As India looks to balance its twin goals of feeding a growing population and meeting ambitious renewable energy targets, a surprising solution is emerging from farmland: putting solar panels above crops.
Known as agrivoltaics or “dual-use farming,” this model integrates solar energy generation with agriculture, allowing the same land to serve two purposes—producing food and power. But can it scale in India?
What Is Agrivoltaics?
Agrivoltaics involves installing elevated solar panels above farmland, often at a height that allows tractors or workers to operate beneath them. The concept originated in Europe and Japan but is gaining attention worldwide.
- Panels generate electricity that can power farms, feed into the grid, or supply rural communities.
- Crops grow underneath, partially shaded by the panels—potentially reducing heat stress and saving water.
It’s an attempt to solve two challenges at once: India’s heavy land-use pressure and its renewable energy push.
Benefits of Farming Under Solar Panels
- Efficient Land Use
Land is a limited resource. Placing solar farms on agricultural land often sparks debate, but agrivoltaics turns the conflict into synergy. - Reduced Crop Stress
Shade from panels can lower soil temperature and reduce water evaporation, especially critical in India’s arid regions. - Extra Income for Farmers
Farmers can lease land to energy companies, sell power back to the grid, or lower their own electricity bills. - Climate Resilience
Solar structures can act as partial shelters, protecting crops from extreme weather—scorching sun, hail, and even strong winds.
Challenges and Red Flags
- High Initial Costs
Installing elevated panels is more expensive than ground-mounted arrays. Financing remains a major hurdle for small farmers. - Crop Compatibility
Not all crops thrive under partial shade. Research is still ongoing to determine which varieties—such as tomatoes, leafy greens, and some pulses—perform best. - Maintenance Issues
Dust accumulation, bird interference, and the logistics of farm machinery under raised structures can complicate management. - Policy and Regulation Gaps
India’s solar mission focuses on rooftop and grid-scale projects. Specific incentives and policies for agrivoltaics are still developing.
Global Lessons
- Japan: Farmers grow tea, mushrooms, and leafy greens under elevated panels, supported by government subsidies.
- Germany & France: Vineyard agrivoltaics protect grapes from heatwaves while producing power.
- US (Arizona & Colorado): Research shows certain crops yield better under panels, and water use drops significantly.
These examples show clear potential—but also heavy reliance on policy support and research adaptation to local climates.
India’s Early Steps
- Pilot programs in states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Punjab are experimenting with agrivoltaics. Some government solar irrigation schemes already look at dual-use possibilities.
- Institutes like IIT Kanpur and ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research) are studying best-fit crops for shaded environments.
- Farmers in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh are exploring hybrid solar-farming models for both food grains and solar leasing income.
Still, adoption is niche and requires demonstration of clear profits before scaling.
Will It Catch On?
The potential is strong, but scaling agrivoltaics in India depends on three critical factors:
- Policy Push—Clear subsidies, soft loans, and power purchase agreements tailored for agrivoltaics.
- Farmer Education & Trust—Demonstration projects that prove crops won’t fail under solar shade.
- Research & Adaptation—Crop-specific guidelines for Indian conditions, from wheat fields in Punjab to millet farms in Karnataka.
If these align, agrivoltaics could become the next green revolution—this time blending food security with clean energy.
Final Thoughts
Farming under solar panels is more than a clever idea—it’s a vision for sustainable, multifunctional land use. India, with its huge rural population and aggressive renewable energy goals, is uniquely positioned to benefit.
The technology is young, the economics are tough, and adaptation is ongoing. But if India invests now, the future of farming might not just be green—it could also be solar-powered.
