Agrivoltaics might sound like a big word, but is a simple idea, brilliantly executed by growing crops and generating solar energy on the same plot of land. Instead of choosing between farming and setting up a solar plant, agrivoltaics allows both to happen together in a way that supports each other.
The solar panels provide shade that can protect crops from extreme heat, while crops help keep the land cool, making the panels work more efficiently. This innovative use of space helps farmers earn an extra income from solar power without giving up their traditional farming practices.
In this blog, we’ll explore how this sustainable blend of solar power and agriculture might just be the future of farming.
Dual Harvest: Maximising Land Use with Solar Panels and Crops
Farmers can now enjoy the benefits of a “dual harvest”— producing food and clean energy from the same land. By carefully installing solar panels above the crops or on raised structures, the land is used more efficiently, turning it into a multifunctional resource.
These solar solutions generate electricity and offer shade that can protect sensitive crops from excessive heat, reduce water evaporation, and help retain soil moisture. This creates a cooler, more stable microclimate, which can improve crop yield and quality, especially in regions facing harsh sunlight or drought.
Studies in Japan and Germany have shown that crops like tomatoes, lettuce, and spinach have thrived under agrivoltaic systems, experiencing better growth and reduced water requirements.
Enhanced Farming Sustainability & Improved Soil Health with Solar Solutions
With solar panels providing intermittent shade throughout the day, the land beneath retains more moisture, significantly reducing the rate of evaporation and helping maintain consistent soil humidity levels.
It reduces the need for frequent irrigation in drought-prone areas while effectively shielding against harsh wind and rain. Reduced exposure to extreme heat helps preserve essential microorganisms in the soil that contribute to its fertility.
By reducing environmental stress on crops and preserving soil vitality, countries like France and the US have shown that shaded crops under solar panels have delivered equal or even better harvests.
Livestock, Pollinator & Solar Farms: A New Ecosystem Approach
Agrivoltaics – the thoughtful fusion of AGRIculture and photoVOLTAICS is creating a more balanced and biodiverse ecosystem by integrating livestock and pollinator habitats into solar farms. The multifunctional solar installations can support low-impact livestock grazing, like sheep or goats, that naturally manage vegetation around the panels, reducing maintenance costs and encouraging healthier soil through natural fertilisation.
At the same time, planting native wildflowers and grasses beneath and around solar panels creates a welcoming habitat for pollinators such as bees and butterflies, essential for crop production and overall biodiversity. This interdependence between solar energy, livestock, and pollinators reduces carbon footprint, supports food security, and enhances biodiversity.
Incentives & Subsidies Making Agrivoltaics Accessible to Indian Farmers
The Government of India actively promotes agrivoltaics to enhance the agricultural economy and boost renewable energy production.
A key initiative is the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) scheme, which aims to improve solar capacity with a total central financial support of ₹34,422 Crore. It helps install small solar power plants and solarising agricultural pumps, empowering farmers to generate solar energy alongside traditional farming.
Farmers receive up to 60% subsidy with additional state support and loans for small and marginal farmers. With over 500,000 solar pumps installed nationwide, pilot projects in states like Maharashtra and Punjab have already shown promising results.
The Asia-Pacific agrivoltaics market is projected to grow to $6.00 billion by 2033.
