Work

Evaluating Sociotechnical Factors Influencing the Feasibility of Vineyard Photovoltaic Integration in Malta

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This study investigates the feasibility of viticultural photovoltaics (Viti-PV) in Malta—a small European island state in the Mediterranean—through a mixed-methods approach, combining a standardised questionnaire (n= 13 viticulturists) with expert interviews involving stakeholders from viticulture, energy and policy. Results show that while Viti-PV offers tangible benefits such as shading, reduced irrigation needs and income diversification to this sunny, warm and relatively dry island, adoption is constrained by high investment costs, regulatory prohibitions and concerns over landscape impacts. For policy and practice, the findings highlight the necessity of tailored financing models, regulatory adaptation and participatory pilot projects to build evidence and stakeholder confidence. Viti-PV can contribute simultaneously to renewable energy targets and viticultural climate resilience, but its implementation depends on coordinated support across technical, economic and institutional dimensions.

Source: Energies

DOI: 10.3390/en19092213

Authors: Aron Rexhausen, Benno Rothstein, Charles Yousif

Institutions: HTWG Hochschule Konstanz - Technik, Wirtschaft und Gestaltung, University of Malta

Language: English

Topic: Photovoltaic Systems and Sustainability

Subfield: Environmental Engineering

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Climate action, Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Zero hunger, Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137