Government considers incentives for elevated solar panels above farms, Pg15

Key Highlights:

• The Centre is considering financial incentives to promote agri-photovoltaics to expand renewable energy capacity without compromising food security.
• India's potential for agri-photovoltaics is estimated at 1-2 terawatts (1000-2000 GW).
• The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is in discussions with the Finance Ministry regarding a possible central sector scheme.
• Incentives might be provided under the existing PM-KUSUM scheme or through a new standalone scheme.
• India's installed solar capacity currently stands at 171 GW.

Detailed Insights:

• Agri-photovoltaics involves installing elevated solar panels over agricultural land, allowing simultaneous farming and electricity generation.
• This approach helps address potential land-use conflicts between agricultural needs and renewable energy projects.
• The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is the nodal agency responsible for developing and deploying new and renewable energy sources in India.
• The discussions were highlighted during a media briefing for the 7th AgriVoltaics World Conference 2026.
• The PM-KUSUM scheme aims to de-dieselise the farm sector, provide water and energy security to farmers, and increase their income.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Agri-photovoltaics: A system where solar panels are installed on elevated structures over agricultural land, enabling both crop cultivation and solar power generation.
• PM-KUSUM Scheme: Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan, a government scheme promoting solar energy use in the agricultural sector through solar pumps and grid-connected solar plants.
• Renewable Energy: Energy derived from natural processes that are replenished constantly, such as solar, wind, hydro, and biomass.