Solar PV System for Thailand's International Airport: Site Configuration, Energy Production, and Glare Effect

In this study, Khon Kaen and Phuket International Airports are chosen to analyze the glare effect using ForgeSolar and economic viability. Simulation is performed with fixed tilt and orientation as this study aims to provide glare-free solar photovoltaic (PV) sites for stakeholders without negotiating the energy generation. The solar site at Khon Kaen International Airport, a potential for temporary afterimage, occurred on KKC-PV-F1, KKC-PV-G3, KKC-PV-G4, KKC-PV-G5, KKC-PV-G7, KKC-PV-G10 for 3,564 min (flight path receptor (FPR)), 2,206 min (air traffic control (ATC)), 1,199 min (ATC), 438 min (ATC), 8,616 min (FPR), 1,743 min (FPR). Following that, low potential for temporary afterimage occurred on KKC-PV-G4 and KKC-PV-G7 for 2,589 min (ATC) and 5,850 min (FPR), respectively. Apart from these, KKC-PV-F1, KKC-PV-G1, KKC-PV-G2, KKC-PV-G6, KKC-PV-G8, KKC-PV-G9, and KKC-PV-G11 are naturally free from the glare effect for FPR and ATC. The Phuket International Airport, HKT-PV-G2, HKT-PV-G5, HKT-PV-R1, and HKT-PV-R2 solar PV sites are free from the glare effect. Overall, it is concluded that 3,350 kWp (KKC) and 4,300 kWp (HKT) solar PV systems are qualified as per Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations. Further, economic analysis shows that the payback period of the system is 8.34-9.65 years and the overall benefit of 3,462.11 M.