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This dissertation examines the feasibility, policy frameworks, financial mechanisms, and performance metrics of Agrivoltaics (Agri PV) systems using an integrated Energy Economics lens. It focuses on the confluence of agriculture and solar energy within land-constrained and climate-vulnerable geographies, with a core emphasis on India. Based on comparative analysis of secondary literature, expert workshop insights, and cross-country policy review, the study explores how Agri PV can achieve sustainable dual land-use, improve energy access, and diversify rural incomes.
Insights from stakeholder workshops such as the Green Innovation Centre (25 April Workshop) and case studies from Auroville Consulting provide ground realities of Agri PV performance in crops like apple and potato. Financial models like behind-the-meter, lease-based, and FPO-led cooperatives were compared using IRR and payback metrics. Policy bottlenecks, smallholder inclusion, and ecosystem risks were explored.
The research highlights the importance of tailored feed-in tariffs, ecosystem service assessments, and hybrid finance structures for wider adoption. It suggests that while Agri PV holds strong environmental and economic potential, achieving scalability will require holistic regulatory alignment and stakeholder capacity-building.
Keywords: Agrivoltaics, Sustainable Agriculture, Energy Economics, Policy, Finance, Climate Resilience, India.
