Solar panels in cultural environments require more than just new technology

The transition to renewable energy is leading more and more people to want to install solar panels close to where the energy is used. However, in culturally and historically significant environments, conflicts often arise between the energy transition and preservation. In his doctoral dissertation at Luleå University of Technology, Lars Vikström examines how solar energy can be integrated into cultural environments without compromising their cultural-historical values.

“The challenge isn’t just technical. It’s also about how people experience the place and what values should be preserved,” says Lars Vikström, a doctoral student in architecture at Luleå University of Technology.

When the Energy Transition Meets the Cultural Environment

In his dissertation, *Co-Designing Energy Transition in Cultural Heritage Districts*, he studies how small-scale solar power systems can be integrated into areas of cultural and historical significance. The focus is on how potential prosumers (producers and consumers of renewable energy), local authorities, and experts can be involved in designing the solutions.

Three areas have been used as case studies: Porsön in Luleå, Öjeby Church Town in Piteå, and Södertorg in Visby. What these sites have in common is that they are subject to various types of cultural-historical protection while simultaneously facing challenges related to reducing energy consumption and increasing local energy production.

“Many discussions get stuck in a dichotomy between preservation and change, but the results show that it’s possible to take a more integrated approach than that,” says Lars Vikström.

Residents Become Part of the Process

The work is based on workshops and participatory design processes in which potential prosumers and local stakeholders have participated and discussed how solar panels can be designed and installed.

The results show that people accept change more readily when they have the opportunity to participate early in the process and understand how different solutions affect the cultural environment.

“When people are involved early on, it becomes easier to find solutions that work both technically and socially,” he says.

The study also shows that experts still play an important role, especially when it comes to technical issues and how changes affect the overall environment.

From Individual Buildings to Entire Urban Environments

The dissertation describes cultural environments as complex systems where technology, regulations, aesthetics, and people’s values interact.

This means that the energy transition is not just about installing new technology, but about how changes affect entire environments over time.

“The transition becomes more sustainable when it is adapted to the character of the place rather than using the same solution everywhere,” says Lars Vikström.

May Influence Future Urban Development

The study demonstrates how participatory design processes can be used to address conflicting goals between sustainability and the cultural environment.

By involving future prosumers, municipalities and planners can gain a better basis for decision-making in areas where the energy transition and preservation need to be balanced against one another.

“We need approaches that incorporate technical, social, and cultural-historical perspectives within the same process,” says Lars Vikström.