solfaktor

Solfaktor is a term used in German-language technical contexts to denote a solar-related factor that appears in energy, lighting, and performance calculations. The meaning can vary by field, but it generally refers to a measure that quantifies how sunlight interacts with a system or space.

In building physics and energy efficiency, solfaktor is often used to refer to the solar factor, sometimes called the g-value. This value expresses the fraction of incident solar radiation that passes through glazing and contributes to interior heat gain. The solfaktor depends on window components such as glass type, coatings, and shading devices, and it influences decisions about window design, thermal comfort, and energy use for heating and cooling. It is a parameter in energy performance assessments and labeling schemes for fenestration.

In health and consumer contexts, the term solfaktor is not standard. Sun protection and safety discussions typically use the term sun protection factor (SPF) to describe protection against UV radiation, while solfaktor as a general label is uncommon in medical literature.

Solfaktor is also encountered as a brand or product name in the solar industry, used by various manufacturers for devices or systems related to solar energy, shading, or energy management. Because the term is not standardized, its precise meaning should be inferred from the specific context or technical documentation.

See also: solar factor, g-value, solar gain, fenestration, energy efficiency.