Although solar panels are designed to absorb much of the incident sun’s energy, a small proportion might be reflected and witnessed as “glint” or “glare” at some other location. In this case, glint usually refers to a short, bright reflection, whereas glare usually refers to a longer duration, very harsh reflection.
If the proposed site of a solar panel installation is close to sensitive ecological locations (for example, protected bird roosting or breeding grounds), local or national ecological or environmental bodies might request an assessment of the impact that the glint and glare might have on such areas. Such an assessment would be in addition to other surveys or studies related to the proposed installation, eg Preliminary Ecological Appraisal and protected species surveys, but might be included within an Ecological Impact Assessment.
A glint and glare assessment will involve a combination of desk studies and on-site and local area visits to:
- Determine the locations, numbers and orientations of the solar panels.
- Calculate the neighbouring areas which could be affected by glint or glare from the panels throughout the year.
- Identify geographical features which might shield the sensitive location from the glint and glare.
- Identify vegetation features which might shield the sensitive area from the glint and glare.
- Recommend mitigating measures or processes which would eliminate or further reduce the effects of glint and glare.
For more information see our Llanelli case study or contact us.
JP Ecological Services 