Agriphotovoltaics (APVs): Integration of Solar Energy and Agriculture

In 1981, German scientists Adolf Goetzberger and Armin Zastrow introduced the concept of agriphotovoltaics (APVs), which integrates solar energy generation with agricultural production. This model maximizes land-use efficiency and enhances farmers' income by allowing crops to grow underneath elevated solar panels.

Benefits of Agriphotovoltaics

• Dual land use for food and energy production.
• Increased farmer income through energy sales at predetermined feed-in tariffs.
• Potential favorable microclimatic conditions reducing water loss and heat stress on plants.

Current Scenario in India

• APVs are mostly in demonstrative pilot stages, managed by research institutes or private developers.
• An example in Najafgarh, Delhi shows farmers earning stable rental income by leasing their land for APV facilities.
• Potential income increase when combining rent with high-value crop cultivation under APV systems.

Lessons from Global Leaders

• Japan: Requires temporary APV structures, with standards on panel height and crop yield loss.
• Germany: Introduced DIN SPEC 91434 to ensure agriculture remains prioritized, maintaining at least 66% of original agricultural yield.

Challenges and Opportunities in India

• Lack of standardized norms and national guidelines for APVs in India.
• High capital expenditure for APV systems, requiring 11% more than traditional solar plants.
• Opportunity to scale APVs through farmer institutions like FPOs and cooperatives, as demonstrated by Sahyadri's 250-kW APV system.
• Need for attractive feed-in tariffs to ensure economic viability, with examples showing reduced payback periods with higher tariffs.

Policy Recommendations

• Revamping the PM KUSUM scheme to incorporate APVs, promoting agricultural solarisation.
• Implementing models that allow simultaneous crop cultivation within solar power plant infrastructure.
• Focus on strong economic incentives and a robust, farmer-centric policy framework for long-term success.

The primary bottleneck for APV adoption in India is the high capital cost, but with effective policies and support systems, APVs have the potential to significantly boost agricultural income and sustainability.