Agrivoltaic systems integrate solar arrays with active agricultural use, such as placing panels above vineyards, pastures, or crop fields. While these installations may reduce crop yields, they can also bring added benefits. For example, they may act as canopies to protect crops from extreme weather or serve as wind barriers, similar to hedgerows.
The study involved nearly 2,000 respondents across Germany, selected to reflect the nation's demographic distribution. Participants were shown image pairs comparing agricultural land with and without solar installations, including scenarios with grazing cattle, wheat fields, and vineyards. Each scenario was also matched against images of conventional solar parks in similar settings.
Researchers then gauged participants' perceptions of visual appeal, recreational value, and their willingness to pay a premium for electricity generated from these lands. Results indicated that agrivoltaics consistently garnered more favorable responses. About 44 percent of participants were willing to pay more for agrivoltaic electricity, compared to 29 percent for energy from standard solar parks. Only 2.9 percent expressed willingness to pay to prevent agrivoltaics, while 4.8 percent would fund opposition to conventional parks.
Although respondents generally found solar infrastructure detrimental to landscape aesthetics, agrivoltaics were viewed less negatively-likely because they merge energy and food production rather than displacing agriculture entirely.
"Our survey is hypothetical-the participants do not really have to spend any money," noted Prof. Dr. Matin Qaim of the University of Bonn, a co-author of the study. "Nevertheless, the results allow us to conclude that agrivoltaics meets with greater acceptance among the public than normal open-space solar systems."
However, practical barriers remain. As ZEF researcher Hendrik Zeddies points out, agrivoltaic systems are more expensive and less productive than traditional setups. "Without subsidies, it will presumably not be possible to install many systems," he added.
Research Report:Agrivoltaics increases public acceptance of solar energy production on agricultural land
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