Agrivoltaic farming

Source: This post on Agrivoltaic farming has been created based on the article “Agrivoltaic farming focuses on simultaneous use of land for agriculture & solar energy” published in DD News on 9th November 2024.

Why in news?

The Seventh Session of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) concluded today in New Delhi, featuring a visit to a farm site in Najafgarh on the final day. During this visit, delegates from various countries observed the practical application of agrivoltaic systems in action.

About Agrivoltaic farming

1. Agrivoltaic farming, also known as agrophotovoltaics, combines agriculture with solar energy production by placing solar panels over crops or farmland.

2. This dual-use system leverages sunlight not only to grow plants but also to generate clean, renewable energy, enhancing land productivity.

Benefits of Agrivoltaics

1. Agrivoltaics addresses the issue of land competition between agriculture and solar farms. Instead of using land solely for solar panels or crops, it integrates both, making it especially valuable in areas with limited space.

2. This system is particularly advantageous for regions aiming to boost food and energy production without expanding land use.

3. Microclimate Benefits: The shade provided by solar panels creates a cooler microclimate beneath, which can reduce water evaporation from the soil, benefiting crops in arid regions.

4. This shade can protect certain plants from extreme heat, increasing their yield and resilience during hot, dry periods.

5. Improved Energy Efficiency: Solar panels tend to perform better when kept cool, and the plants beneath them create a cooling effect, improving the panels’ efficiency. This synergy can lead to higher energy output than standalone solar farms in certain climates, maximizing renewable energy generation.

6. Economic Incentives: Agrivoltaics offers farmers an additional income stream by generating electricity, which can be sold back to the grid or used to power farm operations, reducing energy costs.

This extra revenue can be especially valuable for small-scale or struggling farms, helping them remain financially viable and resilient against market fluctuations.

7. Challenges:

i) Despite its benefits, agrivoltaic farming has some challenges. Setting up dual-use systems requires higher initial costs and specialized infrastructure.

ii) The placement of panels must be optimized to avoid excessive shading for crops needing more sunlight.

iii)Additionally, the design must allow for agricultural machinery to navigate and access the land efficiently, which requires tailored engineering solutions.

Future Potential

Agrivoltaic farming holds substantial promise for sustainable agriculture and renewable energy production. As technology advances and costs decrease, this approach could be instrumental in meeting food and energy needs for a growing global population, particularly in regions affected by climate change.

UPSC Syllabus: Environment