Developing a Methodology for Assessing Visual and Environmental Sensitivity for Agrivoltaics Land Suitability Projects: The Case Study of Viterbo Province (Italy)

Abstract

The transition to renewable energy is crucial for combating climate change but faces challenges like local socio-environmental impacts and territorial conflicts. Scientific research on mapping renewable energy suitability areas and identifying socio-culturally and environmentally sensitive zones is essential to guide project siting appropriately. This study proposes a replicable methodology to analyze scenarios and compare alternatives for agrivoltaics plant siting, using the province of Viterbo, Italy, as a case study. The methodology employs spatial data, thematic maps, and multi-criteria analysis in open-source GIS software to identify suitable solar belts, map environmental sensitivity through 14 criteria, and assess visual sensitivity based on proximity to landscape elements. The resulting workflow and customizable QGIS models provide a comprehensive, transparent decision-support tool to optimize agrivoltaics deployment while minimizing impacts and enhancing acceptance. Mapping multi-factor sensitivity offers crucial insights for sustainable planning and design. The Viterbo case study illustrates the ‘conflict between green alternatives’ where renewable energy development potential clashes with environmental and landscape protection needs. The analysis reveals significant spatial variability in suitability and sensitivity among the province’s municipalities. The study highlights the importance of a nuanced approach to assessing suitability, moving beyond simple binary classification, and provides a tool adaptable to different regulations and contexts.