Photovoltaics is the preferred driver of the energy turnaround - Photovoltaics is the preferred driver of the energy turnaround

Published on: August 20, 2020 / Updated on: August 21, 2020 – Author: Konrad Wolfenstein

The energy transition in Germany has long been a done deal, and photovoltaics plays a crucial role in it. It is encouraging that this is also reflected in a high level of public acceptance.

The energy turnaround has long since been decided in Germany, and photovoltaics will play a decisive role in this. It is pleasing that this is also reflected in a high acceptance rate among the population.

Photovoltaics for the energy transition – @shutterstock | Air Images

The high approval ratings for renewable energies are demonstrated by the "Nature Awareness 2019" study , conducted by the Federal Ministry for the Environment and the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation at the end of last year. According to the study, there is widespread public support for the energy transition: 60 percent consider it the right course of action, while only nine percent view it critically.

Photovoltaics is the most popular option

Public opinion regarding solar energy is even more positive. A broad majority of 93 percent favor photovoltaic systems on and attached to buildings. Among those surveyed, 58 percent said they found these systems to be good, while another 35 percent accepted them. This puts building-based photovoltaics in a leading position among green energy generation options. Compared to offshore wind turbines (78 percent rate them positively or as acceptable), their onshore counterparts (70 percent), and biogas plants (61 percent), photovoltaic technology is thus far ahead.

At the same time, the study reveals that there is still room for improvement in public acceptance of ground-mounted solar power plants. With an overall approval rating of 61 percent, these systems rank in the middle of the pack. This indicates that the majority of the population favors technologies that require relatively minimal intervention in nature.

At the same time, it is clear that the topic of sustainable energy now resonates across all segments of the population. Compared to previous years, general support has also increased in socially disadvantaged communities. This demonstrates that the energy transition is not only technically and economically feasible, but also enjoys broad societal support.

The high approval ratings for renewable energies are confirmed by the study Nature Awareness 2019 , which was carried out by the Federal Ministry for the Environment and the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation at the end of last year. According to the study, the general approval for the energy turnaround is high among the population: 60 percent consider it to be right, while only nine percent view it critically.

Photovoltaics most popular option

Public opinion on solar energy is even better. With 93 percent, a broad majority of people are in favor of photovoltaic systems on and around buildings. Among those surveyed, 58 percent said they liked these systems, while another 35 percent accepted them. Building-based photovoltaics thus occupies a leading position among the green options for energy generation. In comparison to offshore wind turbines (78 percent rated them positively or as acceptable), their onshore counterparts (70 percent) and biogas plants (61 percent), photovoltaic technology is thus far ahead.

At the same time, the study shows that there is still a backlog in public acceptance of ground-mounted solar energy plants. With an overall approval rate of 61 percent, these are in the midfield of the systems. This shows that the majority of the population votes in favor of technologies that can manage with relatively gentle interventions in nature.

At the same time, it is clear that the topic of sustainable energy is now attracting interest from all sections of the population. Compared to previous years, general approval has increased even in socially weaker milieus. This shows that energy system transformation is not only technically and economically feasible, but is also desired by society at large.