India is set to spearhead a transformative shift in renewable energy with the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Yashika Energy Systems, Next2Sun Germany, and Wattkraft India at RE-INVEST 2024. This landmark partnership introduces a groundbreaking vertical solar technology that aims to both enhance energy production and preserve agricultural land.
The collaboration will introduce Next2Sun’s innovative vertical bifacial Agri-PV systems to India. This technology allows solar panels to be installed vertically, generating energy from both sides while enabling ongoing agricultural activities below. The dual-use approach is designed to address the land usage concerns associated with traditional solar installations, which often displace valuable farmland.
Yash Kishorkumar Gupta of Yashika Energy Systems expressed enthusiasm about the initiative, stating, “We are excited to bring cutting-edge vertical solar technology to India through this MoU. Our goal is to enable dual land use—supporting agricultural activities while generating renewable energy. With backing from governments and agricultural associations in both India and Germany, we plan to launch pilot projects across the country and scale this technology for widespread adoption.”
India’s push for this technology comes at a crucial time as the nation seeks sustainable solutions to meet its growing energy needs without compromising agricultural productivity. The vertical bifacial solar technology promises to optimize land use, benefiting both the energy and agriculture sectors.
The pilot projects, ranging from 100 kWp to 500 kWp, will be implemented in various regions across India. These projects aim to demonstrate the viability of combining solar energy production with crop cultivation and provide a scalable model for nationwide adoption. This initiative is expected to contribute significantly to India’s renewable energy targets while maintaining its agricultural heritage.
The MoU signing was attended by notable figures, including Sascha Krause-Tünker, CFO of Next2Sun AG, German Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development Svenja Schulze, and India’s Minister of New and Renewable Energy Shri Pralhad Joshi. Krause-Tünker highlighted the project’s potential impact, stating, “With the support of both governments and the agricultural community, we are confident that these projects will set a new standard for sustainable development in India and inspire similar innovations globally.”
As the pilot projects commence, they will provide critical insights into how this innovative technology can reshape energy production and agricultural practices. The long-term objective is to expand the use of vertical solar technology, advancing India’s energy independence and reinforcing its commitment to global climate action.
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