Faced with the unpredictability of climate and recurring crop losses, some Indian farmers are exploring agrivoltaics, a technique combining solar panels and crops. Harpal Dagar, a farmer near Delhi, agreed to elevate his fields with solar panels, ensuring stable income while continuing to cultivate beneath them. Under a 25-year contract, he receives an annual income of about $1,200 per acre, in addition to monthly maintenance fees for the installations, all while preserving his harvests.
Agrivoltaics offers several advantages: reduced irrigation needs, protection against thermal stress, and diversification of income sources. According to the National Solar Energy Federation of India (NSEFI), this approach could transform agriculture in a country where more than 55% of the population relies on crops, and the monsoon remains unpredictable.
However, the technique presents constraints: not all types of crops adapt to the shade created by the panels (resulting in a 15 to 30% reduction in light), and installation requires taller structures, increasing costs by 20 to 30%. For smallholders, the cost remains a significant barrier, and the success of projects depends on public support and clear, secure contracts.
Some companies, like SunSeed, offer farmers the option to maintain their crops for a fixed salary or to fully delegate production, thereby absorbing risk in case of poor harvests. Simulation software allows optimization of panel layout and selection of the most suitable crops.
Currently, India has about 40 ongoing agrivoltaic projects, far behind China, which boasts over 500. The potential is real, but economic viability hinges on a strong partnership between the government, private developers, and farmers. If these conditions are met, agrivoltaics could become a transformative model for the country’s food and energy security.