How Agrivoltaics Merges Solar Power with Farming, Providing Double the Benefits

As the world seeks sustainable solutions, agrivoltaics emerges as a standout concept. This innovative approach combines solar power generation with agriculture, creating a win-win for both energy and food production.

Let's first understand: What is agrivoltaics?

Agrivoltaics is basically about using the same land to grow crops and generate solar power. Solar panels are placed above the fields, sharing the sunlight with the crops below. This setup makes the most of the available land, boosting both energy production and agricultural yields.

A study by the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems found that agrivoltaic systems can boost land productivity by up to 60%. These systems can also cut down on water evaporation from the soil, which is especially helpful in dry areas.

Now, let's discuss some benefits of agrivoltaics!?

1. Better Land Use: By placing solar panels over crops, agrivoltaics maximises the use of agricultural land, allowing for dual production.
2. Higher Crop Yields: The shade from the panels protects crops from excessive heat, which can lead to better growth and higher yields.
3. Water Savings: Panels reduce the rate at which water evaporates from the soil, making irrigation more efficient and conserving water.
4. More Energy: Agrivoltaic systems add to the renewable energy supply, helping to meet the increasing demand for clean power.
5. Economic Gains: Farmers can earn from both their crops and the electricity generated, providing a steady and diversified income.

And here’s how Claro Energy is bringing innovation to the Indian agricultural landscape-

In India today, agrivoltaics is slowly gaining traction, but we're proud to showcase that we presented the concept of agrivoltaics to the Bihar Chief Minister around four years ago. We prepared a plan demonstrating how implementing agrivoltaics can pave the way for sustainable farming in Bihar.

Bihar is a land of hard-working farmers, blessed with some of the most fertile soil in Asia, making it a powerhouse of agricultural potential.

Imagine using the same land for both farming or fish farming and generating solar power. It’s a smart way to maximise what we already have.

Here is what Gaurav Kumar, Director at Claro Energy, presented as a vision to the Bihar government.

We suggested installing solar panels on elevated structures above farms and fish ponds. These panels do more than just generate electricity—they also provide shade, which helps reduce water evaporation.

This means millions of litres of water that would have been lost can now be conserved on the farm or in the pond, where it’s needed most. But the benefits don’t stop there. The electricity generated by these solar panels can be more than what the farm needs.

Farmers can sell the excess electricity, giving them an additional income stream. For a state like Bihar, this is a significant opportunity. Our farmers could continue their traditional practices while also tapping into a new, sustainable source of income.

“Combining solar panels with farming is a game-changer. Agrivoltaics not only ramps up our renewable energy output but also improves crop yields and saves water. It's a holistic approach tackling multiple issues at once," says Gaurav Kumar, Co-Founder & Director at Claro Energy.

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Agrivoltaics is a brilliant idea that helps both people and the planet. By putting solar panels over crops, we can grow more food, save water, and make clean energy all at the same time. It's a win-win!?