Construction of an 11.6 MW solar plant has finished at the Kansai International Airport in Japan. It is expected to begin commercial operation on the 1st February. The majority of the solar modules have been installed next to the B runway at the airport, and the rest on a cargo warehouse.
Usually undertaking glint and glare assessments to determine the potential impact on aviation stakeholders, we were particularly interested on how the developer (SF Solar Panel) handled this issue.
Solar Plant Glint and Glare
It seems that the copper indium diselenide (CIS) type solar modules, provided by Solar Frontier for the project, have an anti-reflection which minimises the affect solar glare has on airport operations.
Glare is a extended source of reflected solar light, think sun reflecting off water (see image). It can cause particular issues to aviation stakeholders such a pilots and Air Traffic Control personnel.
For a solar plant project so close to an airport, we would always recommend undertaking a glint and glare assessment, to address any aviation concerns.
