Project Overview: Roof-Mounted Solar PV Panels at Kingston Village Residential Scheme
Metrica Environmental Consulting was appointed to complete a glint and glare assessment for roof‑mounted solar PV panels across the proposed Kingston Village development near Newcastle International Airport. The assessment was requested by the local planning authority, with a specific focus on potential adverse effects on the airport, located around 1 km northwest of the site.
The glint and glare assessment focused on aviation receptors as defined by the scope, which were identified to be the airport’s runway approaches and Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT), reflecting requirements set out based on consultation with the airport safeguarding team, and national aviation guidance.
How Project Design Informs Our Glint and Glare Assessment Methodology
The Development features roof‑mounted PV panels installed on a wide range of roof-pitch orientations of the dwellings. To assess potential reflective effects, our glint and glare consultants used SGHAT‑based modelling software and utilised established best‑practice guidance for assessment of solar panels.
The modelling incorporated key site‑specific parameters, including:
- The range of roof-pitch orientations including solar PV panels;
- Local terrain;
- The ATCT’s viewing height; and
- Runway approach geometry.
Our assessment finding were then based on which of the wide range of potential reflective pathways led to adverse impacts at the identified aviation receptors.
Glint and Glare Impact Findings for Aviation Receptors
Initial modelling identified only low‑intensity glare across certain panel orientations. All impacts on runway approach receptors therefore fell within accepted aviation glare assessment criteria threshold.
Further refinement focused on the ATCT, where no glare of any intensity is permitted. Impacts were predicted for certain northern‑ and western‑facing roof-pitches. As solar PV panels are not typically installed in north‑facing directions, mitigation was only required for a defined range west‑facing pitches. The model therefore identified the specific range of roof-pitch azimuth angles (i.e., angular directions from north) to exclude from panel installation.
With this mitigation in place, the Development’s roof-mounted solar PV panels can be designed to meet all applicable glint and glare assessment criteria, with no unacceptable impacts on airport operations anticipated.
Why Developers Choose Metrica’s Glint and Glare Experts
Metrica provides clear, well‑evidenced glint and glare assessments aligned with best practice aviation guidance. Our approach is formulated to reflect real-world operational risk to offer design feedback and solutions that also meet local and national planning criteria. We work closely with local planning authorities, airport safeguarding teams and developers to ensure assessments are delivered efficiently and that any follow‑up modelling or additional receptor analysis can be included without delay.
Permalink