Concept and Origins of Agriphotovoltaics (APVs)
- Origin: Introduced in 1981 by German scientists Adolf Goetzberger and Armin Zastrow.
- Core idea: Dual land use—elevate solar panels (~2m) to grow crops underneath, combining energy generation and agriculture.
- Benefit: Enhances land-use efficiency, reduces competition between food and energy production.
Relevance : GS 3(Agriculture , Technology)
APVs: Function and Economic Potential
- Design types:
- Interspace orientation: Crops grown between solar panel rows.
- Overhead-stilted orientation: Panels elevated, crops grown below.
- Income Model: Farmers can:
- Lease land to developers (e.g., ₹1 lakh/acre/year in Najafgarh).
- Earn from both lease and crop cultivation if negotiated.
- Income potential: From ₹41,000/acre/year (traditional) to ₹2.5 lakh/acre/year (APV with dual income).
Environmental and Agronomic Advantages
- Creates microclimate: Lowers water loss and reduces heat stress on crops.
- Supports shade-tolerant crops: E.g., turmeric, tomato, potato.
Challenges: Lack of Norms and High CapEx
- India lacks national APV standards, unlike:
- Japan: Max 20% crop yield loss, panel height ≥2m, periodic review.
- Germany: Yield retention ≥66%, land loss to solar ≤15%.
- Capital cost barrier:
- ₹2.7 crore for 1-MW ground-mounted plant.
- 11% higher cost for APV due to specialised structure.
- Viability tied to FiT (Feed-in Tariff):
- Current FiT (₹3.04/unit): ~15 years payback.
- Higher FiT (₹4.52/unit): ~4 years payback.
Recommendations and the Way Forward
- Incorporate APVs into PM-KUSUM scheme:
- Use Component-A (grid-connected plants) to scale dual-use models.
- Develop APV-specific guidelines:
- Include norms for panel height, land use, yield loss, removability.
- Encourage smallholder adoption:
- Use FPOs and cooperatives (e.g., Sahyadri FPO).
- Offer NABARD credit guarantees, grants, and training programs.
- Build capacity: Skill training for APV operation and maintenance.
Conclusion
- APVs offer triple benefits: energy, food, and farmer income security.
- Success depends on:
- Economic incentives (attractive FiTs, lease models).
- Farmer-centric policy framework (guidelines, support systems).
