Glint and Glare Assessment from our consultants

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When sunlight reflects from a surface this can lead to an effect of either glint or glare. Glint is generally caused by movement of the reflective object or receptor, causing a quick flash, such as the sun reflecting from a car windscreen as it passes you on a sunny day. Glare is a longer-term bright reflection from a surface which is affected by the sun’s intensity and angle.

That’s where Solar comes in.

As a source of reflection, Solar PV can potentially affect aviation, residential and roadway receptors.

WHY DOES IT MATTER?

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Firstly, glint and glare can be a safety issue. As part of planning applications for roof-mounted and ground-mounted solar arrays near airports and airfields, aviation facilities and local authorities may require an assessment to ensure there are no potential safeguarding issues. Likewise, roadways, trainlines and tramways may also require assessment to make sure drivers aren’t affected by a development.

Secondly, residences, public buildings and facilities can be affected by impacting the amenity of sites.

Either of these effects can lead to an objection to a planning application and ultimately, refusal of permission.

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WHEN TO ACT

It is always best to act as early as possible to assess the risk from glint and glare. Mitigation can be achieved by site redesign, hardscaping or strategic vegetation planting and as these can affect the panel performance, understanding your effect is an important part of final design.