Belgian manufacturer Fineo by AGC has announced the expansion of its vacuum insulating glazing range. The new Solar Control series has been added to the portfolio, featuring glazing with a solar control coating designed to reduce overheating during the summer months.
The product is primarily intended for façades with large glazed areas facing south and south-west. These orientations receive the highest levels of solar radiation throughout the day.
The Solar Control glazing in the Fineo 8 configuration allows 73% of daylight to pass through. At the same time, its solar factor (g-value) is 0.41. This means interiors remain bright while experiencing significantly less overheating.
The glazing unit consists of two thin glass panes separated by a vacuum cavity measuring only 0.1 mm in width. It also incorporates a low-emissivity (Low-E) coating that reduces heat radiation transfer. The overall thickness starts at 7.7 mm. According to the company, the glazing delivers thermal insulation performance comparable to a modern triple IGU, achieving a U-value of 0.7 W/m²K.
The solar control coating is compatible with several Fineo configurations, including standard, acoustic and safety (toughened) versions. The maximum size is 2,980 × 1,605 mm. AGC has carried out a series of durability tests and confirmed a service life of at least 60 years.
The vacuum glazing contains no inert gases between the panes, eliminating the risk of gas diffusion and performance degradation over time. Clément Lemoine, Product and Marketing Manager at Fineo by AGC, commented: “In conventional insulating glass units, gas diffusion can lead to a noticeable loss of performance over the years. Fineo fundamentally avoids this issue: without gas filling and thanks to its sealing technology, energy performance remains stable for decades and beyond.”
According to the company, standard Fineo glazing transmits approximately 20% more light than a conventional triple IGU. The Solar Control version transmits around 10% more. This helps projects meet daylighting requirements under DGNB, LEED and BREEAM building certification schemes.
With thicknesses ranging from 7 to 20 mm, the glazing is suitable for replacing existing units in current frames, particularly where single glazing or a double IGU was previously installed. The frame itself remains unchanged.
Stefan Lips, Sales Director, highlighted the commercial benefits: “Fineo creates new market opportunities for window manufacturers and renovation companies. It is a cost-effective glazing replacement solution suitable for limited rebate depths while still delivering high performance. Every unit is manufactured following a detailed assessment of dimensions, operating conditions, building type and location. Another unique advantage is the ability to produce glazing in virtually any shape. This solves a challenge that previously had no answer, especially in restoration projects: providing comfort and energy efficiency in historic buildings while preserving the original frame shape and thickness.”
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AGC became the world's first vacuum glazing manufacturer to obtain CE marking.