Criteria for Identifying More Favourable Areas for Photovoltaic Installations : Case of East Spain

Technological development and social concern about the natural environment mean that renewable energies are a real alternative to fossil fuel sources. Renewable energies are not only a market niche, but can be a profitable alternative in agricultural economic domains. When studying where to locate photovoltaic installations, it is necessary to bear in mind the opportunity cost; that is, alternative land use. Medium- or large-sized photovoltaic installations are placed on lands normally used for farming, so the opportunity cost of such installations must be included in both economic and location terms.