Harvesting sun amplified: A comprehensive review of agrivoltaics and floatovoltaics with a focus on India's potential

Abstract

Solar photovoltaics (PV) represent a sustainable, eco-friendly, and rapidly expanding source of renewable energy (RE), with applications ranging from ground-mounted systems to rooftop installations. However, large-scale PV deployment faces key challenges such as high land acquisition costs, elevated panel temperatures, and dust accumulation, all of which can hinder economic viability and energy efficiency. In response, two innovative concept: Floatovoltaics (FPV) and Agrivoltaics (APV) are gaining global traction as integrated solutions to these limitations. FPV systems are installed on water bodies such as reservoirs, lakes, and canals, where the surrounding water provides a natural cooling effect, enhancing panel efficiency and reducing thermal stress. They also contribute to reduced water evaporation and minimal land use. Conversely, APV systems combine agricultural activity with solar energy generation on the same plot of land. This dual-use approach not only improves land-use efficiency but can also create a cooler microclimate that benefits crop productivity. Both systems also exhibit significantly lower soiling rates compared to conventional ground-mounted PV.

This review presents a comprehensive analysis of FPV and APV technologies, with a specific focus on their potential deployment in India, a country with an estimated solar potential of 748 GWp and mounting pressures on land and food systems. The paper assesses suitable PV technologies, microclimatic impacts, environmental benefits, and economic outcomes associated with these systems. It further evaluates their scalability, investment requirements, and current barriers to implementation. Ultimately, the study highlights how FPV and APV can play a complementary and transformative role in India’s renewable energy roadmap, addressing the dual challenges of clean energy generation and sustainable land use. By tapping into underutilized water surfaces and agricultural landscapes, these systems offer promising pathways for balancing energy, food, and ecological needs in the face of climate change and population growth.