Eye-Tracking Experiment on Perception and Acceptance of Agrivoltaics: Pilot Study on the Impact of Grassland Use Visualisations

Abstract

Agrivoltaics (AV) are expanding worldwide, but knowledge about the perception and acceptance of this approach is far from complete. The aim of the present study was to investigate the visual perception and acceptance of AV systems, focussing on the central research question of whether the type of grassland use influences the visual perception and acceptance of vertical interspace AV. For this purpose, three photo-based pictures of a vertical interspace AV plant were used in a laboratory experiment with 29 participants: the original photo showing the AV plant with grassland only; an edited photo with cattle added and an edited photo with silage bales added. The eye-tracking results showed that additional picture elements (i.e., cattle and silage bales) at least partially attracted visual attention, but did not distract from the technical elements of the depicted AV systems. The analysis of the acceptance ratings indicated relatively stable attitudes towards AV, which could not be easily modulated by depicting different types of grassland use within AV systems. Short-term and limited changes in attitudes towards AV appeared to result from the provision of information and mental engagement with the topic. We recommend carrying out further research based on larger, representative samples and more realistic stimuli of AV systems that would provide a better understanding of visual perception and acceptance than photos alone, such as on-site visits or VR visualisations, to enhance the external validity of the results. We also suggest conducting longitudinal studies to explore possible long-term effects on the public acceptance of AV systems.