Mathematical Model Analysis of Photovoltaic-Induced Land Use Transition

Recent policy initiatives aimed at advancing re-newable energy have spurred the proliferation of small-scale photovoltaic power generation installations, with a particular concentration in Japan’s mountainous terrain. These installations predominantly occupy fallow farmland. As explained herein, we embark on the modeling of land use transitions using population dynamics as the overarching framework, encompassing agricultural land and photovoltaic power generation land as important variables. The effectiveness of our proposed model is evaluated rigorously using empirical data. Our numerical simulations vividly depict the potential for harmonious land use patterns between agriculture and photovoltaic power generation, as our model demonstrates. The mathematical model further presents its utility for forecasting the amalgamation and cessation of diverse sites and infrastructure ventures slated for rural landscapes, while concurrently serving as a valuable tool for assessing associated policy initiatives.