Agri-Photovoltaics Potential in India: Pathways for Sustainable Energy–Food Solutions

India is rapidly emerging as a global leader in clean energy, with a steadfast commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 and installing 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030. However, this transition faces a complex challenge within the Water-Energy-Food (W-E-F) nexus.

As electricity consumption grows at 7% annually (reaching 1,532 TWh in 2024), emerging sectors like electric vehicles and green hydrogen are expected to drive 20–25% of future demand. Simultaneously, the agricultural sector—which supports nearly 46% of the national workforce—is facing intense land-use competition. The large-scale deployment of traditional solar farms often risks displacing food production, creating a conflict between energy security and food security.

The Solution: Agri-Photovoltaics (AgriPV)

To mitigate these land-use conflicts, this study highlights Agri-Photovoltaics (AgriPV) as a transformative, dual-use solution. By allowing simultaneous crop cultivation and solar energy generation on the same land, AgriPV enhances farmer income and energy access without sacrificing agricultural productivity.

Study Objectives and Methodology

The primary aim of this study is to quantify India’s AgriPV potential through a nationwide GIS-based assessment. The methodology employed rigorous land filters, including:

• Environmental Factors: Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI), slope, and soil quality.
• Risk Factors: Flood risk and ecological constraints.
• Crop Compatibility: A specialized crop suitability matrix.

Key Findings and Potential

The assessment identified 47.35 million hectares of restricted cropland, of which 2.835 million hectares are highly suitable for a specific range of AgriPV-compatible crops.

• Crop Suitability: Horticultural crops—including fruits, vegetables, spices, and medicinal plants—emerged as the most compatible candidates for dual-use systems.
• Capacity Estimate: With a power density of 0.42–0.75 MW/ha, India’s total AgriPV potential is estimated between 1,192 GW and 2,129 GW, representing one of the largest global opportunities for solar integration.
• Geographic Distribution: Potential is highly concentrated, with 50 per cent of the total capacity located in six states: Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh.

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AgriPV offers a scalable, climate-resilient, and farmer-centric pathway to meet India’s escalating energy demands while preserving its primary sector. By providing a robust evidence base, this study offers the actionable insights necessary to transition AgriPV from isolated pilot initiatives into a cohesive national-level strategy that seamlessly integrates energy and agriculture.