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. <br /> ••;• M E I S T E R June 2014 <br /> CONSULTANTS GROUP <br /> Solar and Glare <br /> 4. Introduction <br /> _ .-_ ... - ;: _ _.< - .amu-,. .�. �.. <br /> A common misconception about solar photovoltaic (PV) panels is that they inherently cause or create <br /> "too much"glare, posing a nuisance to neighbors and a safety risk for pilots. While in certain situations <br /> the glass surfaces of solar PV systems can produce glint(a momentary flash of bright light)and glare(a <br /> reflection of bright light for a longer duration), light absorption, rather than reflection, is central to the <br /> function of a solar PV panel -to absorb solar radiation and convert it to electricity. Solar PV panels are <br /> constructed of dark-colored (usually blue or black) materials and are covered with anti-reflective <br /> coatings.Modern PV panels reflect as little as two percent of incoming sunlight,about the same as water <br /> and less than soil or even wood shingles(SEIA/Sandia 2013). Some of the concern and misconception is <br /> likely due to the confusion between solar PV systems and concentrated solar power(CSP)systems. CSP <br /> systems typically use an array of mirrors to reflect sunlight to heat water or other fluids to create steam <br /> that turns an electric generator. These typically involve large ground-mounted reflectors, usually in <br /> remote desert locations,and are not installed in residential or commercial areas or near airports. <br /> Solar PV system on the left compared to a parabolic trough CSP system on the right.Photo Copyright DOEINREL/ORNL <br /> . <br /> � \ ". ice,/` <br /> _ A a.' <br /> h • N N - <br /> • <br /> II N `+ <br /> t <br /> I. PV on or near . . �`� �,: E. <br /> SOLAR Powered by <br /> OUTREACHSunen/^�h ot <br /> PARTNERSHIP U.S.Department` of Energy <br />