Public perception of solar energy in Spain is currently experiencing a clearly favorable moment: More than eight out of ten citizens consider photovoltaics to be a realistic and sustainable alternative to generate electricity in the country. This is according to a survey conducted by Sigma Dos for the Spanish Photovoltaic Union (UNEF), which gauges public opinion in the midst of energy transition process.
This survey reflects that Photovoltaics is seen not only as a clean technology, but also as a strategic asset. to move towards a more secure, competitive energy model that is less dependent on imported fossil fuels. Most respondents link the expansion of renewables with a potentially more affordable electricity bill and greater autonomy of the national electricity system.
Broad social consensus around photovoltaic solar energy
According to the research findings, 84,2% of those surveyed believe that photovoltaic solar energy is a viable and sustainable option for electricity generation in Spain. This data demonstrates overwhelming support that goes beyond occasional sympathies towards renewables and translates into explicit support for the deployment of this technology.
The report emphasizes that there is a high degree of social consensus on the key role of solar energy In the current energy transition scenario, citizens perceive that, in a context of climate crisis and volatile energy prices, photovoltaics can play a central role in both the emission reduction such as in improving security of supply.
Concern about global warming is also evident: the survey places Concern about climate change averaged 6,9 out of 10This indicates a considerable level of awareness. Within this framework, renewable energy sources are largely seen as essential tools for curbing the rise in global temperature.
In fact, 70% of participants assign a very or quite relevant role to renewable energies in slowing down climate changeThis suggests that a large part of the population not only knows about the problem, but also identifies concrete ways to address it, including a strong push for solar photovoltaic generation.
In the presentation of the results, The general manager of UNEF, José Donoso, highlighted that Spanish society continues to overwhelmingly support photovoltaic energy., both through large solar plants and through self-consumption installations in homes and businessesIn his opinion, citizens have internalized the contribution of this technology to energy independence and savings on the electricity bill, although he clarified that the data "are good, but could be even better."
Priority for the development of photovoltaics in Spain
The survey highlights that, among the various renewable energy options, Solar photovoltaic energy is perceived as the technology that should be most promoted. for electricity generation in the country. Specifically, 66,3% of those surveyed believe that solar energy should be prioritized in Spain.
Behind this preference lies a combination of technical and economic factors. The main benefit that the population attributes to solar parks is its inexhaustible nature, by directly harnessing the sun's radiationIn addition, there is the perception that photovoltaics does not emit CO2 or greenhouse gases during its operation, which reinforces its image as an environmentally friendly technology.
Furthermore, a significant portion of those surveyed associate solar energy with reducing dependence on other fuels and with the possibility of having access to potentially cheaper electricity. In a context of concern about energy costs, this attribute is gaining increasing importance in public opinion.
The support is not limited to the theoretical level. 67% of those surveyed declared themselves in favor of the implementation of photovoltaic parks in Spain and in their own autonomous communitycompared to 11% who express opposition. Social acceptance remains high even when the installation of these infrastructures is proposed at a local scale, as recent examples show. implementation of photovoltaic parks.
In fact, when asked about the implementation of solar parks within the same municipality, Support remains in the majority, reaching 60,7%.This data is relevant at a time when large-scale renewable energy projects are often subject to public consultation processes and raise debates about their integration into the territory, as is happening in municipalities that are being transformed thanks to solar projects.
Local participation and its effects on rural Spain
The survey also delves into how citizens perceive the socio-economic impact of solar projects. Two out of three people, 66,5%, believe that investing in photovoltaic energy represents an opportunity for rural Spain.In other words, this technology is identified as a potential driver of activity in sparsely populated areas or areas with less economic dynamism, similar to initiatives that have transformed spaces into green opportunity.
In this same line, 64,1% of those surveyed believe that solar parks can generate growth and employment in rural areasThe arrival of investments, the construction of new facilities and their subsequent operation are seen as levers that could help to retain population and diversify the economy in small municipalities.
Another relevant aspect is the compatibility between agricultural activity and generating electricity from solar power. According to the study's data, More than half of the participants, 53,7%, see the existence of solar parks as compatible with agricultural production.This vision reinforces the idea of ​​photovoltaics as a future option also for the rural world, provided that it is properly planned and traditional land uses are taken into account.
Citizen participation emerges as a key element. A significant portion of the population considers it essential that the local population be consulted and involved in photovoltaic projects.This is especially important when dealing with facilities that can alter the landscape or generate changes in the area's economic activity. This participatory approach is seen as a necessary condition for consolidating social support and avoiding conflicts.
Taken together, the results suggest that solar energy is conceived as a useful tool not only from an environmental point of view, but also as a lever for territorial developmentFor many rural municipalities, the arrival of renewable energy projects is seen as an opportunity to modernize infrastructure, generate new job opportunities, and explore models such as local energy communities.
Power outage, renewables and public perception
The study does not only measure support for solar energy, but also analyzes the public's view on a recent episode in the electricity system: the blackout of April 28thAt this point, the results show that the majority of respondents It does not link the development of renewable energies with the origin of this electrical zero.a perception that contrasts with analyses on the fluctuation of solar energy at specific moments.
When asked about the causes of the blackout, 43,3% of participants point primarily to the failure of the power plants responsible for controlling the voltage of the gridThis explanation is far superior to other possible hypotheses included in the questionnaire, indicating a relatively refined understanding of the basic functioning of the system.
Other answers mentioned, but with less weight, allude to disconnections for security reasons, the deployment of renewables or the possibility of a cyberattackHowever, none of these options achieves the level of backup attributed to the failure of the facilities responsible for stabilizing the electrical grid.
In presenting the data, José Donoso described it as "A pleasant surprise" that the idea that excess renewable energy was not the cause of the blackout has taken hold among the populationHe emphasized that this result contrasts with the perception sometimes spread in public debate, where there is a tendency to question the safety and reliability of a system increasingly reliant on sources such as solar and wind power.
In general terms, the survey suggests that The public distinguishes between specific problems with the operation of the system and the role that photovoltaics plays in the electricity mixThis separation between specific incidents and the overall assessment of the technology may be relevant in order to consolidate social support for future renewable energy projects.
The role of energy storage in the future of photovoltaics
Another of the blocks analyzed in the survey focuses on the Energy storage, a key element considered essential to maximizing the benefits of solar power generationThe results reveal majority support for these solutions, seen as a necessary complement to improve the management of electricity produced from the sun.
According to the data collected, Nearly seven out of ten respondents consider energy storage to be essential or very important to make better use of the energy generated and ensure the stability of the electrical system. This perception reflects a growing understanding that batteries and other storage technologies are essential to balancing the variable production of renewables with demand.
Furthermore, a large part of the population is receptive to these infrastructures being located near their environment. Many respondents agree that their own municipality should have storage facilitiesThis opens the door to distributed projects that strengthen the resilience of local networks and facilitate the mass integration of photovoltaics.
The vision regarding the benefits of storage goes beyond mere technical stability. More than 60% of those surveyed believe that these solutions make a significant contribution to improving security of supply. and to reduce energy dependence on foreign sources. In a context of geopolitical uncertainty and price volatility, this argument gains traction in the public debate.
Taken together, the responses reveal that Society not only supports the expansion of solar energy, but also the necessary complementary infrastructure. so that this technology can be deployed on a large scale without compromising the reliability of the electrical system. The photovoltaic-storage combination is thus emerging as a key element in the country's energy roadmap.
The scenario painted by the survey is that of a citizenry that It highly values ​​photovoltaic solar energy, associating it with the fight against climate change, rural development, and energy independence.And at the same time, people are beginning to familiarize themselves with concepts such as energy storage and grid security. Although there is still room to expand and consolidate this support, especially in certain regions and among specific groups, the data suggests that photovoltaics has already established itself in the public consciousness as one of the main bets for the future of the Spanish electricity system.
