Panel Discussion on Emerging Trends in Agrivoltaics at The smarter E India, Gandhinagar

On 13 February, 2025, a panel discussion on the Emerging Trends in Agrivoltaics took place at The Smarter E India, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, focusing on the emerging advancements and breakthroughs in Agrivoltaics. The session brought together experts to discuss the prospects of Agrivoltaics in India, highlighting its potential to transform both the energy and agricultural sectors.

Vivek Saraf, CEO, Sunseed APV, provided valuable insights into the successful implementation of Agrivoltaic projects in India. He elaborated on various case studies, discussing the outcomes, challenges, and key lessons learned from these projects. His talk emphasized the importance of considering agricultural requirements, during the design of an Agrivoltaics plant, creating a balance between energy production and agricultural productivity and ensuring that both sectors thrive simultaneously.

Sanmati Naik from Fraunhofer ISE, shared his expertise on the specific challenges and opportunities of implementing Agrivoltaics in India. He explored the country's unique agricultural landscape and how AgriPV can help address critical issues like water scarcity and land use optimization. His presentation underscored the need for tailored solutions to ensure the technology is both effective and scalable in diverse Indian geo-climatic conditions.

Nisheeth Srivastava, KfW discussed the financial aspects of Agrivoltaic projects in India. He highlighted the challenges surrounding mobilizing investments in agrivoltaics, including the need for innovative funding models and stronger policy support. Nisheeth also pointed out the need for model demonstration plants in India to emphasize on the potential of Agrivoltaics to attract both public and private investment.

The panel discussion highlighted the immense potential of Agrivoltaics to drive sustainable growth at the intersection of renewable energy and agriculture in India. The insights shared by the experts underscored the importance of collaboration and tailored solutions to ensure the Agrivoltaics’ successful adoption, offering a promising future for both farmers and the nation’s renewable energy goals.