Farming in the arid regions of western India, like Rajasthan, is never easy. The weather is harsh, rainfall is scarce, and groundwater lies deep and is difficult to pump. Farmers often work under extreme temperatures, sometimes above 45°C, with limited access to irrigation or modern technology. As a result, crop yields remain low, income is uncertain, and land remains underused or degraded.
In such a challenging environment, agrivoltaics has come up as a smart solution. This approach lets farmers grow crops while also installing solar panels on their land. These solar panels not only produce electricity but also protect crops from direct heat, reduce water loss from the soil, and help improve the overall growing conditions. It’s like getting two benefits from the same piece of land which are food and clean energy.
Understanding Agrivoltaics
Agrivoltaics is a system where solar panels are mounted above the crops in such a way that they do not block sunlight completely but give partial shade. These solar panels are set at a proper angle and height so that crops get enough light and space to grow, while also allowing solar energy to be harvested.
In dry areas like western Rajasthan, these panels can be placed in rows with gaps in between to allow sunlight to fall on crops planted below and in between them. For example, the distance between rows may range from 3 to 9 metres depending on how many rows of panels are used. This setup allows at least 60 to 70 percent of the land to still be used for growing suitable crops.
This arrangement also creates a cooler microclimate under the panels, which helps in reducing soil temperature and water evaporation. This means the soil stays moist longer, and farmers can save on irrigation. In a place where every drop of water counts, this is a big win.
Why Agrivoltaics Makes Sense in Arid Areas
Regions like western Rajasthan receive less than 250 mm of rainfall in a year, most of it coming in short bursts. With long dry spells and high heat, crop failures are common. Agrivoltaic systems offer a way to reduce these losses by shielding the crops and improving moisture retention. At the same time, the electricity produced from solar panels can be used for running water pumps and other farming machinery. Any extra electricity can also be sold to the grid, giving farmers an extra income.
Western Rajasthan gets bright sunshine for nearly 300 days in a year. This makes it an ideal place for solar energy production. The solar panels in agrivoltaics can generate up to 5 kilowatt-hours per day from every kilowatt peak of installed power. This not only makes farming easier but also helps farmers cut down on power costs and earn money by selling extra energy.
Land and Water Use Made Efficient
One major issue in setting up solar farms in India is the competition for land. Often, solar panels are placed on large plots that could otherwise be used for agriculture. In places where good land is already scarce, this creates conflict. Agrivoltaics solves this issue by using the same land for both crops and energy, making every square metre count.
The solar panels also help in collecting rainwater, which can be harvested and reused for irrigation or cleaning the panels. This helps further in conserving water. Research shows that such systems can save up to 20 percent of irrigation water and reduce ground temperature by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius, helping crops grow better even during extreme heat.
Crops That Grow Well Under Solar Panels
Not all crops grow well under shade. But some short, hardy crops that can tolerate less sunlight do very well in agrivoltaic systems. In the rainfed areas, crops like mung bean, moth bean, cluster bean, taramira, snap melon, and aloe vera have shown good results. In irrigated lands, crops like chickpea, bottle gourd, spinach, radish, onion, and even medicinal plants like ashwagandha and isabgol have been successfully cultivated under solar panels.
These crops not only grow well but also help in keeping the area cooler by releasing moisture through evapotranspiration. This in turn improves the efficiency of solar panels, helping them produce more electricity.
Challenges Farmers May Face
While agrivoltaics is promising, it does come with some challenges. The cost of setting up solar panels is still high, and many small farmers may not be able to afford it without support. The panels also need regular cleaning, especially in dusty regions like Rajasthan. Without proper planning of the height and spacing of the panels, crop growth or energy production can suffer.
Another issue is the lack of knowledge and technical training among farmers. There is also a need for better grid connections in rural areas so that farmers can sell their surplus electricity. Government policies must recognize the dual-use nature of agrivoltaic systems and provide subsidies or incentives to make them more accessible.
Agrivoltaics is more than just a smart farming technique. It is a complete farming system that addresses some of the biggest challenges faced by farmers in dry regions. By combining crop production with solar energy generation, it helps farmers save water, improve soil conditions, reduce energy costs, and increase income. With proper support from the government, research institutions, and private companies, agrivoltaics can be a game-changer for sustainable agriculture in India’s arid zones.
