What is Agriphotovoltaics (APVs)?
Agriphotovoltaics (APVs) is a system where solar panels are installed above farmland so that crops can be grown underneath.
This setup helps in using the same land for both energy production and agriculture.
Farmers can earn additional income by selling the electricity produced through solar panels to the power grid.
Benefits of APVs
APVs can significantly increase farmers’ income by combining rent or energy earnings with regular crop profits.
Shade-loving crops like tomatoes, potatoes, and turmeric grow well under solar panels.
The system helps improve land-use efficiency and creates a cooler microclimate, reducing water loss and heat stress for crops.
In one example from Delhi, a farmer increased his income from ₹41,000 per acre to up to ₹2.5 lakh per acre by leasing land and growing crops under solar panels.
Challenges and What India Can Learn
India currently lacks proper national standards for APV systems, leading to confusion in how they should be built and managed.
Countries like Japan and Germany have set clear guidelines on how much land can be used for solar panels and how much crop yield should be maintained.
India needs similar rules to ensure that agriculture continues to be the main focus even while using land for solar energy.
Making APVs Work for Small Farmers
Most Indian farmers have small landholdings and cannot afford to install APV systems on their own.
Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and cooperatives can help small farmers share costs and manage the systems collectively.
The government should offer support through grants, training, and better solar tariffs to make APVs financially viable.
Higher tariffs for selling solar power can reduce the time it takes for farmers to recover the money they invest in APVs.
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