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Agrovoltaics
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 What is an agrovoltaics plant?

 

An agrovoltaics plant is an innovative dual land-use system where high-efficiency solar photovoltaic panels are installed above agricultural land, enabling the simultaneous generation of renewable energy and the cultivation of crops on the same plot

Why Agrovoltaics?
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 Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)

Integrating a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) with an agrivoltaics setup creates a multi-benefit energy–agriculture nexus that improves both project bankability and operational value

 

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Integration Models


A.       On-farm energy self-consumption
          PV + BESS powers irrigation pumps, processing units (turmeric/oil pressing, cold storage, grading).
          Excess sent to grid under net metering or virtual net metering.


B.       Community agrivoltaics with BESS
          A cluster of farms shares a central PV+BESS plant.
          Energy distributed via microgrid or sold to DISCOM via group PPA.


C.      Agrivoltaics + BESS for C&I PPA
          Farm generates power and sells stored energy to commercial buyers at premium ToD tariffs.
          Farmers earn fixed land lease plus revenue share.

Community Agrivoltaics Solar Project

The Community Agrivoltaics Solar Project integrates solar PV panels with agriculture on the same land, enabling dual income from energy and crops. Local farmers, households, and cooperatives share the benefits through community ownership or subscription models.

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Business Models


Cooperative Ownership – Members invest & share profits from electricity + crops.
Energy-as-a-Service (EaaS) – Developer owns; community pays reduced tariff.
Virtual Net Metering – Grid credits shared with subscribers.

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Value Addition Examples with Agrivoltaics in Agriculture


1. Turmeric & Curcumin Extraction

 

  • Setup:  1 MW agrivoltaics structure with 3–4 m clearance.

  • Crops:  Lakadong turmeric + intercropping ginger.

  • Value Addition: Solar-powered washing, slicing, solar dryers, grinding, and curcumin extraction for nutraceuticals and cosmetics.

  • Revenue Streams: Sale of branded turmeric powder, curcumin capsules, turmeric oil; surplus solar via PPA.

  • Impact: 3–5× higher farmer income, 15–20% water savings.


2. Medicinal Herbs & Essential Oils

 

  • Setup:  500 kW agrivoltaics over shaded plots.

  • Crops:  Lemongrass, tulsi, peppermint.

  • Value Addition: Steam distillation units powered by solar; packaged essential oils for pharma and aromatherapy markets.

  • Revenue Streams: Raw herb sales + high-value essential oils (₹800–1500/litre).

  • Impact: Diversifies crop portfolio, reduces seasonal market risks.


3. Floriculture & Cold Chain

 

  • Setup:  1 MW agrivoltaics above marigold, roses, and orchids.

  • Value Addition: Solar-powered cold storage to extend shelf life; grading and packaging units for export.

  • Revenue Streams: Fresh flowers for local & export markets, dried petals for herbal tea and cosmetics.

  • Impact:  Minimises post-harvest losses by 30–40%, premium export pricing.


4. Aquaponics & High-Value Vegetables

 

  • Setup: 500 kW agrivoltaics over fish tanks & hydroponic leafy greens.

  • Value Addition: Solar pumps and aeration systems; packaged ready-to-cook salad kits; live fish sales.

  • Revenue Streams: Vegetables (₹40–80/kg), fish (₹150–300/kg), surplus solar.

  • Impact: Year-round production, 80–90% water recycling, dual food source.


5. Dairy & Fodder Integration

 

  • Setup: 1 MW agrivoltaics over fodder crops (napier grass, maize).

  • Value Addition: Solar-powered chaff cutters, pellet-making machines, and milk chilling units.

  • Revenue Streams: Milk, packaged fodder pellets, sale of surplus solar to the grid.

  • Impact: Reduces feed costs by 20–25%, improves milk quality and shelf life.

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