Agrivoltaics: Merging Agriculture with Solar Power for a Sustainable Future

FAQs on Agrivoltaics

1. What is Agrivoltaics (AgriPV)?

Agrivoltaics, often referred to as agri-solar or agrophotovoltaics (APV), is an innovative farming approach that involves the installation of solar panels on agricultural land. This setup enables the simultaneous generation of electricity and cultivation of crops, allowing farmers to produce food and generate solar energy from the same plot of land.

2. Why is solar energy considered the “third crop”?

Traditionally, Indian farmers cultivate two seasonal crops: kharif (monsoon) and rabi (winter). Agrivoltaics introduces a third revenue stream through solar energy, which can be harvested throughout the year. This “third crop” provides a steady income by reducing the farmer’s electricity expenses or by selling excess power to the grid, particularly under initiatives like PM-KUSUM.

3. What are the first two crops in Indian agriculture?

• Kharif crops are planted at the onset of the monsoon (June-July) and harvested in September-October. Examples include rice, maize, millets, and cotton.
• Rabi crops are cultivated in winter (October-November) and harvested in March-April, examples being wheat, barley, mustard, and gram.

4. How does Agrivoltaics benefit farmers economically?

AgriPV systems can provide farmers with an additional income of approximately Rs 30,000 per acre annually through solar leasing or energy sales. Farmers can utilize the solar energy for irrigation or enter into lease agreements with solar companies, thus diversifying their income and reducing reliance on unpredictable monsoon seasons.

5. How do AgriPV systems improve crop and energy output together?

• Solar panels act as shaded canopies, offering protection to crops from intense sunlight and heavy rainfall.
• The transpiration from plants keeps the panels cooler, potentially enhancing solar generation by up to 5%.
• This results in a mutually beneficial relationship where crops enjoy a moderated microclimate, and panels benefit from thermal regulation.

6. What are the challenges with current solar designs for agriculture?

Many existing solar panels are ground-mounted at a height of 1 meter, leading to deep shadows and low clearance, which:

• Blocks sunlight for various crops
• Restricts the use of farm machinery
• Limits the movement of manual labor

Thus, it is crucial to adapt panel height, spacing, and transparency to maximize land utility for both farming and solar energy generation.

7. What is the PM-KUSUM scheme and how does it support AgriPV?

PM-KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan) is a government initiative aimed at promoting renewable energy in agriculture. It comprises three components:

• Component A: Grid-connected solar or other renewable power plants on barren or cultivable lands.
• Component B: Installation of standalone solar pumps for irrigation.
• Component C: Solarisation of existing grid-connected pumps.

Agrivoltaics primarily falls under Component A, where solar installations can occur on active farmland, allowing farmers to lease land or collaborate with developers for electricity generation and sales.

8. Can small and marginal farmers adopt AgriPV?

Yes! Models such as:

• Land leasing to solar developers, enabling farmers to retain ownership while earning regular rent
• Community solar projects that allow multiple farmers to benefit from a shared installation
• Government subsidies and soft loans under KUSUM

These frameworks help mitigate capital and infrastructure challenges for small and marginal farmers.

9. What kind of crops can be grown under AgriPV systems?

Shade-tolerant crops like tomatoes, spinach, leafy greens, coriander, green gram, and certain millets are ideally suited for AgriPV. Ongoing research is exploring ways to adapt panel designs for a broader range of crops requiring full sunlight.

10. How does AgriPV support decentralized energy and local industry?

Solar energy produced from Agrivoltaic installations can be sold to nearby agro-processing units or MSMEs, minimizing transmission losses and fostering localized power ecosystems. This model not only helps solar developers achieve sustainable returns but also enhances rural employment opportunities.

11. What are the key technical needs for successful AgriPV implementation?

• Panels must be installed at heights of 2.5 to 3 meters
• Designs should allow for 50 to 60% sunlight penetration
• Ample spacing should be maintained for farm machinery and laborers
• Adjustments in tilt and angle to accommodate seasonal sunlight variations

12. What kind of institutional support is needed?

• Establishment of national guidelines for AgriPV standards
• Integration of AgriPV into the KUSUM policy framework
• Training programs facilitated by agricultural universities and Krishi Vigyan Kendras
• Financial incentives