What we do

Solar Glare & Photovoltaic Impact Assessments

Rapleys provides specialist Solar Glare and Photovoltaic Impact Assessments to help identify, quantify and manage potential impacts arising from reflective building façades and solar photovoltaic installations.

What we do
Building Consultancy
Solar Glare & Photovoltaic Impact Assessments

Solar Glare & Photovoltaic Impact Assessments

As the built environment increasingly incorporates extensive glazing and renewable energy technologies, understanding the effects of reflected sunlight has become an important consideration during the planning and design process.

Solar Glare Assessments

Reflected sunlight from buildings can affect neighbouring properties, transport infrastructure and public spaces. Planning authorities may require an assessment where there is potential for reflected glare to create safety concerns or adversely affect surrounding receptors.

Our assessments evaluate:

Reflections from glazed façades
Potential impacts on neighbouring buildings
Effects on road users and pedestrians
Railway considerations
Seasonal and annual glare occurrence
Severity and duration of reflected sunlight

Using specialist modelling software, we assess the frequency, timing and intensity of reflections to determine whether mitigation may be required.

Photovoltaic Impact Assessments

The performance of photovoltaic systems can be affected by surrounding development. Equally, proposed solar installations may generate reflected light that requires assessment.

Rapleys provides technical advice on:

Shading impacts on photovoltaic arrays
Development impacts on existing installations
Proposed solar array performance
Planning support
Design optimisation
Technical reporting

Supporting Planning and Design

Solar glare and photovoltaic assessments are most effective when undertaken early within the design process. Identifying potential issues at an early stage allows design teams to explore alternative façade treatments, glazing specifications or photovoltaic layouts before planning submission.

Our multidisciplinary expertise across Daylight & Sunlight, Rights to Light and neighbourly matters enables us to consider solar impacts within the wider context of a development, providing coordinated advice that supports planning, sustainability objectives and long-term building performance.

By combining technical analysis with practical commercial advice, Rapleys helps clients deliver innovative, sustainable developments while managing the potential effects of reflected sunlight and solar energy systems.

Jen Goode

Headteacher, Longford Park School

We just wanted to say a huge thank you for all the support, hard work and time that you have put into creating our new room at Longford. It hasn’t always been a smooth path but you have been relentless in your perseverance and dedication to get the job completed. We appreciate all your efforts.

Claire Willetts

Executive Director of Property & Environment, University of West London

Working with Victoria Bennion over the past two years has been a pleasure. Her advice is always measured and reasonable and her relationships with the planning authorities undoubtedly contribute to their successes. Victoria is responsive and professional and a welcome part of our project team.

Josh Dutfield

CEO, Axminster Group

Axminster Group have a longstanding relationship with Rapleys (and CSJ Planning beforehand) and commend them for their consistently high standard of advice across our property portfolio. Their professional, proactive approach and in-depth planning expertise have added value at every stage, from strategic advice through to successful delivery. The team’s clear communication, responsiveness, commercial awareness, and ability to navigate complex planning challenges have been important in achieving both positive and timely outcomes for our range of sites.