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Glare simulation for PV systems

Simulate glare from PV systems — fast, precise, digital

Our online tool calculates reflections, glare times, and intensities of photovoltaic systems. Create professional glare analyses directly in your browser — no installation, no waiting.

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Solar glare from a ground-mounted PV system next to a road
Real glare from a ground-mounted PV system, photographed from a highway. Top right: reflection map from PV-GlareCheck for a comparable case at another site (aerial image: © Bayerische Vermessungsverwaltung, CC BY 4.0).
Detail of a reflection map in PV-GlareCheck: reflection from a ground-mounted PV system to an observation point on a road
Features

Everything for a thorough glare analysis

Precise simulation results, professional visualizations, and intelligent filters — all in one application.

Define PV areas

Define PV areas (rooftop systems, ground-mounted fields and more) in just a few clicks on an interactive map — or via coordinate input or KML upload. For ground-mounted systems, for example, you only define the construction boundary (the outline of the generator field) — no tedious table-by-table modeling.

Defining PV areas on the map

Exclusion areas

Optionally define exclusion areas (EA) within PV areas (rooftop and ground-mounted alike) that don't count as PV surface in the simulation — e.g. clear roof areas around chimneys, or paths and stations within ground-mounted fields.

Excluded areas on PV areas

Pre-analysis

Use the pre-analysis to identify the area potentially affected by reflections before running the full simulation.

Pre-analysis: potentially affected area

Define observation points

Define observation points in just a few clicks, at which the glare effect is calculated in detail. Observation points can also be added via coordinate input or KML import.

Defining observation points

Fields of view

Optionally, define fields of view for observation points — relevant e.g. along roads, where only glare in the viewing direction matters.

Fields of view for observation points

Terrain and elevation grid NEW

Ground-mounted systems are placed on the terrain: an elevation grid from official terrain models or Google elevations maps the topography on which the installation is modelled. From it, the cross tilt of the module tables along slopes can be derived as well — differentiated by zones if required.

Terrain menu with elevation field and contour lines of a ground-mounted site

Elevation maps NEW

Based on terrain models, the topography of the surroundings is displayed and used to position objects such as PV areas, obstacles and observation points. Terrain models are obtained automatically for selected countries; an upload is available for your own datasets.

Terrain view: slope with contour lines over the project

Differentiated cross tilt NEW

When a module table stands across a slope, the row tips sideways — a few degrees are enough to shift the reflection direction. PV-GlareCheck derives the cross tilt from the terrain and, if required, divides the area into zones with their own values, suggested automatically or drawn by hand. Each sub-area is computed with its own orientation.

Differentiated cross tilt: areas with their own values on the map

Obstacles

Optionally add obstacles — above-ground ones like trees or buildings, or topographic rises such as hills. They can block reflections between the PV area and an observation point, and also act as shading sources for the PV area.

Drawing obstacles

Interactive report builder

After the simulation you enter an interactive report builder: adjust figures, filter results, and export the project as a PDF. Pro users additionally get an Excel export of all results.

Interactive report builder

Set filters

Set evaluation filters (e.g. luminance, field of view, sun overlap, shading) — charts and tables update automatically. The filters reflect assessment criteria of common guidelines; you choose the settings for each assessment.

Setting filters

Result charts

Results are presented clearly as charts alongside tabular overviews — e.g. glare periods (day × time), daily glare duration, and intensity-coded glare times. The charts respond to the filters you set; individual figures can be copied to the clipboard or exported as image files (independently of the full project PDF export).

Result charts

Interactive reflection maps

Display potential reflection directions for any point in time using reflection maps — optionally as a full-year overview.

Interactive reflection maps

3D perspectives

Additionally view the situation as a 3D plot and run time-based evaluations here too via the time slider. This lets you validate screening measures, for example — drawn beforehand as obstacles.

3D perspectives (azimuth / elevation)

Map overlays NEW

Place planning documents directly on the map — preliminary designs, site plans or zoning plans as PDF, JPEG or PNG. Move, scale and rotate the overlay freely, or align it precisely via two reference points. This lets you trace PV areas, obstacles and observation points exactly as planned — before the plant is even built.

Map overlay: planning document on the map
Why glare analysis?

PV glare — an underestimated project risk

Solar module reflections can dazzle like a mirror. This affects residents, drivers, pilots — and ultimately your project.

Approvals at risk

Many approval processes require evidence on glare impact. An early analysis shows whether your site is critical — before the authority asks or an already built system has to be modified.

Avoid costly retrofits

Anti-glare films, changed module tilts, or even dismantling rows: Retrofit measures cost many times more than planning costs. A simulation before construction reveals problems before they become expensive.

Defuse conflicts early

Glare from PV modules regularly leads to neighbor complaints. A transparent glare analysis creates clarity early on for residents, municipalities, and authorities — and protects your project reputation.

Traffic & aviation safety

PV systems near roads, railways, or airports require special care. Glare can endanger drivers and pilots. Assessments for these use cases are often legally required.

Roads Railways Airports

Who is it for?

Who is PV-GlareCheck made for?

Whether planning, assessment, or being affected — the software supports everyone who needs to understand glare impact.

Developers & planners

Fast preliminary glare assessment already in the site and layout phase — before detailed planning and costs arise.

Experts & assessors

An efficient evaluation tool for reflection and glare-time calculation as a basis for your own professional assessment.

Glare assessment: process and cost

Homeowners

Simulate in advance whether your own rooftop system could dazzle neighbors — and avoid conflicts before they arise.

Affected residents

Assess a suspected glare from a nearby system in a comprehensible way — as a factual basis for a conversation.

Glare on residents

and many more

Energy consultants, municipalities, authorities — wherever the glare impact of PV systems matters.

Simulate the glare impact of all common PV systems

Our simulation tool supports all mounting types — from rooftop to tracker.

Roof-parallel systems

Rooftop systems

Roof-parallel mounting

Tilted roof systems

Tilted roof systems

Tilted module rows on flat roofs

Facade and balcony

Facades & balcony PV

BIPV, vertical facade systems & balcony PV

Ground-mounted systems

Ground-mounted

Large solar parks & agri-PV

Tracker systems

Tracker systems

Single-axis tracking systems with backtracking

Standards & guidelines

Based on the relevant glare guidelines

Simulation and evaluation filters follow the relevant glare guidelines for aviation, roads and neighbours — in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and internationally.

🇺🇸 FAA 2021-09862 Airport solar glare 2021 🇪🇺 EASA CS-ADR-DSN Aerodrome design 2022 🇩🇪 Fernstraßen-Bundesamt Federal highways position paper 2025 🇩🇪 LAI guidance Annex 2: glare from photovoltaic systems 2015 🇦🇹 OVE R 11-3 PV glare directive 2016 🇨🇭 EnergieSchweiz Solar notification & permit guide 2023
Pricing

Simple & transparent

One standard price per project. Add-ons only when you actually need them.

New Project (Project Token)

90 € one-time
incl. VAT

One PV site incl. 30 simulation tokens; required for every new project, also with Pro.

  • 30 simulation tokens included
  • Base feature set (Free plan limits)
  • Interactive online report & PDF
  • No commitment, no Pro plan required
All features Start project

Optional add-ons

Only add what you really need — both are optional and independent of the per-project base price.

Optional

Additional Simulations

50 €
incl. VAT

Book 30 additional simulation runs for an existing project.

  • 30 additional simulation tokens
  • Credited to the selected project
  • No commitment, one-time payment
All features
Optional · Monthly plan

PV-GlareCheck Pro

150 €/month
incl. VAT

Unlocks all advanced features, built for large projects. Does not include project or simulation tokens.

  • Observation points along flight paths
  • Tracked systems (trackers)
  • Per simulation run: 50 PV areas · 100 observation points · 100 obstacles
  • Excel export of detailed simulation results
  • Projects are purchased separately (project token, same as Free)
  • Monthly plan, cancel anytime
All features

What Pro additionally unlocks

Free already offers the full base feature set. Pro unlocks advanced features and more capacity.

Feature Free Pro
Simulation
Time resolution1 minute1 minute
PV areas per simulation350
Observation points per simulation30100
Single-axis tracking systems (trackers)
Cross-tilt for PV areas
Define custom PV modules
Observation points
Place individual points
Points along routes
Points along flight routes
Define field of view (FOV)
Data & import
Model project on aerial imagery
Storage for results2 GB25 GB
KML import
Analysis & report
Pre-analysis (sun path & angle filter)
Glare time heatmap
Daily glare duration (annual view)
Intensity analysis (cd/m², lux)
Smart filters
Topography modeling
Interactive online report
PDF report
Reflection map & 3D perspective
Obstacles & shading per simulation 10100
Exclusion zones
Excel export of detailed simulation results
Batch analyses (variants in one run)
Version comparison & worst-case combination
Glare assessment as a service

Need a professional glare assessment — without running the simulation yourself?

Contact us — we cooperate with established partner firms and will gladly put you in touch, free of obligation.

Residents & immission control All types of traffic routes Aviation Permitting procedures Risk assessments Dispute cases of any kind Worldwide

From small rooftop systems to large solar farms.

info@pv-glarecheck.com
3D visualisation: reflection zone of a PV system in a train driver's field of view
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What is glare from a PV system?

Photovoltaic modules reflect part of the sunlight. If this reflection reaches people in the surroundings, such as residents, drivers, train drivers or pilots, it can cause nuisance or impair vision. Whether and when this happens depends on the position of the sun, the orientation and tilt of the modules, the location of the observer and any occlusion.

Does PV-GlareCheck replace a glare report?

No. PV-GlareCheck provides a model-based screening: duration, times, direction and intensity of reflections. The assessment against a guideline and its use in the permitting procedure remain with the responsible expert.

Which guidelines can be represented?

Metrics and filters represent, among others, the German LAI notes, OVE R 11-3, the EnergieSchweiz/Swissolar guide, the position paper of the Federal Highway Authority (FBA), RVS 05.06.11 and EASA and FAA guidance. Which guideline applies and how it is applied in the individual case is decided by the responsible expert; the app does not assess the result.

What does the simulation calculate?

Every minute of a full year with the sun above the horizon, under clear sky. For every observation point, it provides glare duration per day and year, glare times by date and time of day, the position of the reflection in the field of view, and luminance and illuminance.

How is terrain taken into account?

Elevations come from official terrain models, from Google or from a user-supplied elevation model; the origin of every value is shown. With an elevation model in the project, hills and terrain edges can occlude reflections and shade PV areas. Distant mountains can be included via horizon profiles from PVGIS.

What does a simulation cost?

A project is created with a project token and receives simulation tokens. Each simulation uses one simulation token, regardless of the number of areas and points. Pre-analysis and changes in the report are free of charge. Current prices are listed on the pricing page.

Pricing More questions in the manual

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