Agriphotovoltaics: A Dual Solution for Food and Energy

Agriphotovoltaics: A Dual Solution for Food and Energy

Why in the News ?


A recent report by ICRIER highlights the potential of agriphotovoltaics (APVs) to enhance farmers’ income and land-use efficiency in India. Experts recommend integrating APVs into national solarisation schemes and developing standardised guidelines for their design and implementation.

Agriphotovoltaics: A Dual Solution for Food and Energy

About the Concept and Benefits of APVs:

  • Agriphotovoltaics (APVs) combine solar power generation with agriculture, allowing simultaneous food and energy production.
  • Solar panels are elevated (~2m high), enabling crops to grow beneath or between them.
  • APVs create favourable microclimates, reduce heat stress on plants, and minimise water loss.
  • Farmers can sell excess power to the grid, creating new income streams.
  • A Delhi case showed income rising from ₹41,000/acre to ₹1.5 lakh/acre under APV with lease and crop income.

Challenges and Need for Standards

  • APVs in India are limited to pilot projects due to the absence of national norms.
  • In contrast, Japan and Germany have clear standards:
    • Japan: Max 20% yield loss, mandatory project reviews every 3 years.
    • Germany: Maintain 66% of original yield, max 15% land loss.
  • India needs similar guidelines on panel height, yield criteria, and land-use norms to balance energy with food security.

Way Forward and Policy Integration

  • Inclusion of APVs in the PM-KUSUM scheme can scale adoption.
  • Smallholder farmers (owning <2 ha) need grants, credit guarantees, and training.
  • Higher feed-in tariffs (FiTs) (e.g., ₹4.52/unit) can reduce payback periods and improve economic viability.
  • Success depends on economic incentives and a robust, farmer-centric policy

Agrivoltaics: Key Points

●     Definition: Agrivoltaics combines agriculture and solar power on the same land, promoting dual-use land efficiency.

●     Origin: Concept introduced by Adolf Goetzberger and Armin Zastrow in 1981.

●     Techniques:

○      Interleaved arrays: Panels placed among crops.

○      Elevated arrays: Raised panels above crops/livestock.

○      Greenhouses: PV panels on rooftops.

●     Benefits:

○      Efficient land use, reducing agriculture-energy conflict.

○      Environmental gains: cuts emissions, reduces evaporation, improves soil and crop health.

○      Economic value: extra farm income, reduced energy costs, and boosts rural renewable acceptance.