The ongoing and impending climate change crisis is affecting India in more than just a few ways. Not only are temperatures rising making the heat unbearable, but several parts of the country are also facing a severe water shortage, lack of rains, extreme heat and cold and a myriad of other issues. Activists have for long been fighting and suggesting solutions to address this climate crisis and while some headway is being made, it might not be enough to compensate for the damage mankind has already done. In such a situation there is a need to go back to the very basics and to the roots, in an attempt to start resolving this climate crisis – an action that will benefit the present and future generations.
A report by the World Bank in 2018 estimated that close to 60.43 percent of land in India was being used for agricultural purposes. In the last four years the crop production in the country has only increased and it might be safe to assume that the percentage of land under agriculture has increased keeping in mind a land’s production cycle and temperatures, which restrict over production from a single parcel of land. Now imagine if this 60.43 percent of agricultural land spread across the country becomes carbon emission free. Infact via solar all of this land also meets the electricity demands of those living around these lands, the carbon emissions will further decrease drastically.
Agrivoltaics aims to do just this. Hailing from agriculture (agri) and voltage or electricity (voltaics), agrivoltaics is the coming together of solar energy and agricultural land. The panels built to capture the sun’s energy give shade to the plants and as a result, the plants lose less water due to transpiration. Add to this the fact that the farmers can then use the extra solar energy to either put it back into their farms or sell it for an additional income. It also does a great deal to address India’s current water crisis by not draining the groundwater.
Additionally, the water used for maintaining and cleaning the solar panels can be reused by the farmers to water the crops. The solar panels help eradicate the farmer’s dependence on diesel to run his machines, like the groundwater pump or generate electricity entirely. The fact that the farmer can then sell whatever energy remains and earn an extra income will ensure that he uses only how much he needs.
India’s carbon emissions, which are 2.88 billion metric tons per year, could drop between 45 million and 62 million tons annually, if all farmers opted for solar, according to a 2020 report in Carbon Management.
Let’s look at some ways in which installing a solar panel can help reduce a farms dependance on monsoon and the conventional power grid.
Powering Irrigation: Using solar power allows for farmers to be self reliant in terms of generating electricity. They will no longer have to face the issue of there being a power shortage or missing power hours as they themselves will be producing it. All issues with a conventional power grid system – untimely delivery of power, extra costs, constant bills, everything can be done away with. They will also reduce their own carbon footprint making it a sustainable option for the whole country.
Saves Water: Given that the electricity used to pump the groundwater is not regular, it results in a lot of water wastage as there is no way of keeping an eye on it round the clock. Leaving the pumps on, all the time, also incurs huge electricity bills. Solar panels will help accumulate just the required amount of water and not suck the groundwater dry.
Extra income: Farming is an expensive and very unpredictable business, especially amidst a climate crisis. One infestation, one bad monsoon can completely disrupt the financial condition of a farmer and his family. While installing solar might be a tad bit expensive and a lot of money to spend in one go, it is extremely cost effective in the long run and also helps in earning some extra money. Whatever energy is left after the farmer has used it for his own farm, he can then choose to sell it for a fixed cost, which then gives him the financial support he so desperately needs.
Sustainable and renewable energy: Solar energy is not only a sustainable source of energy but also is available in abundance. It does not harm the environment or add to the pollution levels either.
Solar Farming should be the newest crop in India as it will not only sustain but also change the country’s future to a clean and green one. It brings to the farmer a great deal of stability financially and mentally, as he then knows that no matter what the yield he will be able to feed his family at the end of the day.
While governments are providing grants and subsidies there are several solar installation companies that afford solutions to your problems, be it a payment plan or even leasing out solar. It is also a great way to boost the value of a piece of land.
If you wish to learn more about solar installation or want to understand the financial aspects of installing solar reach out to Vivaan Solar – a trusted and leading solar panel installation company.