Solar energy enriching the landscape: Assessing landscape and public acceptance of solar landscapes

The transition to renewable energy sources leads to landscape change. In general, there seems to be high public support for renewable energy. However, local implementation of renewable energy initiatives is often faced with opposition and local resistance. Many scholars consider public acceptance as one of the keys to a successful transition to renewable energy. Another approach, which is considered to improve public acceptance, is introducing the concept of landscape quality as an aim for development. The possible connection between landscape quality and public acceptance is the motivation for this research into the possibilities for solar energy to enrich the landscape. The general research question is: What are the spatial characteristics for solar landscapes to contribute to landscape quality and public acceptance and how can this be operationalized in co-creative design processes? The research question will be addressed in four research modules: Firstly by a systematic analysis to understand the connection between landscape quality and public acceptance in solar landscapes, in order to establish a conceptual framework. Secondly, testing how the concept of landscape quality, used in co-creative design of a solar landscape, influences public acceptance. Thirdly, performing action research to assess the conditions, benefits, limitations, and pitfalls of a co-creative design research in solar landscapes; and lastly a post-construction evaluation of solar landscapes to verify to what extend the ambitions on landscape quality and public acceptance are realized.