The global push for a green energy transition is seen as essential for combating climate change. However, as efforts to promote and implement renewable energy infrastructures (REI) intensify, so does the opposition. The social sciences have spent decades examining this critical issue, offering various conceptual frameworks for understanding it. Among these, the idea of NIMBY (Not in My Backyard) has been particularly influential in explaining resistance to REI. Yet, more recent frameworks are challenging NIMBY by focusing on justice-related issues in REI decision-making processes and policies, which also drive opposition. Despite the growing number of frameworks addressing energy justice and related REI concerns, it remains challenging from a practical and empirical standpoint to apply these insights to specific REI projects and decision-making effectively.

The CAREsolar project aims to address this challenge by conducting a literature review of both academic and grey literature on recent studies of community responses to renewable energy and associated infrastructures. The primary focus will be on solar photovoltaic technology and its associated infrastructures, given its growing importance in the renewable energy transition. From this literature review, we will develop an integrated framework, which will be discussed and validated with key experts and stakeholders. The ultimate goal is to produce a handbook with guidelines for policymakers, energy companies, and local communities, outlining best practices for the successful deployment of renewable energy infrastructures, particularly solar energy.