Agri-photovoltaics (AgriPV)

Why in News?

The Agri-photovoltaics (AgriPV) is showing better opportunity for Indian agriculture future and with providing energy security.

What Is Agri–Photovoltaics (Agrivoltaics)?

• Agri–photovoltaics – It is a system in which agricultural crops and solar panels coexist on the same land.
• Solar panels are installed at a height of approximately 10–11 feet, with adequate spacing to allow sunlight to reach crops.
• Enables – Farmers to generate income from both agricultural production and solar electricity.
  • Farmers become both annadatas (food providers) and urjadatas (energy providers).

What are Potential Benefits of Agri–Photovoltaics?

• Higher farm incomes – Farmers earn from crop sales as well as electricity generation.
• Efficient land use – The same land supports food production and renewable energy generation.
• Climate resilience – Panel shade may reduce heat stress and water loss for suitable crops, depending on local conditions and system design.
• Clean energy transition – Solar electricity can support rural energy needs and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
• Additional rural employment – Installation, maintenance and energy management can create local economic opportunities.

An ICRIER pilot project in Rajasthan increased a farmer’s income by 8 to 10 times.

 How Can Agri–Photovoltaics Be Promoted in India?

• Reforms PM–KUSUM – Adapt the scheme to support agrivoltaic installations, drawing on the subsidy approach of PM–Surya Ghar.
• Ensures remunerative electricity tariffs – Provide a predictable feed–in tariff for surplus electricity supplied to the grid.
• Promotes farmer participation – Enable farmer producer organisations (FPOs), cooperatives and self–help groups to aggregate investments and share infrastructure.
• Facilitates affordable finance – Offer concessional loans, credit guarantees and suitable insurance to reduce initial investment risks.
• Supports research and development – Identify crop varieties and panel configurations suited to different agro–climatic regions.
• Strengthens grid infrastructure – Improve rural transmission and distribution networks to absorb decentralised solar power.

What Are the Major Challenges in Implementing Agrivoltaics?

• High initial investment – Solar panels, mounting structures and grid connections require substantial capital.
• Land and design constraints – Poor panel placement may reduce sunlight and agricultural yields.
• Unequal access – Small and marginal farmers may struggle to secure finance and technical assistance.
• Grid connectivity issues – Limited evacuation capacity and uncertain tariffs can reduce project viability.
• Maintenance and technical capacity – Farmers need training, reliable maintenance services and transparent power–purchase agreements.

What Is the Role of Government Schemes?

What is the Way Forward?

• Adopt an integrated approach – Link farmers’ income enhancement with food production, water conservation and renewable energy.
• Undertake region–specific implementation – Design projects based on local crops, climate, soil and electricity demand.
• Ensure equitable benefits – Prioritise small and marginal farmers through FPOs, shared infrastructure and affordable financing.
• Strengthen energy markets – Ensure grid connectivity, timely payments and predictable electricity tariffs.
• Evaluate outcomes – Measure changes in net farm income, crop productivity, water use and environmental impacts.
• Integrate crop diversification – Encourage suitable pulses, oilseeds, horticulture and fodder crops alongside solar generation.

What lies ahead?

• Agrivoltaics can help transform Indian agriculture from a predominantly food–producing activity into a dual–income system combining food and renewable energy.
• However, its success depends on appropriate technology, viable electricity tariffs, affordable finance and protection of farmers’ interests.
• Integrating agrivoltaics with existing agricultural and renewable energy programmes can contribute to sustainable rural development and the broader goal of doubling farmers’ incomes.

Reference

The Indian Express| Agri-photovoltaics (AgriPV)