Implementing agrivoltaics in Poland: Policy and impact of photovoltaic farms on rural landscapes

As the global transition to renewable energy accelerates, integrating renewable energy sources (RES) into existing landscapes presents both challenges and opportunities for sustainable development. This article investigates the implementation of RES solutions in Poland, with a specific focus on agrivoltaics, and analyzes the impact of the development of RES technologies, particularly photovoltaic (PV) cells, on rural landscapes. The research examines Local Spatial Development Plans (LSDPs) in 40 municipalities in the Pomeranian Voivodeship to assess the role of photovoltaic farms in the urbanizing rural landscape. The findings reveal that while photovoltaic farms offer significant potential to meet energy goals, they also create visual, spatial, and land-use conflicts that require careful management. To address these issues, the paper explores alternative design solutions aligned with European Union sustainability goals and provides an analysis of the advantages, disadvantages, and potential application of these proposals in Poland. The research is based on literature studies, comparative analyses, and logical argumentation. The study concludes that adopting a multi-faceted approach could be crucial for integrating urban, landscape, technical, and legal actions. This approach aims to balance the benefits of RES development with the preservation of rural character and provides actionable recommendations for advancing Poland's agrivoltaic strategy.