Travis AFB Sustainability Study Report Final Background Report | Page 210
utilized a solar glare hazard analysis tool to verify a no‐glare result to ensure
compatibility with Travis AFB operations. SolAgra hopes to eventually
expand the project to cover over 2,000 acres, producing 721 megawatts of
power. This would require a significant change to County regulations, which
currently prohibit such a development. Ryer Island is located north of
Rio Vista, about 15 miles east of Travis AFB.
Regulations for solar energy in the LUCP include restricting commercial‐scale
solar facility with the potential for glint or glare that would impact an
existing or planned airport traffic control tower or approach path. All new
or expansion of existing commercial‐scale solar facilities must be reviewed
by the ALUC and are required to conduct a glint and glare study based on
the SGHAT model. A commercial solar facility is a facility that converts solar
energy to utility power for the primary purpose of off‐site use.
Solar facilities are regulated by the Travis AFB LUCP to prevent any reflective
glint and glare hazards to aircraft pilots and air traffic controllers. While
most new solar panels are constructed with an anti‐reflective coating, the
glass panels can still produce glare. Travis AFB uses the Solar Glare Hazard
Analysis Tool (SGHAT) developed by Sandia National Laboratories that
determines when and where solar glare can occur throughout the year from
specific observation points. This method provides the potential visual
impact from the glare, along with design alternatives to avoid glare impacts.
Because there are no regulations restricting small‐scale solar panels, that
use solar energy on site, the existing solar arrays in the county associated
with the private businesses and the water treatment plants are considered
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