Visit to Agrivoltaic plant in Maharashtra

The delegation, with the support of the Indo-German Energy Forum (IGEF-SO) and the "Innovative Solar" project of GIZ, conducted a visit to a BMZ-funded Agrivoltaic plant in Maharashtra from May 7 to 9, 2023. Dr. A.K. Tripathi, Head of the Research and Development Department of Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), attended the delegation trip. The destination was a pioneering 1.4 MW Agrivoltaic plant in Manwath, Parbhani district, Maharashtra. Implemented under the DeveloPPP by Sunseed APV, Kanoda, and GIZ with IGEF-SO support, this Agrivoltaic project aims to showcase the economic viability and ecological benefits of Agrivoltaics in India. Covering 4.25 hectares, the plant grows 14 different crops alongside and beneath PV panels, with scientific monitoring using various instruments to assess the impact on yield and microclimate. The visit concluded with a roundtable at Parbhani University, attended by the delegation comprising representatives from Indian ministries and associations.

Vivek Saraf, CEO of Sunseed APV explains the special features of managing an Agrivoltaic plant.

Participants in front of the Agrivoltaic plant in Manwath, Maharashtra.

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