Agrivoltaics in India - Bridging Energy Needs and Agricultural Sustainability

Agrivoltaics, the practice of integrating solar energy production with agricultural land use, is emerging as a transformative solution in India. This innovative approach addresses two critical needs—energy security and food sustainability—while leveraging the country’s vast agricultural landscape. Here, we delve into the current status, benefits, challenges, and future directions of agrivoltaics in India.

Current Status and Potential

India’s agrivoltaics sector is witnessing growing interest, supported by its immense potential and promising pilot projects:

Significant Capacity Potential

A recent study highlights India’s potential to achieve 3,200 GWp of agrivoltaics capacity. States like Punjab (871 GWp), Haryana (700 GWp), and Rajasthan (592 GWp) are frontrunners due to their favourable geographical conditions and agricultural practices. This potential considers a variety of crops and three agrivoltaic technology configurations, indicating a diverse and adaptable approach to integrating renewable energy with agriculture. By leveraging this potential, India can address energy shortages while maintaining food security.

Pilot Projects

As of 2024, India has initiated at least 22 operational agrivoltaics projects. These pilot projects are primarily focused on integrating solar photovoltaic (PV) systems with horticultural crops. The outcomes have showcased the feasibility of co-locating energy production with agriculture, offering valuable insights into the operational aspects and benefits of such systems. These pilot projects are seen as crucial steps toward large-scale implementation.

Supportive Research and Development

Indian research institutions are actively studying the impact of agrivoltaics on various crops and climatic conditions. These studies are critical for customising agrivoltaic systems to suit India’s diverse agricultural zones and ensuring optimal productivity for farmers.

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Benefits for Farmers and Energy Sustainability

Agrivoltaics offers a range of benefits that contribute to both agricultural productivity and energy goals:

Enhanced Crop Yields and Solar Panel Efficiency

Solar panels provide shade, reducing heat stress on crops and improving their productivity. This shaded environment can also lead to better water retention in the soil, reducing the need for irrigation. Simultaneously, the cooler environment beneath the panels enhances their efficiency, creating a win-win scenario for energy and agriculture.

Job Creation

The adoption of agrivoltaics could generate substantial employment opportunities. For example, achieving a 20 GW agrivoltaic capacity by 2040 may require approximately 110,000 full-time equivalent jobs. These roles will span the spectrum of planning, installation, maintenance, and monitoring, creating opportunities for skilled and semi-skilled workers, particularly in rural areas.

Economic Viability

Developing a moderate 20 GW capacity would necessitate an investment of around INR 81,424 crore. This investment promises a dual impact by increasing energy output and enhancing agricultural and rural economic growth. Farmers, in particular, can benefit from diversified income streams—earning revenue from energy generation while continuing to cultivate crops.

Climate Resilience

By reducing heat stress and improving water retention, agrivoltaics enhances the resilience of crops against extreme weather events, which are becoming more frequent due to climate change. This makes it a valuable adaptation strategy for Indian farmers.

Reduction in Carbon Footprint

Agrivoltaics supports India’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by promoting renewable energy. It also minimises the environmental impact associated with land-use change by combining agriculture and energy generation on the same land.

Challenges and Opportunities

While agrivoltaics is a promising solution, certain challenges must be addressed to ensure its widespread adoption:

Land Use Conflicts

Balancing the dual use of land for energy and agriculture requires overcoming legal and classification barriers. Experts recommend ensuring at least 80% of the land’s surface area remains available for agricultural purposes to maintain productivity. This requires clear guidelines and policies to standardise land use for agrivoltaics projects.

Technological Innovations

Recent advancements in design—such as optimising the spacing between solar panels for better light penetration and ease of farming—are key to making agrivoltaics more practical and scalable. Other innovations include the development of adjustable solar panel heights and bifacial panels that capture sunlight on both sides, further enhancing energy generation without compromising agricultural output.

Policy and Financial Barriers

While policy frameworks supporting agrivoltaics are emerging, significant gaps remain. Streamlined approval processes, financial incentives, and access to affordable loans for agrivoltaics projects can encourage broader adoption among farmers and private developers.

Awareness and Skill Development

Many farmers remain unaware of the benefits and functioning of agrivoltaics. Providing training and educational programmes on installation, maintenance, and operational best practices can bridge this knowledge gap and empower rural communities.

Future Directions

India is actively working to create a supportive ecosystem for agrivoltaics through a combination of research, policy initiatives, and financial incentives:

Policy Frameworks and Incentives

The government is formulating policies that encourage agrivoltaic adoption, including subsidies, tax benefits, and support for pilot projects. These measures aim to reduce financial barriers and incentivise stakeholders to invest in this promising technology.

Stakeholder Collaboration

Research institutions, private developers, and policymakers are collaborating to develop robust models that balance energy generation with agricultural sustainability. Initiatives to provide technical training and capacity building for farmers are also being explored.

Scaling Up Pilot Projects

Scaling existing pilot projects and replicating their success across different regions can accelerate the adoption of agrivoltaics. Regional studies that assess the compatibility of various crops with agrivoltaics configurations are critical for tailoring solutions to local needs.

Education and Awareness

Educating farmers and local communities about the benefits of agrivoltaics is vital. Awareness campaigns that highlight its potential to boost income and productivity can drive acceptance and participation.

Technological Integration

Exploring the use of smart technologies, such as IoT sensors for real-time monitoring of crop health and energy output, can enhance the efficiency and usability of agrivoltaics systems.

Conclusion

Agrivoltaics represents a transformative opportunity for India to achieve its renewable energy targets while fostering agricultural growth. With promising pilot projects, extensive capacity potential, and supportive policy initiatives, the future of agrivoltaics in India appears bright. 

By addressing challenges such as land use conflicts and enhancing technological innovation, India can lead the way in sustainable energy-agriculture integration. This approach not only supports the nation’s energy and food security goals but also paves the way for resilient rural economies and a self-reliant future.