Solar near Airports [RE-wrenches]

[Bill Brooks]

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Ray,

The higher the tilt angle, the more likely it could reflect and cause a
problems. Horizontal modules reflect less than water--no problem. The satin
finish on some modules is not a good arguement because not all modules have
them and it doesn't make that much difference. It is an aesthetic treatment
more than power enhancing.

Although PV modules generally reflect less than standard glass, the angle
arguement is much better and more accurate. It seems to me that the biggest
concern for pilot glare is on approach looking down the runway. Modules at
60 degrees or steeper tilt could be a problem for standard rates of descent
if the array reflection is parallel to the flight path.

Also remember where the sun needs to be to cause a reflection. Direction of
runway comes into play as much as anything. If you can show that the sun
never sits in a part of the sky where the reflection from your array can
parallel the flight path, the discussion is over. Have fun.

Bill.

-----Original Message-----
From: Ray Walters [mailto:ray at solarray.com]
Sent: Thursday, July 15, 2004 3:02 PM
To: RE-wrenches at topica.com
Subject: Solar near Airports [RE-wrenches]
         Hi All;

I am looking at a PV installation (may include Hot water panels too) that
is almost directly in the flight path of our local Airport. We are about
1000 ft from the end of the runway. It is a municipal airport with some
daily commuter flights in a twin engine turboprop. There is some private
lear jet usage too. No large commercial airlines though.
We've gotten some word on height restrictions, that doesn't look to be a
problem. We're actually about 300 ft to one side of the actual flight path.
The concern being raised is glare blinding the pilots. Aren't the latest
modules much better at reduced reflection? (better coatings and less white
wasted area) Are there actual regulations on the books, or are we just
trying to keep people happy? Would tracking make it better or
worse?  Should we consider less tilt, or blinders to the side of the
modules (lattice work), etc. or should I run screaming from this one?

Thanks all before hand for your cherished wisdom,

Ray Walters
ray at solarray.com
President, SolarRay, Inc.
NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer
BS Mechanical Engineering, UT Austin 88
Returned US Peace Corps Volunteer

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