In the previous article in this series, the glint and glare guidance in New South Wales was discussed. This article will explore existing glint and glare policies and practices in the state of Queensland, Australia.
Current Guidance in Queensland
In 2018, the Queensland Solar Farm Guidelines [1] were published which lists glint and glare under ‘technical considerations’ as an impact assessment. The Guidelines state that ‘these assessments are not required for all development applications as they are determined based on proximity to surrounding sensitive receptors such as urban areas or airports’.
Figure 1: Solar panels on roof of residential building. [4]
Draft Guidance Aims to Standardise Solar Farm Development
More recently, Queensland Parliament State Development, Infrastructure and Work Committee have released a draft version of State Code 26: Solar Farm Development [2]. The purpose of the code is to ensure that development for a solar farm:
- Is located, sited, constructed, managed, and operated to mitigate any adverse impacts to individuals, communities, the environment, and infrastructure and services;
- Ensure impacts arising from the construction , operation and decommissioning do not result in unacceptable adverse impact on individuals, communities, the environment, and infrastructure and services;
- Is decommissioned in a timely manner that reuses, recycles and/or repurposes materials to the greatest extent possible.
The code includes a table of performance outcomes, with glint and glare listed with visual amenity:
‘Glint and glare from the development does not create an unacceptable safety risk to drivers of vehicles on roads adjacent to the development by:
- Locating and designing components to avoid glint and glare impacts;
- Adjusting orientation of solar panels to avoid direct or indirect light on roads to ensure the safety of transport network users; and
- Utilising landscape screening to sufficiently block glint and glare impacts.’
Although this document is still a draft, it provides more clarity on glint and glare practices for solar farms in Queensland. No specific parameters are mentioned in terms of when glare becomes unacceptable. However, this document is a step forward for the creation of a clear structure for solar developments and understanding how glare can effect key receptors.
The New South Wales Large-Scale Solar Energy Guideline [3] has much more specific parameters for assessing glint and glare, which streamlines the planning process for solar developments.
Why Clearer Guidelines Matter
Progress towards a more specific understanding of what is considered unacceptable glare in Queensland will help to streamline the planning process for solar farms. Furthermore, similar to smaller developments in the UK, currently in Queensland, local councils are charged with assessing solar developments. Having state wide parameters of what is considered acceptable will create a minimum standard across the state and help with creating suitable mitigation strategies.
About Pager Power
Pager Power undertakes technical assessments for developers of renewable energy projects and tall buildings worldwide. For more information about what we do, please get in touch.
References
[1] https://dilgpprd.blob.core.windows.net/general/draft-solar-farm-guidelines-for-local-government.pdf.
[4] Jubber J (June 2021) from Unsplash.com. Last accessed on 14th July 2025. Available at: https://unsplash.com/photos/white-and-blue-concrete-building-under-blue-sky-during-daytime-O8LNR5UARwM
