Solar installations are designed to minimise any potential for glare to surrounding areas. The solar panels are provided with a non-reflective coating to increase efficiency and do not create any adverse glare impacts, in fact surfaces such as grass and water are considered to be more reflective than the panels which are designed to absorb light. In the case of tracking technology, the glint and glare impacts generated by the panels are considered negligible. As the panel tracks the path of the sun throughout the day, the reflection is consistently angled at a point that is higher than any ground-level visual receptor. Depending on the context of the project, a specific glint and glare assessment can be undertaken, particularly when the project is in close proximity to a road. Where there are potential glare impacts, border vegetation screening can be planted to mitigate these.

When we start looking for land for potential projects, we have to take into consideration four key factors: Technical suitability - this covers size, amount of daylight, orientation, topography and access Grid connection feasibility - this means how easy it would be to connect the site to the grid Planning/environmental considerations  - these vary depending on where in the world we’re building, but often cover things like national and local level designations (landscape, ecology, heritage); heritage assets; flood risk; soils; neighbouring land uses and potential visual receptors Site availability - we need a willing landowner in order to build a solar farm! Once we’ve taken into account the above considerations, we often find that agricultural land is the most suitable option for our proposed developments. An added benefit to farmers is that a solar lease with Lightsource bp offers long-term predictable income, as well as the opportunity to continue agricultural use on the solar land.

Some of our projects have their own pages on our website, so take a look at the Lightsource bp site for your country, and check in the “projects” tab. If your project isn’t visible on the site, or if you’d like more information, please get in touch by emailing info@lightsourcebp.com.

As solar is a passive technology, the panels themselves are silent. Some noise is generated by the inverters and other ancillary equipment, but we take care to locate these away from property boundaries where possible, so there is minimal noise beyond the site.

Depending on where you are, you may be able to comment on the proposal directly to the planning committee or permitting body. Wherever you are, you can always contact Lightsource bp directly about any one of our projects. Email info@lightsourcebp.com, or use the contact form on the project page.

Yes, community engagement is an important part of the planning process at Lightsource bp. The form this takes may vary depending on jurisdiction, but whether it’s an in-person event, a virtual meeting, a mail out or something else entirely, we do our best to reach out to the community during every project we develop.