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GLARE Module

Assess and mitigate solar panel reflections

The GLARE module in windPRO gives you the tools to analyse, document, and investigate ways to reduce glare effects from solar PV farms and other reflective structures.

glare

Accurately calculate glare impact from solar panels and glass surfaces

Calculate Glare with Precision

  • Evaluate when and where glare will occur from solar panels.

  • Quantify the intensity of reflected sunlight, not just its presence.

  • Include beam spread, and irradiance in your analysis.

  • Analyse how terrain and obstacles reduce glare occurance.

Visualise Glare with Maps & Calendars

  • See which panels cause glare, when it happens, and where it hits.

  • Use interactive glare calendars and azimuth-based maps to easily interpret results.

  • Adjust layout interactively to minimise glare exposure to sensitive areas.

Evaluate Glare Intensity

  • Determine if glare exceeds local regulatory thresholds.

  • Assess potential impacts on residential comfort, traffic safety, or airline visibility.

  • Support national and regional regulations with high-resolution calculations (e.g., >30 W/m²)

Simulate Reflective Surfaces

  • Model and compare different coatings, glass types, and textures to see how they reduce or alter glare.

  • Apply glare modeling to both solar PV panels and glass façades or other 3D structures.

Integrated with the SOLAR PV Module

GLARE works seamlessly with windPRO’s SOLAR PV module, making it easy to assess the glare impact of your solar project as part of your full site analysis. Whether you're planning a solar farm or evaluating a reflective building facade, GLARE delivers detailed, regulation-ready insights.

IMPORTANT: For calculation with PV plants SOLAR PV is required.

Why use GLARE in windPRO?

  • Comply with glare regulations for homes, roads, and aviation.

  • Accurately quantify and visualise glare intensity.

  • Evaluate mitigation strategies by including terrain and obstacles.

  • Communicate with authorities and stakeholders using clear reports.

Glare reporting made easy

Generate professional reports that provide clear insights and full documentation:

  • Summary of yearly and daily glare durations at each receptor.
  • List of affected receptors, with their position and exposure time.
  • Assumptions and inputs used in the calculation.
  • Maps of reflector and receptor locations for quick visual reference.

Export timeseries data for each glare event, including:

  • Time of glare occurrence (default 1-minute resolution).
  • Sun position (azimuth and altitude).
  • Incidence angle.
  • Reflected irradiance intensity.
windPRO

Plan responsibly, comply with glare limits, and protect your project's reputation

Recommended Training

Learn more about GLARE with the tailored courses:

  • BASIS - for users who are new to windPRO to gain basic understanding of the software.
  • SOLAR PV - second day of the course includes GLARE module

These modules might also be interesting for you

windPRO modules related to GLARE

SOLAR PV

Quickly create the PV plant used for GLARE assessment.

SketchUp INTEGRATION

Create sun position visualisation and visualise the GLARE calculations.

SHADOW

Calculate environmental impact of shadow. 

DECIBEL

Calculate environmental impact of noise.