Harvesting the Sun

Agrivoltaics is a term that is catching up thick and fast across the rural landscape of India. At the confluence of agriculture and solar power, Agrivoltaics gives you the best of both worlds. The land can be used for both power generation and agriculture.

The working mechanism:

The concept fits perfectly in arid and semi-arid conditions. Solar panels are mounted on top of agricultural land at heights of above three meters. The panels provide shade to the plants and prevent loss of water through transpiration. Quite a few farmers in India have started growing wheat even as the grid is generating enough energy to illuminate the farm at night. Additionally, the panels shield the crops from incessant rain which otherwise would have damaged the crops.

Before installation, the service provider calculates the area of land, the type of crops, and the optimum sunlight or shade required for maximum yields. Based on this data, the panels are installed. Farmers across India are using Agrivoltaics for growing wheat and have reported enhanced levels of production.

There are many crops suitable for growing alongside solar development. These include beets, potatoes, radishes, tomatoes, peppers, and carrots. Leafy greens like spinach and lettuce do well, and berries like strawberries, blueberries, lingonberries, and raspberries are also considered apt for Agrivoltaics.

The government with its focus on solar energy is providing subsidies to farmers for the installation of panels, ranging from Rs 30,000 – 78,000 through the 'PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana'.

Thanks to Agrivoltaics, the Indian farmer has come of age.

Pic credit - Taro Pumps

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