Solar transmittance is an important factor in the admission of energy through fenestration, collector glazing, and protective envelopes. This test method provides a means of measuring this factor under fixed conditions. While the data may be of assistance to designers in the selection and specification of glazing materials, the solar transmittance is not sufficient to define the rate of net heat transfer without information on other important factors.

This test method has been found practical for both transparent and translucent materials, as well as for those with transmittance reduced by highly reflective coatings. This test method is particularly applicable to the measurement of transmittance of inhomogeneous, fiber reinforced, patterned, or corrugated materials since the transmittance is averaged over a large area.

This test method may be used to measure transmittance of glazing materials at angles up to 60° off normal incidence.

Note 1—A technique similar to the one described but using a pyrheliometer has been used for the measurement of specular solar reflectance; however, there is insufficient experience with this technique for standardization at present.

1.1 This test method covers the measurement of solar transmittance (terrestrial) of materials in sheet form by using a pyranometer, an enclosure, and the sun as the energy source.

1.2 This test method also allows measurement of solar transmittance at angles other than normal incidence.

1.3 This test method is applicable to sheet materials that are transparent, translucent, textured, or patterned.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.