A thermochromic, near infrared (NIR) absorbing interlayer. The interlayer includes a NIR-absorbing substance dispersed or dissolved in a polymer matrix and a thermochromic material or system. The interlayer has an internal visible light transmission above 50% and an internal solar energy transmission below 55% when the interlayer is at 15° C. and an internal visible light transmission below 20% and an internal solar energy transmission below 20% when the interlayer is at 75° C. The internal haze of the interlayer is below 3.5%.