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Agrivoltaics in India: A promising nexus of solar energy and agriculture for sustainable development

  • Publication | 2026
Global Food and Nutrition Security

This study synthesizes the potential of agrivoltaics (APV) in India, integrating solar energy and agriculture. Our review indicates APV can be a net-positive intervention, enhancing land productivity (Land Equivalent Ratio often > 1.5) and farmer incomes, but benefits are highly condition-dependent. Net gains are maximized with (i) shade-tolerant crops (e.g., leafy greens, turmeric), (ii) moderate panel density (Ground Coverage Ratio ∼25–35%), (iii) supportive policies like revised feed-in tariffs (∼₹4/kWh), and (iv) in contexts where water conservation or heat stress mitigation adds agricultural value. For instance, APV on grape farms can increase economic value over 15-fold, while a 50 MWp system in Maharashtra shows a competitive levelized cost of ₹2.02/kWh. However, a high LER can mask crop losses offset by energy revenue, and unsuitable designs or tariffs may cause up to 20% losses for generators. Success requires tailored system design, crop selection, and policy refinements to the national PM-KUSUM scheme, underscoring APV’s role in sustainable development while highlighting its context-sensitive nature.

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Publisher
Elsevier
Geographic coverageIndia
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08 Apr 2026

Knowledge service | MetadataGlobal Food and Nutrition Security | Research and Innovation
Digital Europa Thesaurus (DET)policymakingsolar energyAgriculturesustainable developmentrenewable energy
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