Agri-Photovoltaics (AgriPV)

What are Agri-Photovoltaics (AgriPV)? How will they contribute to balancing food security and Energy Transition in India? Read here to learn more.

The Union Budget 2026-27 has significantly boosted India’s push toward renewable energy by nearly doubling the allocation for the PM-KUSUM scheme to ₹5,000 crore.

In this context, Agri-Photovoltaics (AgriPV), also known as agrivoltaics, is emerging as a transformative solution that addresses the critical “food vs fuel” dilemma.

By enabling the simultaneous use of land for agriculture and solar power generation, AgriPV offers a pathway to achieve India’s ambitious renewable energy targets while strengthening rural livelihoods.

What is Agri-Photovoltaics (AgriPV)?

Agri-Photovoltaics refers to the dual use of the same land parcel for both crop cultivation and solar energy production.

• Unlike traditional solar parks that require clearing agricultural land, AgriPV integrates solar panels into existing farming systems.
• In practice, solar panels are either mounted above crops at a certain height or arranged in rows with sufficient spacing.
• This integration creates a symbiotic microclimate. The panels provide partial shade, which reduces heat stress on crops and lowers water evaporation.
• In return, crops release moisture through transpiration, which cools the panels and can enhance their efficiency.
• Thus, AgriPV transforms farmland into a multi-functional asset, generating both food and clean energy.

Types of AgriPV Systems

The design of Agri-Photovoltaics systems varies based on climate conditions, crop type, and farming practices.

• Elevated Systems: In this model, solar panels are mounted on tall structures, allowing crops to grow directly underneath. The height is sufficient for farm machinery like tractors to operate, making it suitable for large-scale farming.
• Row-Based Systems: Panels are arranged in rows with wide gaps between them. Crops that require full sunlight are grown in the open spaces, while shade-tolerant crops are cultivated under the panels.
• Vertical Systems: Panels are installed vertically, resembling fences, and often use bifacial technology to capture sunlight from both sides. This design minimises land coverage and allows regular farming activities.
• Greenhouse-Integrated Systems: Solar panels are incorporated into greenhouse structures, enabling controlled-environment agriculture along with energy generation.

Crop Suitability and Regional Adaptation

• Crop selection plays a critical role in the success of Agri-Photovoltaics systems. Shade-tolerant crops tend to perform well under solar panels, while crops that require more sunlight are better suited for spaces between panel rows.
• For example, crops such as tomato, onion, turmeric, and tulsi are suitable in regions like Madhya Pradesh, whereas ragi, jowar, grapes, banana, and brinjal are better suited for states like Karnataka and Maharashtra.
• This highlights the need for region-specific planning based on agro-climatic conditions and irrigation availability.

Benefits of Agri-Photovoltaics

• Income Diversification for Farmers: AgriPV provides farmers with an additional and stable source of income. They can reduce energy costs by using solar power for irrigation and also earn revenue by selling surplus electricity to distribution companies (DISCOMs).
• Water Conservation: The partial shading from solar panels reduces evapotranspiration, allowing soil to retain moisture for longer periods. This is particularly beneficial in water-scarce regions such as Rajasthan and Gujarat.
• Protection from Climate Extremes: Solar panels act as a protective shield against extreme weather conditions, including heatwaves, heavy rainfall, and hailstorms, thereby reducing crop losses.
• Strengthening Rural Value Chains: The decentralized electricity generated can support rural infrastructure such as cold storage units, food processing facilities, and farm equipment, thereby enhancing agricultural value chains.
• Flexible Business Models: AgriPV can operate under various models, including farmer-owned systems, cooperative or Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO)-based projects, and private leasing arrangements. Public sector-led models can also support energy access in rural areas.

Current Status in India

• As of 2026, India has around 50 pilot AgriPV installations, including projects by institutions such as the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and its regional centres like CAZRI in Jodhpur.
• These pilots are testing different crop and panel combinations to evaluate feasibility.
• The government is considering integrating Agri-Photovoltaics into a proposed National Agri-Photovoltaics Mission under PM-KUSUM 2.0, potentially targeting a 10 GW capacity.
• However, large-scale commercial deployment is still in its early stages.

Importance of AgriPV for India

• Resolving the “Food vs Fuel” Conflict: India aims to achieve 300 GW of solar capacity by 2030 while ensuring food security for its large population. Since more than half of India’s land is used for agriculture, Agri-Photovoltaics allows energy generation without reducing cultivable land.
• Strengthening the Agrarian Economy: With a large rural population dependent on agriculture, AgriPV enables farms to become energy self-sufficient while contributing to national energy production.
• Alignment with National Missions: AgriPV complements initiatives such as PM-KUSUM by promoting solarisation of agriculture, reducing dependence on fossil fuels, and supporting the goal of doubling farmers’ income.

Challenges in the Adoption of AgriPV

• High Capital Costs: Agri-photovoltaic systems require specialised mounting structures and elevated installations, making them significantly more expensive than conventional solar plants.
• Risk to Crop Yields: Improper design or unsuitable crop selection can lead to reduced agricultural productivity, discouraging farmers from adoption.
• Regulatory Uncertainty: There is a lack of clear policies regarding land classification, grid connectivity, and tariff structures for dual-use land systems.
• Ownership and Land Rights Issues: Conflicts may arise between farmers and developers over land ownership and revenue-sharing agreements, especially in long-term projects.
• Limited Data and Research: With only a limited number of pilot projects, there is insufficient large-scale data across diverse agro-climatic zones in India.
• Maintenance Concerns: Cleaning solar panels requires water, and improper management of runoff can affect soil quality and crop health.

Measures to Promote Large-Scale Adoption

• Strengthening Research and Development: Institutions such as ICAR and the National Institute of Solar Energy should collaborate to identify optimal crop-panel combinations and region-specific designs.
• Financial Support Mechanisms: The government should introduce targeted subsidies, viability gap funding, and concessional loans to offset high initial costs.
• Policy and Regulatory Framework: A dedicated national policy on AgriPV is required to standardise technical specifications and streamline approvals for dual-use land.
• Capacity Building and Training: Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) can play a key role in training farmers in managing AgriPV systems and adopting modern agricultural practices.
• State-Level Initiatives: State governments should identify suitable clusters, simplify approval processes, and create enabling ecosystems for AgriPV deployment.

Conclusion

Agri-Photovoltaics represents a win-win solution for India’s twin challenges of ensuring food security and achieving energy sustainability. By transforming agricultural land into a dual-purpose resource, it has the potential to revolutionise rural economies, enhance climate resilience, and support India’s clean energy transition.

However, its success will depend on coordinated policy support, financial innovation, and region-specific technological adaptation. With the right approach, AgriPV can turn Indian farms into integrated food-energy hubs, ensuring sustainable development in the decades ahead.