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SunLux Configurator — Cheat Sheet
Quick-reference cheat sheet for the SunLux Configurator tool.
Published 27 May 2026
CHEAT SHEET
SunLux Configurator
Quick-reference companion for the free Portal tool
What This Tool Does
The SunLux Configurator is your essential online tool for preliminary solar performance analysis of glazing specifications within the South African context. It enables architects to quickly assess the impact of different glass types and shading solutions on a building's energy performance, thermal comfort, and daylighting, aligning with SANS 10400-XA energy efficiency requirements.
Use this tool early in your design process to make informed decisions about fenestration. It's particularly useful for comparing options for new builds, renovations, or when targeting specific performance metrics for green building certifications. Any architect designing for the South African climate, from the hot and dry interior to the temperate coastal regions, will find this configurator invaluable for optimising their façade designs.
Step-by-Step Usage Guide
Step 1: Project & Location Setup
Begin by entering your project's geographic coordinates. For a typical Johannesburg project, use Latitude: -26.2041, Longitude: 28.0473. Select the nearest major city or climate zone if specific coordinates aren't available, as this influences solar radiation data. Define your project orientation (e.g., North, East, South, West façade).
Begin by entering your project's geographic coordinates. For a typical Johannesburg project, use Latitude: -26.2041, Longitude: 28.0473. Select the nearest major city or climate zone if specific coordinates aren't available, as this influences solar radiation data. Define your project orientation (e.g., North, East, South, West façade).
Step 2: Glazing Specification
Choose your desired glass type from the dropdown menu. Options will likely include standard clear float, low-E coatings (e.g., "SpectraSelect 50/30"), tinted glass, and reflective glass. Pay close attention to the listed U-value (W/m²K), SHGC (Solar Heat Gain Coefficient), and VLT (Visible Light Transmittance) as these are critical performance indicators.
Choose your desired glass type from the dropdown menu. Options will likely include standard clear float, low-E coatings (e.g., "SpectraSelect 50/30"), tinted glass, and reflective glass. Pay close attention to the listed U-value (W/m²K), SHGC (Solar Heat Gain Coefficient), and VLT (Visible Light Transmittance) as these are critical performance indicators.
Example Input: Select "Low-E Double Glazed (e.g., 6mm Clear / 12mm Argon / 6mm Low-E)" with U-value ~1.8, SHGC ~0.35, VLT ~0.60.
Step 3: Shading Device Configuration
If applicable, specify any external or internal shading. Options might include overhangs, vertical fins, louvres, or internal blinds. Define their dimensions and projection relative to the glazing. This is crucial for managing solar gain, especially on east and west facades.
If applicable, specify any external or internal shading. Options might include overhangs, vertical fins, louvres, or internal blinds. Define their dimensions and projection relative to the glazing. This is crucial for managing solar gain, especially on east and west facades.
Example Input: For a North-facing window in Johannesburg, add an "Overhang" with a projection of 900mm and a height above window of 100mm.
Step 4: Occupancy & Internal Loads (Optional but Recommended)
While primarily a glazing tool, some advanced versions may allow for basic input on occupancy levels and internal heat gains (lighting, equipment). This helps refine the overall energy balance. If not available, assume typical office or residential loads.
While primarily a glazing tool, some advanced versions may allow for basic input on occupancy levels and internal heat gains (lighting, equipment). This helps refine the overall energy balance. If not available, assume typical office or residential loads.
Step 5: Run Analysis & Interpret Results
Click the "Calculate" or "Generate Report" button. The tool will then process the inputs and display key performance metrics such as:
Click the "Calculate" or "Generate Report" button. The tool will then process the inputs and display key performance metrics such as:
- Peak Solar Heat Gain (W)
- Annual Solar Energy Transmitted (kWh)
- Daylight Autonomy / Useful Daylight Illuminance (if available)
- Compliance indicators against SANS 10400-XA Part A3 limits for U-value and SHGC.
Common Scenarios & Expected Results
| Scenario | Input | Expected Output |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Office, Johannesburg (North Facade) |
Location: Johannesburg (-26.2, 28.0) Glazing: Clear Single Glaze (U=5.8, SHGC=0.85, VLT=0.90) Shading: None |
High Peak Solar Heat Gain (e.g., 800-1000W/m²) High Annual Solar Energy Transmitted Likely Fails SANS 10400-XA Part A3 for Glazing. Significant overheating risk. |
| Residential, Cape Town (West Facade) |
Location: Cape Town (-33.9, 18.4) Glazing: Low-E Double Glazed (U=1.8, SHGC=0.35, VLT=0.60) Shading: External Vertical Fins (e.g., 600mm projection, 1200mm spacing) |
Moderated Peak Solar Heat Gain (e.g., 200-300W/m²) Reduced Annual Solar Energy Transmitted Improved thermal comfort, likely complies with SANS 10400-XA. |
| Retail Space, Durban (East Facade) |
Location: Durban (-29.8, 31.0) Glazing: Tinted Single Glaze (U=5.8, SHGC=0.65, VLT=0.40) Shading: Overhang (e.g., 600mm projection) |
Moderate Peak Solar Heat Gain (e.g., 400-600W/m²), but high in mornings. Lower VLT might require more artificial lighting. Compliance might be borderline; consider better glass or shading. |