Photovoltaic glare assessment
A glare assessment evaluates the potential impact of reflective surfaces, such as photovoltaic installations or building façades, on the surrounding environment. It analyses whether these surfaces may cause glare effects for residents, road users or other affected parties. We provide precise analyses to ensure that your installation or building complies with all relevant requirements.
Glare assessment services
The requirements are diverse
Road traffic
Reflections from photovoltaic installations can affect road users if they occur within the driver’s line of sight. As part of a glare assessment, we analyse whether and at what times glare effects may arise for road traffic. Based on simulation results, potential risks can be evaluated and, where necessary, appropriate mitigation measures can be developed to ensure long-term road safety.
Rail traffic
Glare effects from photovoltaic installations can also be relevant in the rail sector, particularly along railway lines or near signalling infrastructure and control systems. A glare assessment simulates potential reflections and evaluates their impact on train drivers and the safe operation of rail services. This allows potential issues to be identified at an early stage and addressed during the planning process.
Air traffic
In the vicinity of airports or flight paths, potential glare effects must be assessed with particular care. Under certain conditions, photovoltaic installations can produce reflections that may affect pilots during take-off or landing. A glare assessment analyses these scenarios using simulations and evaluates whether any risk to safe flight operations can be ruled out.
Sensitive areas (environmental protection)
Glare from photovoltaic installations can cause disturbances in sensitive areas such as residential buildings, offices or social facilities. A glare assessment examines whether and when reflections occur and evaluates them in accordance with applicable environmental protection regulations. This allows potential conflicts to be identified at an early stage and appropriate measures to prevent or reduce glare effects to be planned.
Reflections from the sun can affect road traffic, air traffic and local residents.
Risks caused by glare effects
Glare effects can pose significant risks to both safety and comfort. They may impair the visibility of drivers, cyclists and pedestrians, as well as affect air traffic, potentially increasing the risk of accidents.
Local residents and outdoor workers can also be disturbed by reflected sunlight, negatively impacting quality of life and working conditions. Early identification and mitigation of these risks through glare assessments is essential to prevent potential hazards.
Reflections and immissions
Under German environmental law (Federal Immission Control Act, BImSchG), light immissions are considered harmful environmental impacts if their nature, intensity or duration is sufficient to cause hazards, for example to road traffic, or significant disturbance to the public, such as neighbouring communities.
For this reason, photovoltaic installations requiring approval must be designed and operated in such a way that no harmful or disturbing light immissions are caused by the system.
This is how our enquiry process works:
01
Enquiry
Complete the form and provide us with the key details of your project. Alternatively, feel free to give us a call.
Duration: approx. 2–3 minutes
02
Response
We review your information and get back to you promptly with an initial assessment or any follow-up questions.
Typically within 48 hours
03
Potential analysis
To assess the overall framework conditions, we evaluate the site, energy demand and other relevant factors.
Detailed analysis and consultancy
04
Tailored proposal
You will receive a bespoke proposal for assessments, engineering or owner’s engineering services. We support you throughout all project phases.
Transparent proposal process
Enquire now for a glare assessment
Frequently Asked Questions
In a glare assessment for photovoltaic installations, the potential glare effects of the solar modules are calculated using specialised simulation software. The analysis is based on the exact position of the PV system, as well as the orientation and tilt of the modules and the geographical coordinates of the site.
The software simulates the sun’s path over the course of an entire year and determines whether and when reflections from the solar modules may reach surrounding buildings, roads, railway lines or other sensitive areas.
The evaluation is typically carried out in accordance with the LAI guidelines issued by the German federal and state working group on immission control, which serve as the recognised standard for glare assessments of photovoltaic systems in Germany.
HEMA Solar applies these methods to identify potential glare effects at an early stage and to minimise planning risks for photovoltaic projects.
A glare assessment for photovoltaic installations is typically required when a PV system is planned near sensitive areas. These may include, for example:
- residential buildings and neighbouring properties
- roads or motorways
- railway lines
- airports
- public facilities or commercial areas
Authorities or permitting bodies often require a glare assessment, particularly for larger rooftop systems or ground-mounted PV installations, in order to rule out potential glare effects on road users or local residents.
HEMA Solar supports project developers, companies and photovoltaic system operators in preparing well-founded glare assessments, thereby ensuring planning certainty throughout the permitting process.
The simulation and evaluation of glare effects from a photovoltaic installation can typically be completed within a few days, once all required planning documents are available.
The exact duration mainly depends on the size of the PV system, the number of observation points to be assessed and the complexity of the surrounding environment.
HEMA Solar is often able to deliver glare assessments for photovoltaic projects within just a few working days, enabling permitting processes and project planning to progress without delay.
From commissioning to completion, a glare assessment for a photovoltaic installation typically takes between 3 and 10 working days.
Following the simulation of glare effects, the results are analysed and documented in a technical report. This report includes, among other aspects:
- calculations of potential reflection periods
- graphical representations of glare events
- evaluation in accordance with the LAI guidelines
- where applicable, recommendations for mitigating glare effects
HEMA Solar prepares these reports in a practical and transparent manner, ensuring they can be readily submitted to authorities and permitting bodies.
To prepare a glare assessment for a photovoltaic installation, the following information is typically required:
- site plan or geographical coordinates of the PV system
- module layout plan
- orientation and tilt angle of the modules
- planned module height or building height
- details of potential observation points, such as roads or residential buildings
The more detailed the planning documentation, the more accurately the glare effects of the photovoltaic installation can be simulated and assessed.
The HEMA Solar team is also happy to assist in compiling the necessary documentation where required.