Spatial characteristics of residents’ discomfort with disseminated solar panels

Abstract

Since the implementation of feed in tariffs (FIT: a subsidy policy to promote the spread of renewable energy), the external diseconomies of solar panels installed in excess, to earn income from the sale of electricity from photovoltaic power generation, have become apparent. The purpose of this study, therefore, is to identify the impact of the installation of photovoltaic power generation facilities on the living space of citizens. Using data collected through a web survey of residents living in five prefectures in the north-eastern Kanto region of Japan, a spatial autocorrelation analysis was conducted to identify the spatial distribution of discomfort caused by photovoltaic power generation facilities. The results clearly indicated that the spatial discomfort of these residents living in clusters, increased with the installation of the solar panels in their living space. Some of the residents intend making radical demands for corporate action to alleviate their discomfort; such actions can lead to environmental conflict. The results demonstrate that radical solutions are necessary to reduce the spread of this discomfort. By further utilizing the data obtained in this study, it will be possible to estimate the regions at risk of solar panel-related conflict more objectively.