Vitro Architectural Glass, North America’s largest glass manufacturer and a recognized leader in sustainability, is celebrating the 25th anniversary of Solarban® 60 glass. First introduced in 2000, Solarban® 60 pioneered the industry as the world’s first double-silver, vacuum-temperable low-e glass that could be fabricated after manufacturing—setting a new standard for performance and design flexibility.
Engineered for energy savings and comfort, Solarban® 60 delivers a visible light transmittance (VLT) of 70% and a solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) of 0.39 in a standard 1” insulating glass unit (IGU). This balance of natural daylight with solar control helps reduce heating and cooling costs while ensuring year-round comfort for building occupants.
Marion Fire Station, Marion, IA, 2024 AIA Architecture Award, Solarban® 60 Starphire® Glass
Photo Courtesy of Cameron Campbell
To expand design possibilities, Solarban® 60 can be paired with a wide range of Vitro glass products, including low-iron, tinted, or reflective-tinted outboard lites. These combinations enhance both aesthetic appeal and thermal performance, offering architects greater versatility to achieve their design vision.
When paired with Starphire Ultra-Clear® glass—one of the world’s most transparent low-iron glasses—Solarban® 60 Starphire® achieves an impressive VLT of 74% and SHGC of 0.41. This pairing maximizes daylighting and clarity while maintaining excellent solar control and occupant comfort.
Architects seeking a more subtle aesthetic can combine Solarban® 60 with the neutral, steel blue-gray tone of Optiblue® glass. This pairing provides exceptional solar performance with a calming, contemporary appearance that reduces glare and enhances natural light.
Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University, Baton Rouge, LA, Solarban® 60 Optiblue® Glass
Photo from John Crifasi Courtesy of Coleman Partners
Over the past 25 years, Solarban® 60 glass has been featured on countless COTE® Top Ten Award winners and LEED®-certified buildings. It continues to be a preferred choice for architects prioritizing energy efficiency, daylighting, and sustainable design without compromising visual quality.
Vitro Architectural Glass is the largest glass producer in the Western Hemisphere, manufacturing a range of industry-leading, energy-efficient, high-performance products such as Solarban®, Sungate® and Starphire Ultra-Clear® glasses.
For more information about Solarban® 60 glass and other Vitro Architectural Glass products, visit www.vitroglazings.com or call 1-855-VTRO-GLS (887-6457).
