FAQs

SageGlass offers two electrochromic or dynamic glass solutions that tint and clear automatically in response to real-time sunlight conditions. SageGlass Classic offers a full-pane uniform tinting solution. SageGlass Harmony®, the most advanced dynamic glazing solution available, is the only smart window solution available that can tint on a gradient, delivering targeting glare control while maximizing daylight.  

While this varies from project to project, typically the Insulating Glass Units (IGU) are sold to the glazier, who integrates it into the selected framing system. The controls, hardware, and software are typically sold to an electrician, specializing in low-voltage, who does the installation. In some cases, the general contractor or even the owner of the project might purchase the controls directly and subcontract the installation labor to a licensed electrician.

SageGlass provides electrochromic Insulating Glass Units (IGU), physical controls, hardware, and customized software for each project we deliver. We are a technology provider, and we deliver related services to help support projects over their lifetimes. We are not the installer of the SageGlass system.

Dynamic Glass is an available option in a number of popular energy modeling programs, such as EnergyPlus, IES-VE, and many others. However, the details of how it is incorporated vary based on the software being used. We have guidance on this available here.

We've found the best way to understand and incorporate electrochromic glass into your model is to talk to one of our internal modeling experts for help. If you have questions, please contact us.

Smart windows, or electrochromic glass, is glazing and shading all in one. First, we could compare it to a basic solution like low-e glass plus roller shades. But this solution is manual, doesn't preserve outdoor views, and doesn't save energy—so the performance isn't exactly comparable. A closer comparison for dynamic glass would be low-e glass plus an automated mechanical shade, or exterior louvers, fins, or overhangs.

SageGlass has an intuitive "homerun" controls architecture that should be familiar to any electrician. The SageGlass Field Operations team creates controls plans and wiring diagrams, supporting the electrical contractor through the installation process as needed.

This varies based on climate zone, size of building, amount of glass, and other project-specific variables. Generally, smart class can reduce energy loads between 5-15% and reduce peak energy loads up to 26%.

You can find SageGlass's EPD and HPD here, along with info on embodied carbon. 

This varies by location, but there are no known code obstacles to incorporating SageGlass in North America and in Europe. It meets applicable standards referenced by most building codes. Most energy codes also treat dynamic glazing as a separate category of glazing material. If you have specific questions, please contact us.

The cost of an electrochromic solution depends on the complexity and scope of your project, including project size, product selection, whether the IGU is double- or triple- paned, and which coatings are included. In order to provide the most accurate estimate, please contact us and a local smart windows representative will get in touch with you quickly.

For general context: Smart windows are more expensive than just low-e glass plus roller shades, but that's not really an apples-to-apples comparison. If you compare smart windows with more advanced glazing-plus-solar-control solutions, it is cost competitive or even cost neutral. 

Furthermore, the Inflation Reduction Act added electrochromic glass to Section 48 of the Internal Revenue Code, commonly referred to as the Investment Tax Credit.  The credit can cover up to 30% of the costs associated with dynamic glass.

SageGlass does offer a bird-friendly option in the form of an acid etch on surface #1. Bird-friendly requirements vary by jurisdiction, but surface #1 solutions are widely recognized as better than surface #2 or #3 for bird protection. This is important, as surface #1 typically means using an acid or laser etch vs. a ceramic frit. For more details, please contact us. 

SageGlass has properties similar to traditional Low-E glass. The difference is that the electrochromic coating dynamically changes VLT and SHGC properties, whereas traditional low-e coatings are fixed.