PV system is glaring – should I be concerned?

Glare from a PV system occurs when the sometimes extremely bright reflections cause visual disturbances. In some cases, such disturbances can even become dangerous, for example, because road users are distracted by the reflected sun rays or their vision is temporarily impaired. In a shady area, they may temporarily lose their vision if they are blinded by the PV system. Glare from solar modules can also be unpleasant for neighbors.
In the past, solar panels typically faced south to convert as much sunlight into electricity as possible. In these cases, the light is usually reflected upwards, so glare is rare. However, solar panels are increasingly being installed with other orientations, leading to a significant increase in glare problems. Below is a brief list of the most important risk factors for glare from solar panels: 

• Photovoltaic systems facing east, west or north tend to reflect light downwards, causing glare on the terrace of the neighboring property, for example. 

• On slopes, for example on south or west slopes, the reflections can radiate into neighboring houses at a higher elevation. 

• The duration and intensity of glare from solar panels decreases at a greater distance. However, when houses are close together, the glare problem increases both temporally and spatially. Viewing angle also plays a role. 

• There are significant seasonal effects due to the changing position of the sun. A system that was glare-free in midsummer can already become disruptive by autumn. Depending on the latitude, there are typical "glare seasons." In Germany, between March and May and from August to October; in Spain, for example, winter is particularly affected. 

• The hours of neighbors' presence also play a major role. Neighbors who work full-time are more likely to be out during typical glare times and will tend to complain less. 

• Last but not least, the relationship between neighbors is important – if a conflict already exists, a lawyer will be called in very quickly. In a friendly relationship, however, there is often a willingness to find a solution together and, if necessary, even share the costs. 

High quality of living in a good neighborhood

Interest in PV systems is growing in many residential areas , making glare from solar modules an increasingly relevant issue. In the spirit of good neighborliness, it is therefore important to consider the risk factors mentioned above before installing a PV system . 
If your neighbors' relationship is already somewhat strained, you should pay particular attention to avoiding glare from photovoltaics and, if in doubt, obtain a glare assessment . This involves not only the optimal installation location and angle, but also the quality of the modules.  

Misunderstanding “anti-reflective coating”

Today's PV modules are typically coated with an anti-reflective coating (ARC). Unfortunately, this layer only serves to increase yield and offers no protection against glare. Many solar installers are unaware of this fact, or they choose to conceal it due to a lack of alternatives. Once the modules are on the roof, the damage is usually already done, and suggested solutions such as planting a hedge or installing blinds are of little help . Dismantling the PV system, following an expensive and stressful legal battle, is a typical outcome.  

Future-oriented measures  

To avoid this hassle, it makes sense to use glare-free modules from the outset if there is a potential risk of glare. In addition to frosted modules, such as those sold by companies such as 3S or Megasol, Phytonics offers an innovative product that can be used to "anti-glare" any solar module: The XRF anti-glare film, with its special, micro-structured surface, ensures that flat incident light in particular is better coupled in and the reflected rays are completely diffusely scattered. This eliminates direct reflections from the sun that could cause glare. Even with very flat light incidence of 70° to the surface normal, the reflected brightness remains at 75,000 cd/m², well below the frequently cited value of 100,000 cd/m² for glare. Caution, however, is advised with so-called "anti-glare" modules based on deeply textured glass. These cannot adequately suppress the reflections of flat incident light, but sometimes distribute them in such a way that the glare problem is even worse. 

Phytonics' anti-glare film allows you to orient your solar modules as desired without the risk of glare. Measurements show that the film significantly outperforms other glare-reducing surfaces. At the same time, the high performance values ​​are maintained, so the annual energy yield remains virtually unchanged.
The XRF anti-glare film consists of a durable, weatherproof, and UV-resistant adhesive film and a scratch-resistant special layer with a textured surface. These two components have been in outdoor use worldwide for many years, and the film's outstanding durability has been proven in accelerated aging tests in climate chambers. 

Please contact us for further information or questions: info@phytonics.tech