Agri-Photovoltaics (AgriPV) in India

Source: The Hindu

Context:

Agri-photovoltaics (AgriPV) is emerging as a transformative solution to one of India’s key development challenges—balancing energy expansion with agricultural sustainability. As India targets 300 GW solar capacity by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2070, land availability has become a critical constraint.

What is Agri-Photovoltaics (AgriPV)?

AgriPV refers to the dual-use of agricultural land for both:

• Crop cultivation
• Solar energy generation

Solar panels are installed in a way that allows farming activities to continue underneath or between them.

Key Idea:

Maximize land productivity by combining food and energy production on the same land parcel.

Why AgriPV is Important for India

1. Solving Land Use Conflict

• Solar projects require large land areas
• Agriculture already occupies over half of India’s land

AgriPV helps avoid competition between energy and food production.

2. Supporting Energy Transition

• Helps expand renewable energy without displacing agriculture
• Contributes to India’s clean energy targets

3. Enhancing Farmer Income

Farmers can:

• Sell surplus electricity
• Lease land to developers
• Participate in revenue-sharing models

This diversifies income beyond agriculture.

4. Environmental Benefits

• Reduces evapotranspiration → better water retention
• Protects crops from extreme weather (heat, hail, rainfall)
• Reduces diesel usage in agriculture

5. Strengthening Rural Economy

• Supports rural enterprises like:
  • Cold storage
  • Food processing
  • Irrigation systems

Types of AgriPV Systems

1. Elevated Systems

• Panels mounted several meters above ground
• Allows full farming activity below

2. Row-Based Systems

• Panels placed between crop rows
• Minimizes shading impact

3. Vertical Systems

• Upright panels capturing sunlight from both sides

4. Greenhouse-Integrated Systems

• Panels integrated into greenhouse structures

Insight:

Design depends on crop type, climate, and irrigation practices.

Crop Selection in AgriPV

Crop performance depends on sunlight availability.

Suitable Crops:

• Shade-tolerant crops:
  • Tomato, onion, garlic
  • Turmeric, ginger
  • Leafy vegetables, tulsi
• Region-specific examples:
  • Madhya Pradesh: tomato, turmeric
  • Karnataka & Maharashtra: ragi, jowar, grapes, banana

Proper crop-panel alignment is critical for productivity.

Business Models for AgriPV

1. Farmer-Owned Model

• Farmers install and operate systems
• Use electricity and sell surplus

2. Cooperative Model

• Farmers pool land via FPOs
• Share costs and profits

3. Developer-Led Model

• Private players lease land
• Pay rent or share revenue

4. Government-Led Model

• State agencies develop projects for local energy needs

Current Status in India

• Around 50 pilot AgriPV projects across India
• Still in experimental and early adoption stage
• Large-scale deployment yet to begin

Challenges in Scaling AgriPV

1. High Initial Costs

• Elevated structures increase capital investment

2. Lack of Standardisation

• No clear design benchmarks
• Crop responses vary across regions

3. Regulatory Uncertainty

• Issues related to:
  • Land classification
  • Tariffs
  • Grid connectivity

4. Ownership and Revenue Issues

• Conflicts between farmers and developers
• Unclear long-term agreements

5. Risk to Crop Yield

• Poor design may reduce agricultural productivity