PPG Industries Inc., based in Pittsburgh, has introduced Solarban 60 Starphire glass, a new architectural glass that offers the clarity of Starphire glass with the solar control characteristics of Solarban 60 solar control low-E glass.

The new glass allows architects to specify ultra-clear glass for vision glass, skylights, entries and spandrels without sacrificing energy performance, according to a company news release. The product can be either annealed or tempered. In addition, the company is positioning its price points for Starphire, bringing it out of its niche classification as a premium product so that it can be more frequently used in projects from storefronts to skylights.

"One of the prevailing trends in architecture today is for vision glass that exhibits the highest possible level of transparency and visual clarity," said Mark Fanelli, director of new products. "Unfortunately the desire for that aesthetic is usually at odds with the architects' equally profound desire to design and construct buildings that are energy-efficient and environmentally responsible. Solarban 60 Starphire glass is engineered to give architects the best of both worlds: exceptional clarity combined with the industry's best solar control coating."