Solar Panels & Farming

The concept of solar panels installed in farm known as agrophotovoltaics (APV) was introduced by physicist Adolf Goetzberger three decades ago.

Researchers have found that plants will grow and produce below elevated solar panels, and animals can still graze the land beneath the panels. Solar energy in agriculture has become possible, and it has proven results. Plus, it allows another stream of income for farmers.

“Hugely Welcome in India: Solar scheme a big win for farmers and the environment”

The Indian initiative is putting more money in the pockets of farmers and helping to reduce the country’s agricultural emissions.

Solar power in India has just had a major boost. The country’s government has announced funding that will enable 2 million farmers to invest in irrigation pumps powered by solar photovoltaic arrays.

For farmers, it’s a triple win. The system will provide an extra source of income, ensure their fields have a reliable supply of irrigation water, and give them on-site power for machinery such as threshers or to charge batteries – all while cutting carbon emissions.

Solar Energy in Malaysia

Solar photovoltaic (PV) has by far the highest technical potential in Malaysia, and is supported by mechanisms to promote affordability. Malaysia allows installation of solar for self-consumption. Its Net Energy Metering Programme (NEM) provides a pathway to self-generation with excess energy sold back into the grid.

While much effort in the country has been focused on home and building owners, Elenet is working specifically on the adoption of PV among the agriculture communities. We are now in the midst of building business cases for a number of crop, livestock and poultry farms of different sizes to further ascertain the cost-benefit of having PVs and feasibility of business models.