Belgium: Anti-glare film enables 8.5 MW solar system at Brussels Airport

In a significant step forward for renewable energy integration near critical infrastructure, a massive 8.5 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) system has been successfully installed on a warehouse rooftop in Heppignies, Belgium. The project, spearheaded by logistics company Warehouses De Pauw (WDP), is located near Brussels-Charleroi Airport and demonstrates how innovative technology can overcome complex safety challenges.

The Challenge of Glare near Brussels Airport solar Installations

Deploying large-scale solar farms near airports presents a unique obstacle: glint and glare. The reflection of sunlight off solar panels can pose a serious safety risk, potentially blinding or distracting pilots and air traffic controllers during critical phases of flight.

To ensure aviation safety, projects like this must comply with strict regulations set by authorities such as Belgium’s Skeyes air traffic agency and the Belgian Civil Aviation Authority (BCAA). Initial planning for the WDP project optimized the orientation of the panels, but glare assessments revealed that reflections from certain areas of the array would still be a concern.

An Innovative Solution Takes Flight for Brussels Airport solar

To mitigate this risk, WDP turned to a specialized anti-glare film developed by the German firm Phytonics. This advanced film was applied on-site to approximately 5,000 of the system’s 12,000 solar modules—roughly 40% of the total installation—specifically targeting the panels identified as potential glare sources.

This technology is crucial for unlocking the solar potential of land and rooftops near airports. The importance of proactive glare management was highlighted by a 2024 incident at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, where 78,000 solar modules had to be removed due to glare-related safety concerns.

Balancing Safety with Brussels Airport solar Performance

A key consideration for any coating applied to a solar panel is its impact on energy production. The Phytonics film addresses this effectively, allowing 95-97% of the panel’s nominal power output when sunlight is perpendicular. Interestingly, it can even provide a slight boost in energy yield when sunlight hits at oblique angles, resulting in minimal overall annual energy loss.

Ruben Hüning, CEO of Phytonics, noted that the technology has been available since 2024 and is being used in other projects adjacent to airports, demonstrating its viability as a go-to solution for the industry.

Paving the Way for Future Brussels Airport solar Projects

For WDP, rooftop solar is a cornerstone of its corporate sustainability strategy. Ruben Vandam, the company’s energy manager, emphasized that this anti-glare solution enables them to fully utilize their roof assets, even at challenging sites like those in close proximity to airports.

This successful 8.5 MW installation serves as a powerful case study, showcasing a clear and effective pathway for developing solar energy projects near airports, railways, and major roadways where glare regulations apply. By marrying safety with clean energy generation, this project lights the way for a more sustainable future.