Agri-Photovoltaics (AgriPV): Solar Power with Farming on One Plot
Why in the news
Solar targets strain land that agriculture already uses heavily; AgriPV offers power and crops together.
Types of AgriPV systems
| Type | How it works |
|---|---|
| Elevated | Panels several metres high; full farming underneath |
| Row-based | Panels between crop rows to limit shading |
| Vertical | Upright panels catching light from both sides |
| Greenhouse-integrated | Panels on roofs and walls |
Crop selection
- Match crops to the sunlight reaching them.
- Shade-tolerant: turmeric, ginger, leafy vegetables, tulsi.
- Sun-loving, between rows: tomato, onion, potato, chilli.
Benefits
- Dual land use: food and energy together.
- Farmer income: electricity sales, leasing, revenue sharing.
- Environment: less evapotranspiration, better soil moisture, shelter from heat, hail, heavy rain.
- Rural development: power for cold storage, processing, irrigation; less diesel use.
Exam angle
- Scheme linked: PM-KUSUM.
- Four types: elevated, row-based, vertical, greenhouse-integrated.