New Technology in Window Film

New technology in window film makes for a bright future in the business of window film.  Presently, energy saving films and decorative films are hot and that market is continuing to grow as well as new advancements in these films.  Four films have been developed and their use is becoming more present in buildings.  By 2020, it is predicted that these films will be used on a large scale.  (www.technicalwindowfilms.co.uk/window-tinting-news/future-window-films/) The four films are:

• Photochromic film which darkens when exposed to light like transition eyeglasses.
• Smart glass or electrochromatic changes from a clear glass to a frosted glass or a colored glass with an electrical current.  The current is controlled by a switch, a computer, or even a cell phone.  This can add privacy to an office, conference room, etc.  Another example is film applied in a lobby that is controlled by a computer to change to a darker film when the light is bright and then lighter or clear when it gets dark.
• Photovoltaic film converts daylight into electricity.
• Daylighting or Daylight redirecting film allows more light in at the top of the glass and directs it into the room reducing the need for electric lighting.  Presently, a metal shelf can be used for this, but the film is much more attractive and easy to clean.

Solar Vision, Inc is keeping well informed about these new technologies to bring its customers the best available product.

AIA Conference at Keystone

Shelley and Heath, Solar Vision owners spent last weekend at a AIA Conference at Keystone.  They were able to talk to architects about Solar Vision's products and services.  It was a great weekend for Solar Vision, Inc. and 3M.  They were able to help the architects learn more about the many advantages of window film at the AIA Conference. Solar Vision is proud and excited to be a part of the massive development happening in Colorado right now.  There are many opportunities for growth in energy saving (green) window film and in decorative and artistic applications of film.

Solar Control for Apartment Living

Solar Control for apartment living can be achieved through the use of a variety of solar control window films.  I have seen a number of apartments that get a lot of sun have all kinds of things in their windows to make it more comfortable.  I've seen cardboard, newspaper, sheets, and even a mattress.  Rental  property owners may ignore this or pose fines, but ultimately it affects the value of the property.  Solar control window films can greatly reduce the amount of sun and glare coming into a room.  Because it eliminates 99% of the UV rays, furnishings are not damaged.  It has the added protection of reducing the risk of skin cancer. Apartments usually are fitted with single layered glass.  Applying window film will give the window the effect of being double layered glass.  This would result in energy savings.  If a rental property company is energy conscious, it could advertise as making these changes to help save energy.  Solar control window film is especially valuable in those areas that get direct sunlight especially in the loft apartments on the top floors.

Window film is an relatively inexpensive way to make apartment living more comfortable.  Window film is easy to clean.  It is cleaned as any other window after 30 days.

Exterior Prestige Window Film

Exterior Prestige Window Film is made using nanotechnology.  The film consists of over 200 thin layers and is the thickness of a piece of paper.  This technology allows the film to provide superior heat control and glare reduction while preserving exterior and interior window views.  The film contains no metals so it does not interfere with wireless signals.  It is used in areas that are difficult to film from the inside.  If there is furniture that is difficult to move or permanent fixtures that make it impossible or near impossible to put on a film from the inside, then Exterior Prestige Window Film is the solution. Exterior Prestige Window Film might also be used if there is a high likelihood of breakage of a particular type of glass. With the exterior film, the sun does not heat the glass. (solutions.3m.com) Exterior Prestige Window Film:

• has a strong scratch resistant coating
• not self-cleaning, but repels water
• has virtually no chance of glass breakage
• can be used on dual or triple pane glass
• has high heat rejection with high visible light transmission
• comes in Prestige 40, 70, and 90
• reduces air conditioning costs

Colorado 2nd Place in LEED Certification

The state of Colorado achieved 2nd place in LEED Certification.  Congratulations, Colorado!  A new report by the US Green Building Council reported recently the top ten states with the highest ratings.  The rating system calculates the square feet of the space that is LEED certified and divides it by the number of residents that live in the state.  The measurement is a way to indicate how states are moving toward green building. Illinois was rated number 1 gaining a score of 3.3.  Colorado received a rating of 3.2.  Illinois and Colorado are the only 2 states that have been in the top 10 over the past 5 years.  This type of measurement began by the US Green Building Council 5 years ago.  If it were a state, the District of Columbia far surpasses the ratings of any of the states. (www.tripudit.com/2015/02)

LEED is used throughout the world to evaluate green building systems.  The top rating is a Platinum rating. There is also a Gold rating.  A Silver rating has recently been included so that more buildings can be rated at a lower cost.  LEED certified buildings use less energy and water, reduce carbon emissions, save money, and create a healthier environment.  There are a lot of things that builders have to do to acquire points for this ratings. This information is available on the USGBC website.

A few of the buildings in Denver which have received a platinum rating are:  1800 Larimer, NREL Research Support Facilities, Signature Centre, and Williams Village at the University of Colorado.  A list is available on the web.

Window Film Reduces Light Pollution

Window film can aid in reducing light pollution.  In creating buildings that are environmentally and socially responsible, designers seek LEED credits.  LEED is a building certification program developed by the US Green Building Council. Credits are given for new building construction and major renovations. There are 9 possible points a building project can achieve through the use of window film.  One credit can be earned in the area of light pollution reduction. Light pollution is misused light or misdirected light.

 The light pollution creates:

• Sky Glow which is a hazy glow over urban areas caused by light escaping into the night sky.
• Glare shining into the eyes of pedestrians or drivers.
• Light Trespass which is light shining into a neighboring buildings.
• Light clutter such as in the area of Las Vegas casinos.

Light pollution effects all of us by:

• Consuming valuable natural resources.  Hundreds of millions of coal and oil are used.
• Polluting through the use of fossil fuels.
• Disrupting nocturnal wildlife.  One example is the baby sea turtles in Florida who move toward the artificial light on the beach instead of the natural light of the moon's glow that leads them out to sea.
• Affecting human health by disrupting circadian rhythms and melatonin production, depressing the immune system, and disrupting sleep patterns.
• Destroying the enjoyment of the view of the starry night sky. (www.starrynightlight.com)

Window film is not the cure for all those things, but it can play a part.

The goal of the credit for Light Pollution Reduction is:

Minimize light trespass from the building and site, reduce  sky-glow to increase night sky access, improve nighttime visibility through glare reduction, and reduce development impact on nocturnal environments.

One way window film can meet this requirement is to reduce the amount of light passing through a window from the inside to the outside by up to 85% while minimizing the reflection from the interior lights. Even at night an amazing view can be maintained.  (multimedia.3m.com/mws/media/6636910/sustainable-design-information-sheet.pdf)

To see if a project qualifies for this credit most of the internal light has to fall within the building.  Luminosity measurements are taken outdoors with all the lights off and are compared to the measurements with all the lights on. The credit is achieved if the outdoor illumination level does not increase more than 10 % with the lights on.  Window films with lower visible light transmission ratings will greatly reduce the light trespass from the buildings.

Our Solar Vision representative can help you find the right film that can meet your needs for reducing light trespassing.

Hallmark Stores Remodel Using Di-Noc

Hallmark stores remodel with Di-Noc.  Hallmark stores are a national account held by Solar Vision. Before remodeling the look was dark.  After it is light and updated.

Di-Noc is an architectural finish that has many uses.  It takes the place of natural  and hi-tech finishes.  It  is considered to be a "Designer's Dream."  There are now over 700 different finishes.  Di-Noc reproduces wood, metal, marble, leather, stone, stucco and more.  If another surface is desired, it can be specially ordered.

The properties of Di-Noc include:

• resistance to water, dirt, impacts, wear, abrasion and mold
• no mess application-no dust, fumes, etc. resulting in no down time for workers
• applied to flat and curved surfaces
• easily cleaned
• can be computer cut
• flame retardant
• some have antibacterial properties
• architectural freedom and design

Di-Noc helps create green buildings by using materials that already exist and reuse them. ( http://multimedia.3m.com) Walls, desks, etc. can be reused creating less land fill and saving company resources.  It  is less expensive than replacing the covered areas. If Di-Noc is applied during off hours, the workers or customers leave and return to a place where the space with the Di-Noc has been transformed.  There is no dust to clean up and there are no fumes.  Di-Noc can be used in the interior or the exterior of a building.  This architectural finish is primarily used for commercial applications.  It also can be used by residential customers. Some Di-Noc is specified for use outdoor.  Some is specified for use in wet areas such as bathrooms.

Solar Vision does installations for clients with multiple buildings spread across the United States. The Hallmark stores are one of those clients. Doing business with us makes it easy to get the film you need installed and to have it be consistent throughout the US. Procuring through one company means: ⦁ Consistent quality and workmanship ⦁ Best pricing available ⦁ The same look can be achieved for each of your sites. ⦁ Communicate with one person ⦁ Time saving Solar Vision has a proven track record completing projects for Hallmark and Sports Authority stores throughout the states.

Di-Noc Art Project

Solar Vision donated Di-Noc samples to an art project for children with disabilities.  The  art project was displayed in an art show in downtown Denver.  At the end of the show, the art piece was given to Solar Vision and is displayed in the Solar Vision office. Di-Noc Use

Di-Noc is an architectural finish that has many uses.  It takes the place of natural  and hi-tech finishes.  It  is considered to be a "Designer's Dream."  There are 500 different finishes.  Di-Noc reproduces wood, metal, marble, leather, stone and stucco.  If another surface is desired, it can be specially ordered.

The properties of Di-Noc include:

• resistance to water, dirt, impacts, wear, abrasion and mold
• no mess application-no dust, fumes, etc. resulting in no down time for workers
• applied to flat and curved surfaces
• easily cleaned
• can be computer cut
• flame retardant
• some have antibacterial properties
• architectural freedom and design

Di-Noc helps create green buildings by using materials that already exist and reuse them.  Walls, desks, etc. can be reused creating less land fill and saving company resources.  It  is less expensive than replacing the covered areas. If Di-Noc is applied during off hours.  The workers or customers leave and return to a place where the space with the Di-Noc has been transformed.  There is no dust to clean up and there are no fumes.  Di-Noc can be used in the interior or the exterior of a building.  This architectural finish is primarily used for commercial applications, but also can be used by residential customers.

Continuous Improvement

At Solar Vision's Annual Meeting, past successes were celebrated and plans  for future growth were made.  Solar Vision exceeded their goals this past year in window film sales.  The 3M Dealer of the Year was received for the Rocky Mountain and Northwest Regions.  Goals for the 2014 were discussed and shared with the Solar Vision team.

Goals for 2014 Include:

• 20% increase in sales
• Increase residential window film sales to 25% of total sales
• Continue to educate the public on the benefits of window film in their energy management plans
• Build efficient systems
• Develop and improve marketing strategies

Continuous Improvement Seminar

In the afternoon, Brent Kube led a seminar on Continuous Improvement.  Brent is a small business consultant and a mechanical engineer for a large machinery manufacturer.  His expertise is in lean manufacturing which means that operations should be cost effective and efficient to make things run smoother and to ultimately be more profitable. This also means that Solar Vision is constantly aware of energy efficiency.

Continuous Improvement is based on making many small changes.  The ideas for improvement come from the workers.  All employees continually seek ways to improve their own performance.  Employees make suggestions on how things can run smoother and more efficiently.  When employees know that their ideas are valued, they take ownership in the company which makes workers highly motivated and satisfied with their job.  The end result is that everyone makes more money.

Brainstorming Session

As a part of the seminar, brainstorming  activities were carried out by Heath and Shelley.  Everyone seemed to have a clear vision of the future and strategies and systems are being put in place to meet our goals.  The Continuous Improvement business strategy is a good fit for Solar Vision because of our clear goals, respect in the workplace, environment management, and progressive view of business operation in the 21st Century.

3M Daylight Redirecting Film

At the 3M Conference in Puerto Rico, 3M introduced its new product 3M Daylight Redirecting Film, which is intended to help create green buildings.  The 3M Daylight Redirecting Film uses micro-replication to redirect the light that would have originally hit the floor a few feet from the window.  The light is directed to go up to the ceiling and then be reflected off the ceiling to light the room as far as 40 feet from the window.  About 80% of the light is brought into the room.  This reduces the need for artificial light during the day.  The natural light coming into the room increases productivity, people buy more, and reduces the need for electric lighting.  This energy efficient new window film technology can be used in retrofitting as well as new construction.   It is generally a commercial window film. The Daylight Redirecting Film is installed on the south, east, and west facing windows and is installed above a sill height of 6 feet to keep the sunlight out of the eyes of the people in the building.  The appearance of the glass with the redirecting film has the appearance of frosted glass.  The window film still keeps out harmful UV rays and stops glare and fading.  Some of the same benefits could be gained by putting a shelf on the window frame that reflects the light.  This shelf is not very attractive and is difficult to clean.  The window film is attractive and can be cleaned like any other window.

3M Daylight Redirecting Film will increase the sustainability and tenant satisfaction of a building.  It can be an effective energy management tool.  For specific information on how to use this new technology, contact  a Solar Vision Inc. representative.