Social acceptance of photovoltaic systems in heritage buildings and landscapes: Exploring barriers, benefits, drivers, and challenges for technical stakeholders in northern Italy

Abstract

This study investigates the factors influencing the social acceptance of photovoltaic (PV) systems in heritage contexts. It aims to identify barriers, potentials, drivers, and challenges for the widespread adoption of PV technology while considering heritage conservation, land preservation, energy production, and climate mitigation. The research focuses on Italian technical stakeholders in the construction sector, including Heritage and Public Authorities, designers, and energy consultants. The survey delves into their opinions and perceptions of PV technologies, emphasizing both building and urban integration, as well as landscape integration. Noteworthy aspects of this study include its originality in addressing PV integration on heritage buildings and landscapes, the specific targeting of technical groups, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the timing of data collection during the Covid-19 pandemic and pre-energy crisis period for potential comparisons. The study finds that in heritage contexts, the acceptance of PV systems is driven by economic and aesthetic benefits. Respondents value the enhancement of historical buildings and landscapes, as well as discreet PV integration. For historic buildings, benefits include reuse of old buildings, pleasure aesthetics of innovative PV, and cost reduction for energy use. For protected landscapes, benefits include security of abandoned areas, unobtrusive PV integration, and production of renewable energy. Cultural concerns, particularly the risk of impacting historical and natural identities, are the main barriers to acceptance. Lack of knowledge about PV technology is not a significant issue. These findings emphasize the need to address cultural and aesthetic considerations when promoting PV integration in heritage settings.