i.e. before it enters the building through the glass.
Diffusing Rather Than Blocking Light
Well designed solar shading systems will scatter light within a room to create bright comfortable spaces and reduce glare from screens and reading to prevent eye strain.
Orientation and Facade Direction
For south facing facades the fins are often deeper and closer together than for other orientations. East and west facing facades can be more difficult as the sun is generally lower in the sky and at a steeper angle. Vertical or angled louvers are generally more suited to these elevations than horizontal fins. Each orientation should be considered individually.
Material and Finish
Most brise soleil systems are made of aluminium, a very light material, resistant to corrosion and available in a vast array of colours by powder coating. The lighter the finish the more it will reflect the radiated heat than a darker finish, making a small but additional difference to the performance of the system. If you are looking for Brise Soleil, see //alusystems.uk/brise-soleil-solar-shading/.
A well designed solar shading system can make for a very comfortable building to be in all year around.