Glint and Glare Study
What a glint and glare study is
A glint and glare study, also known as a specular reflection study, analyses the light impact an installation generates on its surroundings as a result of sunlight reflecting off surfaces capable of specular reflection: solar panels, glazed facades, metal roofing or industrial installations. It assesses whether the reflections generated could cause glare at sensitive receptors such as airports, control towers, air routes, transport corridors or population centres.
At Ideas Medioambientales we are a national reference in Spain for this type of study, having delivered hundreds of projects across the country, particularly for solar installations and in airport environments.
When it is mandatory
A glint and glare study is mandatory or advisable in the following cases:
- Solar installations within airport catchment areas: Spanish aeronautical guidance from ENAIRE (the national air navigation service provider) and the national aviation safety authority requires a glint and glare study for solar installations located within the catchment areas of Spanish airports and aerodromes.
- Solar projects that receive queries or objections regarding this impact from the aviation authority or ENAIRE during the environmental assessment procedure.
- Buildings with highly reflective facades or roofing near transport corridors or population centres, when the authority requires an assessment.
- Projects submitted proactively, to demonstrate that no significant glare is generated before the authority requires it.
Study methodology
A glint and glare study combines computer simulation with geometric visibility analysis:
- Definition of the installation's geometry: orientation, tilt and position of the panels or reflective surfaces.
- Modelling of solar trajectories throughout the year for the site's latitude and longitude.
- Calculation of specular reflection: determining the angles and times of day and year at which reflection could reach identified sensitive receptors.
- Glare assessment: calculating the reflected irradiance at the receptor and comparing it against incapacitating glare thresholds set out in aviation regulation or scientific literature.
- Proposal of corrective measures where affected receptors are detected: reorienting panels, screening vegetation, anti-reflective surface treatments.
Applicable aviation regulation
For solar installations in airport environments, the reference framework in Spain includes ENAIRE's aeronautical guidance on solar installations, the aeronautical easements established under Spanish Royal Decree 2591/1998, and ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) guidance on pilot glare. The study must demonstrate that the reflections generated do not reach incapacitating glare levels for pilots during the critical approach and take-off phases.
Why choose Ideas Medioambientales
We are leaders in Spain in glint and glare studies for solar installations, having carried out hundreds of studies in both airport and non-airport environments. We know the specific requirements of ENAIRE, the national aviation safety authority and regional bodies, and we have our own simulation tools validated on real projects. Our studies are recognised by the competent authorities and have facilitated the processing of hundreds of solar projects across Spain.
Tell us about your installation's location and characteristics and we'll advise you on whether you need the study and how quickly we can deliver it.
Book a 30-minute meeting and tell us about your projects.
You can also contact us today to talk about your project.
What can we cover in 30 minutes?
It's more than enough time to have an overview of your needs and recommend the best route forward. Here there is a summary of the steps we will follow.
