Drivers and Barriers to the Public Acceptance of Floating Photovoltaics Compared to Land-Based Photovoltaics

Abstract

In floating photovoltaics (FPV), modules are installed on bodies of water to alleviate the land competition arising from the growing deployment of photovoltaics (PV). However, the installation of artificial structures on water basins can affect the landscape and raise concerns even among those in favor of renewables. This work specifically investigates the public acceptance of FPV among renewable energy supporters to identify its main drivers and barriers. The investigation was conducted through a public survey, which counted more than 300 respondents favorable to renewable energies. The findings reveal that, while public acceptance of FPV remains positive, it is lower than that experienced by renewable energy systems in general. This disparity is mainly due to concerns surrounding the landscape and fauna impacts of this novel technology. In particular, an inverse relationship between FPV acceptance and its perceived alteration of the landscape beauty is found. Notably, respondents expressing a negative opinion on FPV are also those most concerned by the landscape impact of traditional PV. The investigation also proposes some preliminary solutions for enhancing FPV's social acceptance. The effectiveness of these potential measures is evaluated, providing valuable insights for stakeholders and policymakers in the renewable energy sector.