1. Executive Summary

This report presents the results of a glint and glare assessment for a proposed 10MW ground-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) farm in Co. Kildare, Ireland. The assessment was carried out using ForgeSolar reflectance modelling software to evaluate the potential for solar panel reflections to cause problematic glare at nearby sensitive receptors.

The study area encompasses a 2km radius from the proposed site boundary. Sensitive receptors identified within the study area include three public roads, eight residential properties, one railway corridor, and one aviation receptor (a private airstrip located 1.8km to the north-east).

Modelling results indicate that green glare is predicted at two road receptors during early morning periods in summer months. No yellow glare is predicted at any receptor under the proposed panel configuration (15° tilt, south-facing at 180° azimuth). No mitigation measures are required under the proposed design.

2. Site Description

The proposed site comprises approximately 20 hectares of agricultural land in Co. Kildare. The site is broadly flat with a gentle southerly slope of approximately 1:100. It is bounded by hedgerow to the north and east, and a minor public road (L-road) to the south.

The proposed solar farm comprises approximately 28,000 monocrystalline bifacial PV panels arranged in east-west rows across the site. Panels are mounted on ground-screwed single-axis trackers fixed at 15° tilt, oriented due south at 180° azimuth. Panel height above ground level ranges from 0.5m (lowest point) to 2.1m (highest point of panel).

3. Methodology

Glint and glare modelling was carried out using ForgeSolar reflectance modelling software. ForgeSolar calculates, for every hour of the year, the angle at which sunlight reflects from the PV panel surface and whether that reflection vector intersects with any identified receptor location.

Modelling is conducted under worst-case clear-sky conditions, which maximises the predicted number of glare hours. Real-world glare occurrence will be less frequent due to cloud cover. The following inputs were used:

• Ordnance Survey Ireland (OSi) site coordinates (ITM)
• Panel tilt: 15°, azimuth: 180°
• Panel surface reflectivity: 4% (anti-reflective glass, conservative estimate)
• Solar irradiance dataset: PVGIS TMY for Co. Kildare
• Receptor coordinates sourced from OSi mapping and site visit

4. Receptor Identification and Assessment

The following sensitive receptors were identified within a 2km study area:

5. Conclusion and Mitigation

ForgeSolar modelling demonstrates that the proposed solar PV development will not cause unacceptable glint and glare impacts at any identified sensitive receptor. Green glare is predicted at two road receptors (R1 and R2) for a limited number of hours per year in early morning periods. This level of glare is considered to be of low significance and does not require mitigation.

No yellow glare is predicted at any receptor under the proposed panel configuration. The use of anti-reflective coated glass panels (reflectivity ≤ 4%) and the 15° panel tilt angle towards the south means that reflected beams are directed predominantly upward and away from ground-level receptors.

This assessment concludes that the proposed development is acceptable in glint and glare terms and that no additional mitigation measures are required.