Glare-Free Airport-Based Photovoltaic System via Optimization of Its Azimuth Angle

Photovoltaic modules and systems (PVs) play an important role in achieving self-sustainable airports. In particular, airport-based PVs (A-PVs) have access to their full potential because airports are typically located open spaces. However, the reflection of solar light by A-PVs’ front glass is unavoidable may cause accident due glare (SG). this study, we theoretically calculated risk SG from A-PVs depending on azimuthal installation orientation (θPV) derived a general design rule for minimizing SG. The simulation reveals that facing runway flight path causes after-images pilots ground workers throughout year (>800 h/year). On other hand, modifying θPV, opposite runways paths, significantly reduces (<1 h/year) reflecting incident outside aircraft route. Although θPV not southward, annual energy generation with optimized decreases only 5–7% compared southward. This universal approach verified at four airports, confirming model’s validity. We believe our study will contribute more harvesting without hazards.