AGROVOLTAICS: ENVIRONMENT
NEWS: Agrovoltaics are a sustainable solution to India's solar energy
land-use challenges
WHAT’S IN THE NEWS?
Agrovoltaics: A Sustainable
Solution to India's Solar Energy Challenges
Solar
Power in India:
- Global Ranking: 5th
in installed solar power capacity (84 GW); 3rd largest solar power
generator.
- 2030 Renewable Goals:
Targeting 500 GW of renewable capacity; aiming for 280 GW of solar power
requiring 75,000 sq km of land.
Challenges
with Current Solar Installations:
- Land Intensive: 81%
of solar capacity from ground-mounted installations needing 3-5 acres per
megawatt.
- Land Acquisition Issues:
Conflicts due to competing land-use demands.
- Regional Concentration: 78%
of solar energy generated by six states in western and southern India.
- Grid Congestion:
Concentration leads to power grid congestion and integration issues.
- Infrastructure Challenges:
Remote locations of solar farms complicate power evacuation.
Innovations
and Solutions:
- New Business Models:
Needed to address land acquisition challenges and improve transmission
efficiency.
- Agrivoltaics (Agro-PV):
Integration of solar energy with agriculture to optimize land use, reduce
transmission distances, and enhance local energy production.
Agrivoltaics:
- Definition: Concurrent use
of land for agriculture and solar energy production.
- System Designs:
- Interleaved Arrays:
Solar panels interspersed with crops.
- Elevated Arrays:
Solar panels elevated above crops or livestock.
- Greenhouses: PV panels
integrated into greenhouse roofs.
Benefits:
- Land Use Efficiency:
Reduces competition for land.
- Environmental Impact:
Mitigates greenhouse gas emissions, conserves water, and enhances crop
yields.
- Economic Opportunities:
Diversifies farmer income, lowers energy costs, and increases community
acceptance.
Challenges:
- Crop-Solar Trade-offs:
Balancing sunlight exposure for crops and PV panels.
- Technological Complexity:
Requires specialized knowledge and infrastructure.
- Economic Viability: High
initial costs and regulatory challenges.
Global
Adoption and Future Prospects:
- Initial Adoption:
Pioneered in Europe and Asia.
- Ongoing R&D: Aims
to optimize designs, improve economic feasibility, and expand regulatory
support.
Relevance
in India:
- Agrivoltaics Integration:
Installing panels on agricultural land.
- Dual Land-Use Benefits:
Addresses land scarcity and acquisition issues.
- Localized Transmission:
Enhances local energy distribution and reduces infrastructure costs.
Economic
and Environmental Benefits:
- Improved Land Productivity:
Increases productivity by 35-73%.
- Indirect Benefits:
Provides reliable power, supports agro-processing, and generates rural
employment.
- Economic Buffer:
Buffers against financial distress in agriculture.
Technical
Advantages:
- Optimal Panel Placement:
Panels mounted 2-3 meters above ground.
- Microclimate Benefits:
Protects crops and enhances panel efficiency.
Environmental
and Climate Resilience:
- Synergy: Reduces reliance
on emission-intensive energy sources.
- Climate Change Mitigation:
Ensures stable agricultural yields despite climate impacts.
Agro-PV
Applications with Various Crops:
- Versatile Crop Combinations:
Supports both food and non-food crops.
- Horticultural Benefits:
Advantages for leafy greens, root vegetables, legumes, and herbs.
- Increased Crop Yields:
Examples include:
- Tomato: +11%
- Lettuce: +38%
- Cotton: +33%, leading to up to 142% net income increase.
Integration
with India's Agricultural Sector:
- Horticulture Production:
320.48 million tonnes in 2023.
- Reduction of Food Waste:
Nearly 40% of horticultural produce wasted.
- Cold Storage Facilities:
Supported by agro-PV energy to reduce losses.
- Enhanced Productivity:
Agro-PV systems can boost productivity, reduce food waste, and promote
sustainable energy use.
Conclusion:
- Agrivoltaics represents a promising solution for integrating
renewable energy generation with agricultural practices, addressing land
use challenges, and promoting economic and environmental sustainability in
India.
Source: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/energy/agrovoltaics-are-a-sustainable-solution-to-indias-solar-energy-land-use-challenges#:~:text=In%20agrivoltaics%2C%20solar%20panels