When the entire globe is finding ways to grapple with the complex challenges stemming from climate change, the emergence of AgriVoltaics is offering a beacon of hope. Deviating from the traditional path of agriculture, this new and innovative approach is paving the path for a sustainable future. Here in this blog, we are going to delve into the top trends of AgriVoltaics in order to come up with the panacea of pervading natural challenges like climate change.
Overview of AgriVoltaics
AgriVoltaics refers to the practice of amalgamating agriculture with that of solar energy production from the same parcel of land. In other words, this promising approach is also known as agrisolar practice.
As per the statistical data presented by the Solar Futures Study, solar energy backed by advanced technologies will be able to deliver up to 1 terawatt of capacity to the electric grid for producing electricity by 2035. Amidst the upheaval all around the world, AgroVoltaics not only aims at reducing the pollution rate but also has a plethora of potentials in store.
Ranging from eradication of the depletion of natural resources to mitigating food scarcity and diversifying the agricultural sphere, AgriPV caters to all. Acknowledging the growing importance of AgriVoltaics, the '3rd Annual AgriVoltaics Europe, 2024' event is going to take place soon. The lofty mission of this event is to gather all leading industry experts and the stakeholders to conduct a process of thought-provoking discussion.
Impact of AgroVoltaics on Farming and Environment
As AgroVoltaics is a dual operation, it leaves ample positive impacts on the farming activities. Plus, considering its benefits, this new approach can effortlessly be capitalised for sustainable development of society as a whole. Let's take a look at the below points to find out the exact impact of AgroVoltaics on farming activities.
Improvement of the crop production
The solar panels in the agricultural land have a direct influence on the food plant, and at the same time, they aid in enhancing the moisture content in the soil. Resultantly, the parcel of land where the solar panels are situated becomes more enriched and induces the early growth of the crops.
Diversification of the income of the farmers
As poverty is a dominant social evil, the entire world is in a quest to search for an innovative solution to it. However, following the process of AgriPV, the farmers can diversify their stream of income as the fertile and rich soil adjacent to the solar panels will help in yielding more crops in less time. This will ultimately act as a blessing to the farmers, who have always remained the prey to fluctuations in the global commodity market.
Increasing the land fertility
The solar industry in the US and the European countries is growing at breakneck pace, and by 2030, it is expected to reveal quadruple growth. When a single parcel of land is converted into a place for AgriVoltaic practices, that land opens up new avenues of income.
These progressive practices are helping to upkeep the soil integrity and bolstering an eco-friendly food system that is hardly possible by following the generic agricultural procedures. Overall, AgroVoltaics is a beneficial thread that takes part in weaving both the parcel of land and the renewable source of energy.
Key Trends of AgroVoltaics
AgriVoltaics being one of the most emerging markets is predicted to exhibit an annual growth rate of 8.3% in 2031. Across the world, this particular approach has witnessed major traction and adoption in Asia Pacific and Latin America zones. Protection from excessive heat to the year-round harvest—all these are the prominent benefits attested with it. Here are some of the key trends of AgriVoltaics in 2024 that have the potential of revolutionising the whole sector.
Promotion of eco-friendly farming
Agrivoltaic systems and their growing usage in the agricultural land are creating the microclimate that is suitable for the proliferation of the crops. This process in general is a resource to the poor farmers for the production of food and renewable energy all at the same time.
Knowledge sharing and international collaboration
As AgroVoltaics and the usage of agricultural technology are at their budding stage, it calls for a platform of knowledge sharing. '3rd Annual AgriVoltaics Europe, 2024' is an event of colossal importance that is going to foster knowledge sharing on best practices and key trends. All over 35+ best speakers from this industry are going to take part and are going to highlight both the benefits and limitations for pinpointing the future prospects.
Circular economy
With its potential for reduction of waste, prevention of pollution, and endorsement of resource efficiency, AgroVoltaic practices are encouraging the circular economy.
Global Expansion
Agrivoltaics in the current context is expanding beyond Europe and North America into the emerging markets, especially in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. As per the nature of the region, the systems are accordingly designed and are resulting in the huge production of crops that suit the requirements of that region.
Economic Viability and Business Models
As more farmers are adopting agrivoltaic systems, the overall economic viability of these projects is getting optimised. In addition to that, large scale agrivoltaic projects in reality are making cutting-edge technologies more accessible.
Case Studies
Kenya Case Study
The first agrivoltaic endeavour was undertaken by Kenya in 2022. After this endeavour, the land fertility, soil stability, retention of water, and harmonious biodiversity all started to increase exponentially. In Kenya as of now, such endeavours have resulted in exemplary outcomes.
FAQs
1) What are the economic benefits of AgriVoltaics for farmers?
Owing to the AgriVoltaics, the farmers can have the scope of diversifying their income from year-round harvest in the land. On the other hand, they can also earn from the solar power panels.
2) What are the future prospects for AgriVoltaics in 2024 and beyond?
The development of new policies and the ceaseless support of the government in both monetary and non-monetary terms can accelerate the process of renewable energy and food production.
3) What is the biggest trend in AgriVoltaics for 2024?
The biggest trend in AgriVoltaics for 2024 is widespread adoption of sustainable farming.
Wrapping up
The dual challenges, such as land erosion and scarcity of renewable energy, have one solution in common, i.e., agro-tourism. However, this approach is not at all the only solution for all types of land, and there are certain limitations to it. In the near future, governmental efforts and knowledge sharing on a vast scale may broaden the sphere of it. To know more about the event related to AgroVoltaics, get in touch with Leadvent Group now.
