Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/312936 
Year of Publication: 
2025
Series/Report no.: 
ZEF Discussion Papers on Development Policy No. 361
Publisher: 
University of Bonn, Center for Development Research (ZEF), Bonn
Abstract: 
Competition for land is a key challenge for decarbonized energy transitions. Open-space solar energy farms are gaining in importance but have large land requirements and displace agricultural production. Agrivoltaics offers a compromise, integrating solar panels into existing farming operations. However, adoption of Agrivoltaics remains limited, as it has lower energy output per hectare and higher installation costs than open-space solar. Here, we compare public attitudes towards Agrivoltaics and open-space solar in Germany, using experimental data from a nationally representative sample. Participants were shown three images of a landscape that only differed in terms of land use, namely an agricultural field without solar, an Agrivoltaics system, and an open-space solar system, together with some technical information. While both solar systems have perceived negative impacts on landscape attractiveness, the impacts are less negative for Agrivoltaics. In comparison to their regular electricity bill, 44% of the participants expressed their willingness to pay more for electricity from Agrivoltaics, compared to 29% for electricity from open-space solar. We also find a higher monetary willingness to pay for Agrivoltaics. These results hold across different agricultural systems, implying that Agrivoltaics could play an important role for socially-acceptable energy transitions. More widespread Agrivoltaics adoption may depend on targeted policy support.
Subjects: 
Agrivoltaics
Renewable energies
Social acceptance
Contingent valuation
Willingness to pay
JEL: 
J38
O13
Q15
Q4
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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