Submit Applications for Greenovation Agrivoltaics Challenge in India

The Greenovation Agrivoltaics Challenge supports innovative agrivoltaic solutions in India that combine solar energy generation with crop cultivation to enhance climate-resilient agriculture. The program provides funding, technical guidance, capacity building, and demonstration support to generate evidence and scale farmer-friendly agrivoltaic models.

The Greenovation Agrivoltaics Challenge is an innovation-driven program designed to demonstrate how agrivoltaic technologies can benefit Indian farmers by improving land productivity, strengthening climate resilience, and enabling clean energy generation. The challenge focuses on building practical evidence and scalable models that integrate agriculture and solar power.

What Is Agrivoltaics?

Agrivoltaics refers to the co-location of solar panels and crop cultivation on the same land. This approach enables dual land use, allowing farmers to grow crops while producing renewable energy. Key potential benefits include improved water efficiency, diversified income streams, and reduced climate risks.

Program Objectives

The challenge aims to:

• Advance climate-resilient agriculture in India

• Improve land-use efficiency through agrivoltaic systems

• Reduce water stress and heat impact on crops

• Diversify farmer incomes with clean energy solutions

• Generate evidence for scalable agrivoltaic deployment

What Support Does the Program Offer?

Selected participants receive a comprehensive support package that includes:

• Financial support up to ₹5 lakh to establish and demonstrate agrivoltaic models

• Access to a ₹2 crore grant pool for implementation and scaling

• Virtual training and capacity-building programs

• Expert technical guidance on system design and crop selection

• Support for micro-demonstration systems in priority states

• Ecosystem engagement with agrivoltaics experts and stakeholders

• Evidence generation to support replication and policy adoption

Funding Structure

• Demonstration funding: Up to ₹5 lakh per selected participant

• Scaling and implementation grants: Part of a ₹2 crore funding pool

• Funding supports pilot systems, demonstrations, and validation activities

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

Applications are invited under two distinct tracks.

Track 1: Farmer-Led Organizations

Eligible applicants include:

• Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)

• Self-Help Groups (SHGs)

• Farmer cooperatives

• Registered societies and NGOs working with farmers

Requirements:

• The team lead must be a practicing farmer

• Clear plans for cultivating crops under solar structures

• Innovation in cropping patterns or agrivoltaic business models

Track 2: Decentralized Renewable Energy Organizations

Eligible applicants include:

• For-profit or non-profit renewable energy companies

• Organizations with demonstrated technical capacity in small-scale agrivoltaics

Requirements:

• Innovation in agrivoltaic system design and energy-use models

• Strong focus on affordability and financing for small and marginal farmers

Why This Challenge Matters

• Supports climate-smart agriculture and renewable energy integration

• Creates practical, farmer-centric agrivoltaic evidence for India

• Encourages sustainable land use and income diversification

• Strengthens national knowledge on scalable agrivoltaic solutions

• Aligns with clean energy and climate resilience goals

How the Challenge Works

1. Select the Appropriate Track
   Applicants choose Track 1 or Track 2 based on their role and expertise.

2. Submit an Agrivoltaic Proposal
   Proposals must outline system design, crops, innovation, and impact.

3. Evaluation and Selection
   Applications are assessed for feasibility, innovation, and farmer benefit.

4. Demonstration and Capacity Building
   Selected participants receive funding, training, and technical support.

5. Evidence Generation and Scaling
   Demonstration outcomes contribute to scalable agrivoltaic models.

Tips for a Strong Application

• Clearly explain how agrivoltaics benefits farmers and crops

• Demonstrate innovation in system design or farming practices

• Include affordability and scalability considerations

• Highlight on-ground implementation readiness

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Proposals without clear crop or farmer benefit plans

• Overly technical designs with limited affordability focus

• Weak evidence-generation or monitoring strategies

• Lack of clarity on land use or farmer participation

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the maximum funding available per participant?
Participants can receive up to ₹5 lakh for demonstrations, with access to larger scaling grants.

2. What is the total grant pool for scaling?
The program offers a ₹2 crore pool for implementation and scaling.

3. Who can apply under Track 1?
Farmer-led groups such as FPOs, SHGs, cooperatives, and NGOs.

4. Can private companies apply?
Yes, under Track 2, decentralized renewable energy companies may apply.

5. Is agrivoltaics limited to specific crops?
No. Crop selection is flexible but must suit agrivoltaic conditions.

6. Does the program provide technical support?
Yes. Participants receive expert guidance on system design and optimization.

7. Are demonstration systems mandatory?
Yes. Micro-demonstration systems are a core component of the challenge.

Conclusion

The Greenovation Agrivoltaics Challenge offers a unique opportunity to test, validate, and scale agrivoltaic solutions that support Indian farmers and clean energy goals. By combining funding, expertise, and evidence generation, the program accelerates climate-resilient agriculture and sustainable rural livelihoods across India.