Glare Impact from Photovoltaic Systems on Driver Safety

This article examines the potential risk of impaired visibility for drivers caused by sunlight reflecting off the surfaces of PV panels installed within the right-of-way of motorways and expressways. A literature review was conducted to describe the current state of knowledge and identify the requirements applicable to this area. The procedures for measuring the reflective properties of PV panels using a goniophotometer and a luminance camera (imaging luminance measuring device—ILMD) were evaluated. The measurement results for three PV panels with different surface structures are presented, allowing the properties of PV panels to be determined in terms of their potential impact on driver safety. A computer application was developed to determine whether the sun’s rays will reflect off a photovoltaic panel’s surface toward a vehicle’s direction of travel. The application graphically displays information on whether the sun will be reflected in the direction of a moving vehicle and whether this reflection poses a threat to driver safety. A comprehensive procedure for assessing the risk of glare caused by sunlight reflecting off the surfaces of photovoltaic panels was developed, along with detailed requirements. This study supports sustainable development by promoting renewable energy deployment in motorway corridors while simultaneously ensuring road safety. It integrates environmental (renewable energy use), social (driver safety), and technical (quantitative glare assessment methods) dimensions of sustainability.