A recent study from the University of Bonn reveals increasing public support for agrivoltaics (agri-PV), which combines agricultural land use with solar power generation. The study, involving almost 2,000 participants, indicated that citizens significantly favor agri-PV over traditional solar parks. Respondents expressed a greater willingness to pay more for electricity produced in dual-use areas, with nearly 44% showing support for agri-PV as opposed to 29% for conventional solar farms. This shift in sentiment demonstrates that integrating solar energy with agriculture could alleviate local opposition to solar installations.
German citizens show a marked preference for agri-PV compared to conventional solar park implementations. The research conducted by the University of Bonn highlighted that opposition to solar parks lessens when agricultural use is factored in. Individuals surveyed were presented with the benefits and challenges of both agri-PV and conventional solar farms. Participants were divided into groups and shown various images, such as a cattle pasture with solar panels or wheat fields, allowing comparisons against traditional solar parks.
The results indicated that participants rated the aesthetic appeal and recreational value of landscapes featuring agri-PV more favorably. According to Hendrik Zeddies from the Centre for Development Research, these findings suggest a significant public shift towards accepting solar energy projects that also support agriculture. Marius Sinn from Next2Sun noted the economic potential of agri-PV, claiming these systems can provide an additional yield of up to ten percent.
Furthermore, the study’s results showed a strong willingness to pay more for electricity sourced from agri-PV setups, highlighting a broader acceptance of these dual-use areas. Only 2.9% of respondents expressed a desire to oppose agri-PV projects financially, compared to 4.8% against conventional solar parks. Despite these percentages being small, they illustrate a considerable difference in public sentiment. As interest in sustainable energy solutions grows, agri-PV appears poised to play a crucial role in the solar energy transition.