Funding Program: SuNLaMP
SunShot Subprogram: Soft Costs
Location: Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM
SunShot Award Amount: $880,101

This project reduces soft costs associated with siting, permitting, environmental compliance, and operations and maintenance to address glare and flux-related avian hazards for concentrating solar power (CSP) plants. Enhancements, training, and technical assistance will be provided for the Solar Glare Hazard Analysis Tool (SGHAT), which determines when and where solar glare can occur throughout the year from a user-specified solar array as viewed from user-prescribed observation points. By addressing glare and avian issues, this project will allow for solar projects to be installed on or near airport property in compliance of federal regulations.

Approach

The research team will improve SGHAT by including tools for 3D block space analysis, mosaic-area siting features, and the ability to evaluate flux levels for avian safety. A training course will also be developed that that allows individuals to become certified SGHAT users. This will allow for accurate and comprehensive glare analyses to address requirements from regulators like the Federal Aviation Administration and assist developers in identifying suitable designs that reduce glare and maximize annual energy production.

Innovation

SGHAT is used to assess solar glare, and in the case of power towers, solar flux. By improving the tool, and providing training and technical assistance to key stakeholders, SGHAT will assist developers and regulators in safely siting PV around airports and flight paths, opening new markets and opportunities for solar deployment.