Agrivoltaics

Agrivoltaics, a concept that integrates solar energy generation with agricultural production, is emerging as a promising solution to address India's challenges in food security, energy access, and climate resilience. By installing solar panels above crops, this dual-use approach allows for simultaneous cultivation and electricity generation, offering a sustainable path forward.

What is  Agrivoltaics?

• Agrivoltaics involves elevating solar panels—typically 2 to 3 meters above the ground—to create space for crops to grow beneath them.
• This setup not only generates renewable energy but also provides shade and protection to the crops, enhancing their resilience to extreme weather conditions.
• The concept was first proposed in 1981 by German scientists Adolf Goetzberger and Armin Zastrow, who recognized the potential of combining agriculture and solar energy on the same land.

Why is it relevant for India?

• India's vast agricultural landscape, accounting for over 60% of its total land area, faces increasing pressure from climate change, water scarcity, and land-use conflicts.
• Traditional farming methods are becoming less viable, and the demand for renewable energy is on the rise.
• Agrivoltaics offers a solution by enabling farmers to generate income from both crops and electricity, thereby improving their economic stability and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

How does it benefit Farmers?

• Enhanced Income Streams: Farmers can earn revenue from leasing land for solar installations and selling excess electricity to the grid.
• Improved Crop Yields: The shade provided by solar panels can reduce soil evaporation by up to 29%, conserving water and enhancing soil moisture. Certain crops, such as tomatoes and lettuce, have shown increased yields under agrivoltaic systems due to moderated temperatures and reduced heat stress.
• Water Conservation: Agrivoltaic systems can incorporate rainwater harvesting mechanisms, capturing up to 80% of the rainwater falling on the panels. This water can be used for irrigation and cleaning the panels, addressing water scarcity issues.
• Energy creation: In India’s clean energy transition, the most ambitious target is for solar power, which would need to install an additional 211 GW by 2030—roughly 40 GW a year over the next five years. 

Challenges and Barriers

Despite its potential, the adoption of agrivoltaics in India faces several challenges:

• High Initial Costs: The infrastructure required for agrivoltaic systems is more expensive than traditional solar installations, making it less accessible for smallholder farmers without financial support.
• Regulatory Hurdles: India lacks standardized norms for agrivoltaics, leading to ambiguity in project design and implementation. Countries like Japan and Germany have established guidelines that India could adapt to ensure sustainable development.
• Land Use Conflicts: There are concerns about the repurposing of agricultural land for solar projects, which may lead to disputes with local communities and affect food production.

Policy and Institutional Support

• The government has launched initiatives like the PM KUSUM scheme to promote solar energy among farmers.
• However, integrating agrivoltaics into such programs requires policy adjustments and the development of clear standards.
• Collaborations between farmers, developers, and institutions are essential to overcome financial and technical barriers and ensure the successful implementation of agrivoltaic systems.

Global Lessons and Future Outlook

• Countries like Japan and Germany have successfully implemented agrivoltaic systems, providing valuable lessons in design, regulation, and community engagement.
• India can learn from these experiences to tailor solutions that fit its unique agricultural and socio-economic context.