Solar photovoltaic glare: Impacts and mitigation across aviation, transportation, agriculture, and the built environment

Abstract

Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are rapidly expanding to meet renewable energy demands, but specular reflections from panel surfaces can produce glint (momentary flashes) and glare (sustained bright light). These glare phenomena pose safety and operational challenges across multiple sectors. This paper reviews the mechanisms of PV glare, quantifies its impact on aviation (pilots and air traffic control), transportation (road and rail users), agriculture (crop and livestock effects), and the built environment (residential and commercial areas), and evaluates mitigation strategies. Drawing on regulatory guidelines, glare simulation tools, solar geometry analysis and case study evaluations, we demonstrate that while glare risks are real, they are predictable and manageable through site-specific design, anti-reflective coatings, orientation adjustments, and screening. The results indicate that PV glare can cause visual discomfort and potential safety concerns in aviation and road transportation, while in agricultural settings it may influence crop microclimates and worker visibility. In the urban environment, glare could impact nearby buildings. The importance of glare in the planning of PV installations with sensitive receptors is emphasized in the study. Recommendations for best practices, mitigation options and future research are provided.