Solar glare management near March Air Reserve Base runways
Riverside County
Summary
Solar carports near an active military runway can create glare for pilots. The Air Force reviewed the glare study and the project must use anti-reflective coatings or textured glass to cut reflections.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 5
- Last 30 days
- 1
Discussed at 1 meeting in the last 60 days; most recently Oct 8, 2026.
Impact analysis
Anti-reflective coatings and tracking panels add cost for solar developers, though tracking panels can improve efficiency.
Pilots and base operations stay safer while Ross gets its solar project.
Project delays cost the applicant time against its construction windows.
Mentions & discussions (5)
(ALUC) Riverside County Airport Land Use Commission - Regular Meeting — October 8, 2026
Staff reviewed recent comments from Blythe and March Air Reserve Base about solar panel glare and concluded the existing policy — anti-reflective coatings required, tracking panels encouraged on ground-level projects — remains adequate. No policy change was made.
(ALUC) Riverside County Airport Land Use Commission - Regular Meeting — August 11, 2026
Two big rooftop solar projects in Perris raised glare concerns for pilots. Both were approved with conditions requiring anti-reflective coatings or textured glass, and the Air Force recommended dual-axis panels — though the applicant on one project said those don't work on roofs.
(ALUC) Riverside County Airport Land Use Commission - Regular Meeting — May 14, 2026
The airport director argues 'green glare' is still glare and can blind pilots on approach, and that the glare study ignored Blythe's temporary control towers used during military training. The commission asked for more glare analysis before ruling on the solar project.
(ALUC) Riverside County Airport Land Use Commission - Regular Meeting — March 12, 2026
Solar carports near an active military runway can create glare for pilots. The Air Force reviewed the glare study and the project must use anti-reflective coatings or textured glass to cut reflections.
(ALUC) Riverside County Airport Land Use Commission - Regular Meeting — February 19, 2026
The Flatiron solar project was the first test of the commission's new cumulative glare rule for solar panels. The Air Force reviewed the glare study and signed off, and the project must use anti-reflective coatings or textured glass.
Related development
Grace Orchard Energy Center
The delay gives the airport manager time to review the solar glare study before the commission decides whether the project is compatible with Blythe Airport.
Solarmax Tech rooftop solar system
No occupancy or height issues; applicant confirmed Ginkgo 405 panels with anti-reflective coating will be used.
Flatiron Power Holdings rooftop solar
Adds renewable energy capacity without new occupancy near the base's flight paths; glare was studied and mitigated.
Dynamic Sola and Storage Solutions rooftop solar system
No new occupancy or height issues; glare mitigated with anti-reflective coatings or textured glass.
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