Solar Farm's Glare Blinds Drivers, Raising Safety Concerns in Fukushima

the reflection of glaring light from the photovoltaic panels, causing concern for drivers at the base of the mountain. This problem has led to complaints from residents regarding the potential risk of traffic accidents as the large-scale solar farm nears completion.

The Sendatsuyama mega solar plant is designed to house 96,000 panels. The project has already faced criticism for its impact on the local scenery, with construction leaving visible patches of bare land on the mountainside. The latest controversy involves the blinding glare.

The solar farm's operator, Amp-lify Co., informed Fukushima Prefecture that it would conduct a survey in response to the complaints. The company had previously obtained a forest development permit from the prefecture for the facility. However, ten months after the concerns about glare surfaced, the company has yet to release its evaluation results, leaving the issue unresolved.

One complaint came from a truck driver who reported a near-accident due to the intense glare. The driver described being temporarily blinded by the light reflecting off the solar panels, which created a dangerous situation. He emphasized the need for countermeasures, such as adjusting the angle of the panels, to prevent accidents.

The prefectural government shared the driver's concerns with Amp-lify, the Japanese arm of Canada’s Amp Solar Group Inc. A company representative initially stated that they were unaware of such complaints and would consider an inspection. The prefecture followed up on the inspection's progress, but Amp-lify responded that the final outcome was still unavailable.

Despite the lack of definitive results, the company was aware of the potential for light pollution before the complaints arose. The environmental impact assessment report from 2021 suggested strategies to minimize negative effects, including using low-reflective cells and carefully arranging the panels. The report also emphasized the importance of preventing light pollution in the surrounding area.

Complaints have continued to come in, not only about the visual impact on the landscape but also about the blinding light. A city representative confirmed the glare as a problem after touring the areas around the power plant. During a dialogue organized by a citizens’ group, attendees highlighted the dangerous situation for drivers and the potential risks, particularly for children. The Amp-lify side has refrained from commenting on specific countermeasures, citing the ongoing inspection.