Andhra Pradesh poised to emerge as a model for other States in agrivoltaics, says NSEF CEO 

National Solar Energy Federation of India (NSEFI) CEO Subrahmanyam Pulipaka has stated that Andhra Pradesh’s commitment to Renewable Energy (RE) and sustainable agricultural practices provided a unique opportunity to integrate ‘agrivoltaics’ in a manner that benefits both agriculture and energy sectors.

Addressing the A.P. State Consultation Workshop on ‘Agrivoltaics’, organised by the NSEFI, New & Renewable Energy Development Corporation of Andhra Pradesh (NREDCAP) and Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation, here on Wednesday, Mr. Subrahmanyam said that with its vast agricultural landscape, abundant solar resources, and a progressive policy framework, A.P. was poised to become the model for other States for agrivoltaics in India.

He asserted that A.P.’s approach to agrivoltaics (using land for both agriculture and solar power generation) would not only accelerate its energy transition but also provide a replicable model for other States.

The NSEFI was working closely with agricultural universities for  aligning agrivoltaics with the specific needs of the State’s diverse agro-climatic zones.

“It is crucial to integrate climate-resilient agricultural practices with agrivoltaic systems. Combining solar energy with farming can not only provide farmers with an additional source of income but also help them in  adapting to changing climate conditions, thereby ensuring sustainable growth in the two sectors,” Mr. Subrahmanyam added.

NREDCAP Vice-Chairman & Managing Director M. Kamalakar Babu said A.P. had been a front-runner in the adoption of solar energy, and agrivoltaics could further strengthen the rural economy and energy resilience.

A.P. was making rapid progress in RE, particularly on the solar power front, which was essential for the State’s sustainable growth.

The integration of solar panels with agriculture would facilitate the generation of additional revenue for farmers while ensuring sustainable power generation for the State. In areas like Rayalaseema, where small crops like pulses and millets were primarily cultivated, agrivoltaics offer an opportunity to diversify farmers’ income streams, Mr. Babu added.