Does economics override obstruction? The effects of civic engagement and climate obstruction on residential solar energy adoption in Germany

Using spatial regression models, this paper finds that the adoption rate of residential photovoltaic systems in Germany is positively associated with civic engagement, measured by the presence of citizen-led solar initiatives and the strength of a district’s social connectedness. During the second wave, adoption rates are negatively correlated with AfD vote shares, a party known for its explicit hostile stance towards climate change and the energy transition. While the effect of civic engagement weakens in later years, the negative effect of AfD vote shares increases. These results challenge the view that economic incentives alone are sufficient to drive energy transitions. In contexts of strong political resistance, additional non-economic measures, such as public engagement campaigns, may be necessary to enable and ensure an inclusive and just energy transition.