Interference Impact from Solar-Panel Systems on Air Traffic Control Communications

The use of solar panel-systems is rapidly increasing and some of these systems are co-located in the vicinity of wireless systems. Measurements have shown that the radiated emission from solar-panel electronics can reach considerable levels, in some cases even above CISPR 22 Class B. In this paper, the interference consequences on air traffic control communications have been investigated for different co-location distances between solar-panel systems and communication antennas. The results show that considerable interference impact, in terms of reduced communication range and increased receiver-noise level, can be caused by radiated interference from solar panels at co-location distances of 20-30 meters and below. The overall conclusion is that co-location of solar-panel systems with air traffic control communications, must be carefully analyzed not to create safety and security problems on airports.