Agriphotovoltaics (APVs)

Agriphotovoltaics (APVs):The concept of agriphotovoltaics (APVs), the dual use of land for both agriculture and solar power generation, offers a transformative approach to addressing India’s twin challenges of energy demand and agrarian distress.

• About APVs : These are systems that combine solar panels with crop cultivation. The solar panels are typically elevated around 2 meters above the ground, allowing farming to continue beneath and between the panels.

o Dual-use: Farmers can generate income from both agriculture (crop cultivation) and solar energy generation.

o Microclimatic benefits: APVs help improve microclimatic conditions, reduce heat stress on crops, and reduce evapotranspiration losses.

o Especially useful in arid or semi-arid zones, where water conservation is critical.

o Cost of APVs: APV systems are approximately 11% more expensive than standard solar plants.

o Viability: The financial feasibility of APVs heavily depends on attractive Feed-in Tariffs (FiTs).

o Current FiT: Rs 3.04/unit, offering a 15-year payback period.

o Suggested FiT (based on thermal averages): Rs 4.52/unit, offering a 4-year payback period.

o FiT Revision: Revising the FiT is critical for scaling up APVs and attracting private investment in the sector.