The Netherlands is working on a temporary framework governing permits for solar near airports. Trade association Holland Solar has said there is a lack of convincing evidence as to why solar panels have to meet stricter reflection requirements than other surfaces.
The Netherlands’ Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management is introducing a temporary framework that will tighten rules around new permit applications for solar parks near airports.
In a letter addressed to Dutch parliament, Vincent Karremans, Minister for Infrastructure and Water Management, explains that there are currently no specific regulations in the Netherlands regarding aviation safety in relation to solar park installations near airports.
He added that the framework will provide authorities and involved parties with “guidelines to help them make informed decisions within their respective areas of responsibility.”
The move follows an incident in March 2025 that forced Schiphol’s Polderbaan runway to be unavailable to landing traffic for two hours due to glare from solar panels. The incident prompted Dutch authorities to order the removal of around 78,000 nearby panels and saw the project owners replace all the remaining panels.
