ANNOUNCEMENTS
The convergence of agriculture and PV technology through rooftop agrivoltaics represents an innovative response to the growing challenges of urban sustainability, food security, and clean energy generation. This research investigates the global application of rooftop agrivoltaics systems across five pioneering countries Japan, Germany, France, the Netherlands and Italy. Each case is analysed for its policy frameworks, technological integration, economic models, and urban adaptability. Key takeaways include Japan’s vertical PV farming under feed-in tariff mechanisms, Germany’s cooperative rooftop farms, France’s advanced shading-integrated systems, the Netherlands’ space-optimized designs, and Italy’s agritourism-integrated rooftops. Drawing lessons from these contexts, the study develops a contextualized strategy for India, where rapid urbanization and rooftop space availability present unique opportunities for dual land use.
The methodology includes comparative case study analysis, stakeholder mapping, rooftop feasibility assessment, and policy gap analysis aligned with India’s energy and agricultural objectives. The research outlines a comprehensive national framework for India, recommending the integration of rooftop agrivoltaics into existing government schemes such as PM-KUSUM, the Rooftop Solar Programme Phase-II, and the Smart Cities Mission. The proposed approach addresses technological customization, economic incentives, regulatory streamlining, and public participation. Results suggest that, with policy innovation and cross-sectoral alignment, rooftop agrivoltaics can contribute significantly to India’s goals of decentralized energy production, urban food resilience, and green employment generation.
This paper provides a strategic roadmap and policy blueprint for scaling rooftop agrivoltaics in India, with a vision for inclusive and sustainable urban development. It also highlights the environmental, economic, and social co-benefits of such systems, advocating for a transformative approach that can be understood, adopted, and implemented across multiple levels of governance and community engagement.
Keywords: Agrivoltaics, Rooftop Solar, Urban Farming, Policy Innovation, Sustainable Development.
