DAYLIGHT & SUNLIGHT / PLANNING
A specialist part of daylight and sunlight planning advice.
Solar glint and glare assessment is part of the wider daylight and sunlight planning service. Reflections from glazed façades, solar PV installations or other surfaces can create hazardous conditions for motorists and cyclists on roads, train drivers on railways and aircraft operations, or cause discomfort for occupiers of neighbouring buildings and users of outdoor amenity spaces, including swimming pools. Effective assessment depends on identifying the relevant receptors and engaging appropriate stakeholders.
Reflections from photovoltaic panels, glazed façades, water surfaces such as swimming pools, or other reflective materials can affect safety, visibility and comfort. The assessment identifies the likely receptors, how reflections could be experienced and whether the effect merits mitigation or further consultation within the planning process.
Road assessments consider potential distraction or loss of visibility for drivers of cars and other vehicles, alongside the circumstances of cyclists using the highway network. The relevant locations may include junctions, approaches, bends and other sensitive sections of the road network, according to the project.
Rail studies consider reflected sunlight in the sightlines of train drivers, including approaches to signals and other sensitive operating locations. Our experience includes extensive engagement with Network Rail and Transport for London (TfL), enabling us to support technical discussions and address operator concerns where a proposed project calls for their involvement.
Depending on the project, assessments may consider potential glare experienced by pilots or other aviation users, as well as visual discomfort within nearby homes, workplaces or amenity environments such as outdoor swimming pools. The questions, standards and consultees differ between aviation, transport and residential settings.
We consider the project geometry, reflective surface properties and predicted sunlight/reflection paths, then explain when, where and for whom any significant effects could arise. Early advice can inform façade and glazing specifications, PV design, screening or other mitigation before a comprehensive final report is prepared.
Solar convergence concerns the potential concentration of reflected solar radiation, which can raise heat and health and safety concerns beyond visual glare. It is another specialist aspect of the wider daylight and sunlight service. Explore solar convergence ↗
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