Huge solar parks – some as large as hundreds of soccer pitches – are no longer a rare sight when you drive along the roads. The areas around freeways and main roads or even railroad lines are often particularly suitable due to the pre-existing pollution.
The construction of solar parks along traffic routes therefore has great potential, but it also poses a challenge: Solar radiation can cause reflections that are at least annoying for road users, and in the worst case even dangerous. This is because the glare can lead to disorientation and cause accidents.
What regulations need to be complied with when planning PV systems near traffic routes?
If a solar park is to be built near traffic routes, the glare effect has to be taken into account in the planning in order to ensure traffic safety. Country-specific standards and guidelines as well as local building regulations or municipal regulations must be considered.
In Germany, for example, according to the Federal Immission Control Act (BImSchG), it must be ensured that a system does not cause any hazards, significant disadvantages or significant nuisances for the public space. This regulation also includes the glare caused to road users by PV systems. Furthermore, the Notes on the Measurement, Assessment and Reduction of Light Immissions issued by the Federal/State Working Group for Immission Control (LAI) are to be complied with.
How can the glare effect of photovoltaic systems be reduced?
Manufacturers have already recognized the challenge and are working on various technical solutions to minimize the glare effect of their photovoltaic modules – for example, special coatings or films. However, the orientation of the system also plays a decisive role. A great deal of influence can therefore be exerted on safety during the planning stage.
Immission control software such as IMMI makes it possible to calculate the glare effect of a system, test reduction measures virtually and run through different variants. In this way, the best possible solution that meets all requirements can be found and implemented.
Further fields of application: Glare from photovoltaic systems on roof surfaces
Glare from photovoltaic modules is not only an issue for stand-alone systems and in relation to road traffic: It must also be taken into account for PV systems on roof surfaces – especially in (large) cities and near airports.
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