EMB-175 Captain reported returning to departure airport after the left side lower windscreen shattered.

Narrative

Climbing out around 8;000-9;000'; we were in the left turn going eastbound and we noticed a small glow on the left side lower windscreen. This glow lasted only a very brief moment. As we were early morning; we thought it may be a brief glow of sunrise between the clouds/storms in the area we were flying near. A few moments later; this same glow came back and this time I noticed that the heating element on the lower section of my DV (Direct Vision) window was sparking. I mentioned this to my copilot; as it was getting worse. I used the flashlight to see if the heating element was potentially burning the inner layer; and when I activated the light immediately noticed the outer layer of the windshield spider web shattered.Right as I was mentioning this to my copilot (who was PF); the master caution started going off with Windshield Heat1 Fail EICAS message. Once we identified and cancelled the chime; we ran the QRH for the EICAS message and the Cracked Windshield Checklists. While doing this; we asked ATC to stop our climb at 16;000 for possible return to ZZZ; and that we wanted radar vectors to keep us from getting to far from ZZZ while we ran checklists. After this was done; I notified company Dispatch via ACARS about situation and to notify of diversion back to ZZZ. Once this was done; I notified FA's of situation and that I would be [requesting assistance from] ATC but would be a normal return and landing at ZZZ. I also gave them time frame involved and specifically told them we would not be needing any emergency prep of the cabin.I then [requested assistance from] ATC; notified them of situation; and asked for radar vectors back to ZZZ for an ILS XXR. After this; we reviewed ATIS again; got landing numbers; and setup aircraft for normal approach and landing; then ran all checklists as normal.We did not request fire/rescue be available upon landing; but it appears ATC did that for us.