The Socio-Technical Dynamics of Agrivoltaics in Japan

Abstract

Japan is a pioneer in agrivoltaics with over twenty years of practical experience and already 3,474 permitted projects by 2020. Agrivoltaics can potentially help to solve pressing societal challenges, such as decarbonization, rural revitalization, food and energy security, and disaster resiliency in a country with very limited suitable land. Nevertheless, agrivoltaics remains a niche technology even twenty years after its first implementation. This study analyzes the socio-technical dynamics to identify the barriers and opportunities for agrivoltaics in Japan. The analysis of governmental documents, statistical data, and academic publications in combination with expert interviews with farmers, a business operator, and governmental officials show that the lack of a clear vision for agrivoltaics by the government, persistent legal barriers, insufficient research, declining economic incentives, and cultural resistance hinder a faster diffusion of agrivoltaics in Japan.