Shaping the future of photovoltaics: A social representations analysis of sociotechnical imaginaries in China, Germany, the Netherlands and Spain

This study examines the national sociotechnical imaginaries underlying the solar PV policies of China and selected European Union countries - Germany, the Netherlands and Spain - probing differences and similarities in themes and the ways in which these are represented. For this, we apply social representations theory to explore the ways in which policy is representationally anchored to pre-existing national concerns. We find that PV policy in all four countries rests upon imaginaries of PV as supporting the same themes: energy security; decarbonisation; and other forms of environmental, social and economic legitimation. However, analysis of how these themes are represented reveals differences in how the themes are articulated and prioritized. In this way, a social representations analysis helps to clarify differences among the imaginaries. These reflect the varied and complex trajectories of national development, as well as representational anchoring to different, pre-existing concerns. In Chinese policy representations, PV is anchored to an obligation to meet nationally determined contributions, enhance coordinated development across regions and combat desertification. In contrast, Germany and Spain anchor PV to discourses of energy transition justice. The Netherlands highlights constraints on land availability and emphasizes market-driven dynamics and consumer protection. From the perspective of social representations theory, each constitutes a distinct mode of communication aimed at establishing legitimacy with specific audiences, whose expectations are shaped by divergent historical experiences and socio-political contexts.