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Solar panel attitudes and land use preferences in a Midwestern US state

Author

Listed:
  • Assan, Elsie
  • Olechnowicz, Casey
  • Ogunyiola, Ayorinde
  • Esman, Laura A.
  • Getson, Jackie M.
  • Behbehani, Lamis
  • Popovici, Ruxandra
  • Radulski, Brennan
  • Prokopy, Linda

Abstract

This study investigates the transformative shift towards renewable energy sources, with a particular emphasis on solar energy in Indiana—a state historically dependent on fossil fuels, but now rapidly advancing in renewable energy development. As solar energy gains prominence in the state's energy portfolio, identifying the factors that influence public acceptance of solar energy technologies and land use type preferences becomes essential. The study examines the influence of climate change perceptions and land use preferences on the acceptance of solar energy. Utilizing a 2020 online survey of 789 Indiana residents, we investigate the relationship between respondents' acknowledgment of anthropogenic climate change and the factors predicting their acceptance of solar panels in Indiana and their installation across various land use types (e.g., Business, Residential, Farm, etc.). Our result shows that climate change perception (anthropogenic and non-anthropogenic climate change), age, urbanicity, length of stay in Indiana, and political ideation were statistically significant determinants of the agreement that solar panels should be used in Indiana. Further, anthropogenic climate change perception and political ideation as determinants of acceptance of different land use types for solar panels installation, demonstrating a positive relationship across most (6 out of 7 and 4 out of 7 respectively) land use types. Finally, we discuss the importance of understanding key stakeholder dynamics and characteristics to facilitate a targeted approach to successfully implement solar energy initiatives.

Suggested Citation

  • Assan, Elsie & Olechnowicz, Casey & Ogunyiola, Ayorinde & Esman, Laura A. & Getson, Jackie M. & Behbehani, Lamis & Popovici, Ruxandra & Radulski, Brennan & Prokopy, Linda, 2025. "Solar panel attitudes and land use preferences in a Midwestern US state," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 255(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:255:y:2025:i:c:s0960148125014892
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.123825
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