Agrivoltaics explained: growing crops and making solar power on the same land

Agrivoltaics combines crop cultivation with solar power generation on the same land. This PIB backgrounder explains why India is exploring it.

Why it is being considered

Agriculture supports about 46.1% of India's population, and the sector's gross value added is estimated at ₹52.08 lakh crore in 2025-26. Farming needs reliable, affordable power for irrigation and other work.

According to Land Use Statistics for 2023-24, India's reported area is 306.96 million hectares, about 55% of it agricultural. The net sown area is 138.99 million hectares and the gross cropped area 217.88 million hectares. That land base, the backgrounder says, offers room to generate solar electricity alongside crops.

How it works

Solar panels are installed above or between crop rows, so electricity generation and farming continue together. Depending on crop, panel design and local conditions, partial shade may also reduce soil moisture loss.

The backgrounder says the approach can improve land-use efficiency, diversify farm earnings and strengthen food and energy security. Farmers may also earn extra by supplying surplus power to the grid. Solar irrigation pumps can give daytime power and reduce reliance on diesel.

India is exploring how to adapt agrivoltaics to different farm conditions through research, field demonstrations and policy development. The backgrounder presents it as a "promising pathway", not a settled technology with proven results.

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Source: official release by the PIB Backgrounder, issued through the Press Information Bureau, Government of India (02 NOV 2026 3:40PM by PIB Delhi). Read the full official text: Agri-Voltaics.