The rapid expansion of solar energy in India has brought significant challenges, particularly its impact on agricultural land. Currently, over 40% of the country’s solar farms occupy farmland, raising concerns about food production and rural livelihoods. However, agrivoltaics, also known as agricultural photovoltaics (APVs), offers a compelling solution. This innovative approach integrates solar energy generation with agricultural practices on the same land, ensuring dual benefits of electricity production and sustained agricultural productivity.
India's potential for agrivoltaics is immense, with estimates suggesting the ability to generate 3.1–13.8 TW of energy, depending on varying scenarios. Agrivoltaic systems use different configurations, such as overhead solar panels elevated above farmland, ground-mounted panels with interspace farming, and vertically mounted systems along field boundaries. These setups allow crops to thrive while simultaneously generating renewable energy, even reclaiming degraded or barren land for productive use. Early projects, such as the agrivoltaic plant at Cochin International Airport, demonstrate how this dual-use model can significantly contribute to sustainability while increasing farmers' incomes.
The benefits of agrivoltaics extend beyond energy and food security. For farmers, these systems offer the opportunity to diversify income through land leasing, power sales, or both. The reliable electricity generated on-site reduces dependence on erratic grid supply, enabling the use of cold storage and other value-added facilities. Moreover, agrivoltaic systems optimize water use by reducing evaporation and allowing for innovative rainwater harvesting solutions. The shade provided by panels creates a favorable microclimate, fostering crop diversification and improving land use efficiency.
Communities also benefit from the job opportunities that agrivoltaics create, ranging from agricultural labor to roles in installation, maintenance, and operations. Developers and investors find financial incentives through the sale of renewable power and subsidies, while government agencies meet renewable energy targets and reduce transmission losses with decentralized solar generation. Agrivoltaics thus aligns with India’s ambitious goals of achieving 280 GW of solar capacity by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2070.
However, for this sector to grow, several challenges must be addressed. India currently lacks standardized definitions and policies for agrivoltaics. Questions about optimal system design, land use criteria, and farmer participation remain unanswered. Targeted research and development are needed across diverse agro-climatic zones to identify the best crops, panel designs, and water management strategies for these systems. Furthermore, awareness campaigns led by local agricultural institutions and community leaders are essential to encourage farmer participation and build trust.
Policy frameworks must enable flexible land-use permits that preserve agricultural status while allowing power generation. Clear benefit-sharing agreements between developers and farmers are critical to ensure equity and long-term viability. Infrastructure improvements, such as better grid connectivity and reliable transmission, are equally important to support distributed agrivoltaic plants.
Despite these hurdles, the potential of agrivoltaics as a transformative renewable energy solution is undeniable. By integrating technology, policy, and community engagement, agrivoltaics can pave the way for a sustainable future where food security, rural livelihoods, and renewable energy coexist harmoniously. This dual-purpose approach, when scaled effectively, promises to be a cornerstone of India's clean energy transition while empowering its agricultural communities.
Note : This narrative is based on the article by Shirish Garud and Hemakshi Malik, (published by IDR online) experts from The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), who bring decades of experience in renewable energy and sustainability.
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