The glare analysis regulators already know

ForgeSolar runs the R&D 100 Award-winning SGHAT methodology, co-developed with Sandia National Laboratories and required by FAA policy from 2013 to 2021. Hundreds of analyses built on it have been accepted in FAA review, and every result records the engine version that produced it.

Why Choose ForgeSolar

FAA

Policy’s Named Method
2013–2021

110+

Countries
Using ForgeSolar

110,000+

Analyses Run
as of August 2026

R&D 100

Award Winning
Technology

Built for FAA & EASA Criteria
Sandia National Labs Licensed
R&D 100 Award Winner
Published Engine Changelog

Trusted by 3,100+ organizations across 110+ countries, analyzing 20+ GW of solar capacity in 2026 to date

Airport Authorities EPCs & Developers Environmental Consultancies Government Agencies Universities

Understanding Solar Glare Hazards

Solar glare is an increasingly recognized concern for projects near airports and sensitive locations. Here's why analysis matters.

Solar glare visible from an airport control tower
Solar panel glare as seen from an airport control tower

Aviation Hazards

Glare impacts on pilots and Air Traffic Controllers led to project shutdowns and costly adjustments. Manchester-Boston Regional Airport's glare incident led to FAA's 2013 interim policy.

Intense solar glare from a desert solar installation
Intense glare from a large-scale solar installation

Investment Protection

Large-scale solar projects represent significant investments. Early glare analysis helps identify and address potential concerns during the design phase.

Aerial view of solar farm glare from NBC4 news report
Solar farm glare concerns reported by NBC4 Investigates

Regulatory Shutdowns

Projects worldwide are halted mid-construction when glare issues emerge. No analysis means no permit in growing number of jurisdictions.

Anti-reflective coatings alone may not address all glare scenarios - comprehensive analysis is recommended

Learn why glare analysis matters

Ask Any Glare Tool for These Three Things

Since 2021 the FAA names no tool for glare analysis, which leaves the choice, and the result, with your project. These are the questions worth asking of any tool, ours included.

A published method

ForgeSolar implements the Solar Glare Hazard Analysis Tool methodology, co-developed with Sandia National Laboratories and recognized with an R&D 100 Award. The physics is published and open to scrutiny, and the papers are free to download.

A version on every result

Every analysis records the engine version that produced it, so you always know which calculations stand behind a number in your report. Our published changelog records every change to those calculations, and when it was made.

Someone who answers

Glare results get challenged, by reviewers, neighbors and opposing consultants. Our team co-developed the methodology, has supported users through regulatory review for over a decade, and answers most questions the same business day.

How ForgeSolar Protects Your Investment

Based on R&D 100 Award-winning SGHAT technology developed with Sandia National Laboratories

Regulatory Compliance

Generate reports that satisfy FAA, EU, and other regulatory requirements. Supports aviation, transportation, and residential permitting.

Automatic Optimization

GlaReduce optimizes your PV design for maximum output and minimum glare. Find the sweet spot between energy production and compliance.

Expert Support

Get help from the actual creators of solar glare analysis methods. Over a decade of experience assisting users daily.

Trusted by Industry Leaders

Used globally by industry, academia, and military organizations

"I have been using ForgeSolar for many years to offer my company’s clients the additional benefit of Glare Studies for their large and small-scale solar projects. The program’s robust nature has allowed me to think outside the box on many occasions to study even the most complicated client requests—including a jurisdictional request to study multiple, non-straight-line approach paths from 2,500 feet down to the landing thresholds.

Most recently I utilized the program to ensure that a new terminal at a very high-profile international airport on the East Coast could have the entire roof covered with solar panels without affecting the Air Traffic Control tower on-site with glare. ForgeSolar is literally a joy for me to work with!"

Elizabeth Myers

Elizabeth Myers, PMP

Project Manager

Colliers Engineering & Design

"We have been using ForgeSolar tools for more than 10 years, primarily for reflection analysis of PV systems near airports. The calculation methods and result reports are accepted by the FAA, which has been mandatory for many of our projects.

After a short learning phase, the software is straightforward to use. Our use cases expanded to include special flight path analysis as well as analysis of PV projects near highways and railways. It is a reliable solution, and we see more and more competitors starting to adopt it as well.

One of the most valuable features for us is the ability to optimize system layout parameters such as azimuth and tilt already in the early planning phase. Become a ForgeSolar customer — or let us support your project."

Dieko Jacobi

Dieko Jacobi

CEO

SolPEG GmbH - Solar Power Expert Group

"ForgeSolar has proven to be an immensely useful tool in predicting potential for glare from solar installations to allow local residents and governmental entities to understand the risk of glare prior to construction of a solar installation.

ForgeSolar is a trusted tool in the solar industry and among government agencies, which have included specific mention of the requirement for the use of ForgeSolar in regulatory language and which have accepted ForgeSolar as the industry standard for predicting glare from proposed solar facilities."

Dr. Jennifer Brunty

Dr. Jennifer Brunty

Senior Environmental Scientist

Stantec

Plan Your Project with Confidence

Join 3,100+ organizations in 110+ countries who rely on ForgeSolar to navigate glare requirements successfully. Start free — no credit card, no sales call.

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