The 7th AgriVoltaics World Conference (AWC) 2026, hosted by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India, concluded in New Delhi after three days of discussions on integrating agricultural production with solar power generation. The conference brought together policymakers, researchers, industry leaders, farmers, development partners and international experts to explore how agrivoltaics can improve farm incomes, support food security and accelerate the clean energy transition.
The conference highlighted India’s role in advancing agrivoltaics, particularly across the Global South, where agriculture remains central to livelihoods and economic development. Participants discussed how agricultural land can be used for both crop cultivation and solar power generation, creating opportunities to improve land productivity while supporting renewable energy deployment.
The discussions focused on practical approaches to implementing agrivoltaic projects under different agricultural and climatic conditions. Key topics included agro-climatic zoning, crop selection, water-use efficiency, innovative financing mechanisms and technology development. Participants emphasised that project designs must reflect local farming practices and ensure that agricultural production remains economically viable.
A session jointly convened by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) examined the role of agro-climatic zoning in guiding agrivoltaic deployment. Discussions covered shade-tolerant crops, water-use efficiency indices and the microclimatic effects of solar installations across different agro-climatic regions.
The session highlighted the importance of scientific research in determining suitable locations, crops and system designs for agrivoltaic projects. Location-specific evidence was identified as essential for understanding how solar installations affect crop growth, water requirements and agricultural productivity. These findings could also support knowledge sharing between India and other countries seeking to combine agriculture with renewable energy generation.
Another session led by GIZ brought together progressive farmers, Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) federations and rural entrepreneurs to share their experiences with agrivoltaic installations. Participants discussed operational challenges, maintenance practices and opportunities to diversify farm revenues through the integration of solar power.
The discussions underlined the importance of involving farmers in project planning, financing and operations. Participants highlighted the need for commercially viable models that address farmers’ requirements while maintaining agricultural production. Their experiences offered practical insights into the conditions required to expand agrivoltaics across India and other developing economies.
Presenting an overview of the conference proceedings and key outcomes, Shri Ashish Khanna, Director General of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), highlighted opportunities to advance the sector through research, innovation and international collaboration.
Addressing the closing ceremony, Shri Mayank Tewari, Additional Secretary at MNRE, emphasised the importance of continued cooperation and practical action to carry forward the outcomes of the conference.
The event also recognised contributions to the sector through Excellence Awards for outstanding work in agrivoltaics. The National Agrivoltaics Pitch-Hub Award recognised promising enterprises and start-ups developing potential solutions for the sector. Best Paper Awards across six scientific themes acknowledged research covering system design, agronomy, monitoring, business models and socio-economic equity.
The conference concluded with the formal handover of hosting responsibility for the 8th AgriVoltaics World Conference in 2027 to France. Ms. Taina Dyckhoff, Counsellor and Head of the Climate and Environment Division at the Embassy of Germany in India, delivered the vote of thanks.
The conference reinforced the need to translate research and international cooperation into practical projects supported by suitable financing and farmer participation. As agrivoltaics gains attention as an approach to combining food and energy production, India aims to contribute through scientific research, field experience and partnerships that support agricultural productivity, diversified farmer incomes and renewable energy development.
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