ASTM E972 Solar Photometric Transmittance Testing for Sheet Materials
ASTM E972 is a standard test method used to measure the solar photometric transmittance of sheets. The test involves using a photometer in an enclosure with sunlight as the source of radiation to measure the solar photometric transmittance.
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- Overview
- Scope, Applications, and Benefits
- Test Process
- Specifications
- Instrumentation
- Results and Deliverables
Overview
ASTM E 972 Solar Photometric Transmittance Testing is a standardized procedure for determining the solar transmittance of sheets using natural sunlight. ASTM E 972 Solar Photometric Transmittance Testing involves measuring the fraction of incident solar radiation transmitted through glazing materials, films, and transparent sheets under specific solar measurement conditions. ASTM E 972, Solar Photometric Transmittance Testing, describes the measurement procedures, reference instruments, and methods for calculating solar transmittance necessary to accurately characterize the solar optical properties of sheets. ASTM E 972 Solar Photometric Transmittance Testing helps glazing engineers, building designers, and material manufacturers obtain reliable solar transmittance values for various glazing materials and sheets.
Scope, Applications, and Benefits
Scope
ASTM E 972 determines solar photometric transmittance of sheet material by simultaneously measuring incident solar irradiance and transmitted solar irradiance through defined sheet material specimens under outdoor natural sunlight conditions by calculating solar transmittance as a ratio of transmitted and incident solar radiation within a defined solar spectrum measurement range.
ASTM E 972 solar photometric transmittance testing evaluates:
- Solar transmittance of architectural glazing, window film, and transparent sheet materials
- Photometric transmittance of single and multilayer glazing and film systems under natural sunlight
- Comparative solar optical performance of glazing materials across defined transmittance ranges
- Effect of coating, tinting, and surface treatment on solar photometric transmittance performance
- Compliance with solar transmittance requirements for glazing and sheet material specifications
Applications
- Architectural glazing and window glass systems requiring solar transmittance characterization
- Window film, solar control coating, and low-emissivity glazing solar performance assessment
- Skylight, curtain wall, and building envelope transparent material solar transmittance programs
- Automotive and transportation glazing solar photometric transmittance verification
- Glazing manufacturers and film suppliers requiring ASTM E 972 solar transmittance test data
Benefits
- Provides reliable solar photometric transmittance data for glazing material selection and design
- Supports building energy code compliance and glazing specification assessment programs
- Identifies solar transmittance deficiencies in glazing and film systems before installation
- Delivers traceable solar transmittance test records for engineering and regulatory submissions
- Reduces building energy performance risk by verifying glazing solar transmittance early in approval
Test Process
Instrument Setup
Reference and transmission pyranometers mounted and aligned under clear sky outdoor conditions.
1Incident Irradiance Measurement
Incident solar irradiance measured using reference pyranometer without sheet material specimen.
2Transmitted Irradiance Measurement
Solar irradiance transmitted through sheet material specimen measured under simultaneous conditions.
3Data Analysis & Reporting
Solar transmittance calculated from irradiance ratio and assessed against criteria for test compliance result.
4Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Applicable Materials | Architectural glazing, window film, solar control coatings, and transparent sheet materials |
| Measurement Conditions | Clear sky outdoor natural sunlight with solar altitude above 45° per ASTM E 972 |
| Irradiance Measurement | Calibrated pyranometers per ASTM E 816 traceable calibration requirements |
| Solar Transmittance Calculation | Ratio of transmitted to incident solar irradiance expressed as fraction or percentage |
| Measured Outputs | Incident irradiance, transmitted irradiance, solar transmittance value, and test compliance result |
Instrumentation Used for Testing
- Calibrated reference and transmission pyranometers per ASTM E 816 calibration requirements
- Solar tracker or fixed mounting system for defined pyranometer orientation
- Sheet material specimen mounting frame for defined measurement geometry
- Simultaneous data acquisition system for incident and transmitted irradiance recording
- Atmospheric condition monitoring instrumentation for solar altitude and sky condition assessment
- Data reporting and solar transmittance calculation system
Results and Deliverables
- Incident and transmitted solar irradiance measurement data under outdoor sunlight conditions
- Calculated solar photometric transmittance values per ASTM E 972 measurement procedures
- Atmospheric condition records, including solar altitude and sky condition during measurement
- Test compliance result assessed against glazing and sheet material solar transmittance requirements
- ASTM E 972 solar transmittance test report
Why Choose Infinita Lab for ASTM E972?
Infinita Lab is a trusted USA-based testing laboratory offering ASTM E 972 testing services across an extensive network of accredited facilities across the USA. Infinita Lab is built to serve the full spectrum of modern testing needs—across industries, materials, and methodologies. Our advanced equipment and expert professionals deliver highly accurate and prompt test results, helping businesses achieve quality compliance and product reliability.
Looking for a trusted partner to achieve your research goals? Schedule a meeting with us, send us a request, or call us at (888) 878-3090 to learn more about our services and how we can support you. Request a Quote
Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM E972 measures solar photometric transmittance using natural sunlight, including incident solar radiation, transmitted light intensity, angle of incidence, and sample orientation to evaluate light transmission properties of sheet materials.
ASTM E972 requires stable sunlight conditions, clear sky, controlled sample positioning, and accurate measurement of incident and transmitted light to ensure reliable photometric transmittance results.
ASTM E972 is commonly used for glass, plastics, films, and transparent sheet materials used in windows, skylights, and solar applications where light transmission performance is critical.
ASTM E972 requires photometers or radiometers to measure incident and transmitted light intensity, along with proper mounting fixtures to maintain consistent sample orientation during testing.
ASTM E972 depends on natural sunlight conditions, which can vary due to weather, atmospheric conditions, and time of day, potentially affecting repeatability and consistency of measurement results.
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