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The 7th Session of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), held in New Delhi from November 3 to 6, 2024, focused on accelerating solar energy deployment across its Member Countries, particularly in regions with limited energy access.
Practice Name |
Growing crops underneath solar panels. |
Alternative Names |
Agrisolar, Dual use solar, Low impact solar. |
Primary Focus |
Simultaneous use of land for both agriculture and solar energy generation. |
Agrivoltaic farming is the use of land for both agriculture and solar photovoltaic energy generation. It is also referred to as Agricola, which is a dual-use, low-impact solar. Solar grazing is a variation where livestock graze in and around solar panels.
Working of Agrivoltaic Farming |
|
Elevated Panels |
Solar panels are raised 2-3 meters, allowing crops to grow underneath with sufficient light and air circulation. |
Angle and Spacing |
Panels are angled (30 degrees) and spaced to optimize sunlight for both solar energy production and crop growth. |
Shade and Protection |
Provides shade, reducing heat stress on crops and protecting them from harsh weather conditions. |
Water Conservation |
Shading reduces evaporation, conserving soil moisture and lowering the water requirements for crops. |
Greenhouse Integration |
Panels installed on greenhouse roofs allow light and rain to reach crops while generating solar energy. |
Dual Harvesting |
Utilizes land for both agriculture and solar energy, maximizing overall productivity and resource efficiency. |
Significance of Agrivoltaic Farming |
|
Enhanced Land Use |
Maximizes land efficiency by combining agricultural activities with solar energy production on the same plot. |
Climate Resilience |
Offers shade to crops, reducing heat stress, conserving water, and providing protection from extreme weather. |
Renewable Energy Generation |
Contributes to the expansion of solar power, aligning with climate goals and energy demands. |
Increased Food Security |
Supports sustainable food production for a growing population without needing additional farmland. |
Economic Benefits |
Allows farmers to diversify income by generating revenue from both crops and solar energy. |
READ ABOUT
Agrovoltaics or dual-use solar in India
Source:
PRACTICE QUESTIONQ.Agrivoltaic farming, a practice combining solar energy generation and agriculture, holds significant potential for sustainable development. Discuss the working mechanism of agrivoltaic systems and analyze their potential benefits. (250 words) |
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