Glint & Glare FAA PV Solar assessment
Phoventus conducted a FAA Standard Glint and Glare Assessment in Riverside, All potential flight paths and any nearby Air Traffic Control Towers were considered with the use of GlareGauge software.
By providing studies that showed low glint and glare risk for pilots, Phoventus enabled developers and constructors to remain within rigid safety guidelines. Such extensive analytics went into this project requiring extensive physical calculations determining appropriate glint and glare angles around March Air Force Base in Riverside, CA.
What is PV Solar Glint and Glare
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has a policy to ensure that solar photovoltaic (PV) systems at airports do not create hazardous glare for pilots and air traffic control personnel. Here are the key points:
- Visual Impact Assessment: Airports must measure the visual impact of proposed solar energy systems on pilots and air traffic control personnel.
- Notice of Proposed Construction: Airports need to file a Notice of Proposed Construction or Alteration (Form 7460-1) with the FAA, including a statement that the project will not cause any visual impact.
- Self-Assessment: The FAA relies on airports to confirm that they have sufficiently analyzed the potential for glint and glare and determined there is no potential for ocular impact.
Mitigation: If any visual impacts are discovered after construction, the airport must mitigate the impact at its expense.
Compliance: Airports may face compliance actions if they fail to address visual impacts that create aviation safety hazards.
This policy aims to balance the benefits of solar energy with the need to maintain aviation safety
Solar Glint and Glare Services
- Aviation
- Roads / Highways
- Railways
Phoventus Aviation Services
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has a policy to ensure that solar photovoltaic (PV) systems at airports do not create hazardous glare for pilots and air traffic control personnel. Here are the key points:
- Visual Impact Assessment: Airports must measure the visual impact of proposed solar energy systems on pilots and air traffic control personnel.
- Notice of Proposed Construction: Airports need to file a Notice of Proposed Construction or Alteration (Form 7460-1) with the FAA, including a statement that the project will not cause any visual impact.
- Self-Assessment: The FAA relies on airports to confirm that they have sufficiently analyzed the potential for glint and glare and determined there is no potential for ocular impact.
Mitigation: If any visual impacts are discovered after construction, the airport must mitigate the impact at its expense1.
Compliance: Airports may face compliance actions if they fail to address visual impacts that create aviation safety hazards1.
This policy aims to balance the benefits of solar energy with the need to maintain aviation safety
Permits & Analysis
Municipal permits for solar panel projects, particularly concerning glint and glare, can vary depending on the local regulations. However, there are some common steps and requirements that developers typically need to follow:
- Zoning Permits: Developers often need to obtain zoning permits that ensure the solar project complies with local land use regulations. This may include specific provisions to address glint and glare issues.
- Glare Analysis: Many municipalities require a glare analysis to be conducted. This analysis assesses the potential impact of glint and glare on nearby properties, roadways, and public spaces. The results are usually submitted as part of the permit application.
- Public Consultation: In some cases, developers may need to engage in public consultation processes to address concerns from local residents and stakeholders about potential glare impacts.
- Mitigation Plans: If the glare analysis identifies significant glare issues, developers may be required to submit mitigation plans. These plans could include adjusting the placement or angle of the panels, or implementing screening measures to reduce glare.
- Building Permits: Standard building permits are also required for the construction of solar installations. These permits ensure that the project meets all local building codes and safety standards.
- Environmental Impact Assessments: In some jurisdictions, an environmental impact assessment may be necessary to evaluate the broader environmental effects of the solar project, including glint and glare.
FAA regulations on glint and glare
Conducting an airport glare analysis is crucial to ensure that solar installations do not pose a hazard to pilots and air traffic control personnel. Here are the key steps involved
By following these steps, airports can ensure their solar projects are safe and compliant with FAA regulations, minimizing any potential visual hazards for aviation operations.
Use specialized software tools like ForgeSolar’s GlareGauge to simulate and analyze potential glare from solar panels. These tools help predict the intensity and duration of glare at various observation points, such as control towers and flight paths
Follow the FAA’s guidelines, which require airports to measure the visual impact of solar projects on pilots and air traffic control personnel. This includes conducting a thorough ocular analysis to assess potential glare hazards
Simulate different scenarios to understand how glare might affect pilots during various phases of flight, especially during final approach. Generate detailed reports that outline the findings and any potential risks
If the analysis identifies significant glare issues, develop mitigation strategies. These could include adjusting the angle or placement of the solar panels, using anti-reflective coatings, or implementing physical barriers to block the glare
Submit the results of the glare analysis to the FAA as part of the Notice of Proposed Construction or Alteration (Form 7460-1). Ensure ongoing monitoring and be prepared to mitigate any visual impacts discovered after construction
airport glare analysis
The FAA regulations on glint and glare have a significant impact on the PV solar industry, particularly for projects near airports. Here are some key effects
Solar developers must invest in detailed glare analyses and mitigation strategies, which can increase project costs
The requirement to conduct thorough visual impact assessments and submit detailed reports to the FAA can lead to delays in project timelines
Developers may need to modify the design and placement of solar panels to minimize glare, potentially reducing the overall efficiency and output of the solar installation
Ensuring compliance with FAA guidelines adds an additional layer of regulatory oversight, which can be challenging for developers to navigate
On the positive side, these regulations help ensure that solar projects do not pose a hazard to aviation safety, which can improve public perception and acceptance of solar energy projects near airports
Overall, while the FAA regulations add complexity and cost to solar projects near airports, they are essential for maintaining aviation safety and ensuring that solar energy can be integrated into airport environments without compromising operational safety.
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Riverside County, California
Phoventus conducted a Glint and Glare Assessment in Riverside, All potential flight paths and any nearby Air Traffic Control Towers were considered with the use of GlareGauge software. By providing studies that showed low glint and glare risk for pilots, Phoventus enabled developers and constructors to remain within rigid safety guidelines. Such extensive analytics went into this project requiring extensive physical calculations determining appropriate glint and glare angles around March Air Force Base in Riverside, CA.