Agrivoltaics
Growing crops and generating solar power on the same land, with panels raised above the crop. Also called agri-PV.
Knowledge base
Agrivoltaics explained without the jargon.
Frequently asked questions
The questions that matter first
Does the farmer give up the land?
No. The farmer keeps title and continues to farm. The farmer contributes the right to use the space above the crop and receives shares in the unit in return.
Can crops really grow under solar panels?
Yes, when the array is raised and spaced for it and the crop suits partial shade. Turmeric and ginger are examples of high-value crops that do.
What happens to the power in the monsoon?
Fields need little pumping in the monsoon, so power that would otherwise go unused is exported to the DISCOM and earns income for the unit.
How is this different from leasing land to a solar developer?
In a lease the developer owns the plant and the farmer receives rent. Here the farmers own the company that owns the plant, and they keep farming the land.
What does Bharat Agvoltaics do, exactly?
We make each community-owned unit investment-ready: the business model, EPC partner, scheme paperwork and coordination between all the parties.
Plain-English definitions
Glossary
DISCOM
The electricity distribution company that supplies power in an area and buys surplus from the unit.
DPR
Detailed project report. The technical and financial document a scheme or lender needs before approving a project.
EPC
Engineering, procurement and construction. The firm that designs and builds the array.
Evapotranspiration
Water lost from soil and plant leaves to the air. Shade lowers it.
kWp
Kilowatt-peak. The rated output of a solar array in full sun.
Net metering
An arrangement where power exported to the grid is measured and credited or paid for.
O&M
Operations and maintenance. The routine work of keeping the unit running.
PM-KUSUM
A central government scheme that supports solar pumps and grid-connected solar on agricultural land.
SPV
Special purpose vehicle. A company set up to own and run a single unit.
Village Unit
One farmer-owned agrivoltaic installation, with its array, pumps, meters and crop plan.
Sources and further reading
Reading & evidence
Watch
When Solar Meets Farming: A New Model for Rural Irrigation in Ghumna Bharu | Uttar Pradesh
Source 01
Times of India
Six-year Japanese experiment: panels cut rice yield 23% but raised gross field return ~14×.
Source 02
The Hindu
Sowing the seeds of a solar power intervention (Rajasthan).
Source 03
Economic Times
2021 Oregon study: lambs grazed under panels, with similar weight gains.
Source 04
BusinessLine
SunKind in talks with farmers and developers for agrivoltaic projects.
Source 05
Times of India
Colorado farm grows crops under panels, using shade against heat.
Ideas page · 3 Aug 2026
The Indian Express
“A new compact between AI & agriculture: An Andhra Pradesh opportunity” by Ashok Gulati, S Baskar Reddy and Kalyan Chakravarthy Guntuboyina.
[LINK TO BE ADDED]
[REPORTS, POLICY NOTES AND FIELD DATA, to be added as they are published]