Mixed-methods analysis reveals regional divergence in public acceptance of agrivoltaics across US states, suggesting community support depends on tangible local agricultural benefits.
Key Points
Assess public discourse and regional suitability for agrivoltaics across the United States to understand factors driving local acceptance or opposition.
Analyzed 395 US news media articles published since 2019 covering 66 proposed and operating agrivoltaic projects across 23 states.
Developed an Opportunity Index with 13 sub-indicators mapping local co-benefits, weighted using the regional density of news media sentiment.
Identified three dominant public framings: agrivoltaics as an economic win-win, a threat to farming and rural heritage, and an imperfect compromise.
Observed favorable coverage in hot western states driven by shade-induced water conservation and crop yield benefits, contrasting with marked skepticism toward large solar grazing projects in northeastern states.