FAQs

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 10-20% 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.

SageGlass Harmony adheres to the same high standards of product reliability and durability as the entire SageGlass product line. It is important to note that we achieved Harmony's gradient functionality without changing our electrochromic coating, which is the "secret sauce" of how the glass tints. This means our history of longevity and performance with SageGlass Classic is applicable to Harmony, because the core technology, the EC coating, remains unchanged.

It does, but a very small amount. It takes less electricity to operate 3,000 square feet, 280 m² of SageGlass than it does to power a typical home internet modem. The amount of energy smart windows save is enormous compared to the amount of energy they use.

SageGlass Classic tints the entire pane as a whole. SageGlass Harmony can employ gradient tints (as well as full-pane tints). Harmony is the most flexible dynamic glass product on the market, offering the best balance of glare control, daylight maximization, and interior color rendition. Harmony isn't right for every application. It is limited to rectangles oriented vertically; it cannot be used in facades with shaped IGUs; it would not be used with multiple IGUs stacked horizontally (like what you might see in atriums or airports); and it's not recommended in skylights. There are times when SageGlass Classic is the best fit for a project.

SageGlass is frequently used on projects along with spandrel or even other vision glass from different manufacturers. In fact, it's rare that a building employs 100% SageGlass for both vision and spandrel. We work collaboratively with architects and owners to identify the best SageGlass solution and complementary static glazing, to meet both performance targets and design vision.

SageGlass is available in sizes up to 6 feet by 10 feet (1.8 meters by 3 meters). Learn more

Electrochromic glass is not privacy glass. During the daytime, when the glass is tinted, it is almost impossible to see in, even if you're right near the glass. However electrochromic glass does not provide significant night time privacy. If the building is illuminated inside at night those outside will be able to see in, even at the darkest tint level.