Keep it local and low-key: Social acceptance of alpine solar power projects

Abstract Impressive growth rates of solar photovoltaics (PV) in higher latitudes are raising concerns about seasonal mismatches between demand and supply. Locating utility-scale PV projects alpine regions with high irradiation could help to meet during the winter season. However, similar wind farms, large change landscape may therefore face social acceptance issues. In contrast rich literature on energy, power has received less attention. This paper helps close this gap a large-scale survey (N = 1036) that examines Switzerland through choice experiments. addition attributes well established literature, such as local ownership, along both distributional procedural justice, we also investigate influence innovative design elements acceptance. Our findings suggest colored panels reduce perceived increase acceptance, implying should be kept low-key. We find is among affected population than inhabitants non-alpine regions.