Solar Panels Helpful In Addressing Agricultural Practices, Here Is How

Solar Panels in Indian Agriculture: Advantages and Benefits

Agriculture in India is a labor-intensive process that often spans months to years. Farmers face challenges such as uncertain crop production, irregular monsoons, and inadequate electrical systems. However, the country’s tropical climate presents an opportunity for farmers to meet their energy and water requirements through the use of solar panels in their fields.

Advantages of Solar Panels in Indian Agriculture

1. Energy Independence: By installing solar panels on farms, farmers can generate their own electricity, ensuring a consistent and reliable power source for irrigation, machinery, and other farm operations. This reduces dependence on the grid and improves productivity.

2. Irrigation: Solar-powered irrigation systems can help pump water from wells or other water sources for crop irrigation. Solar-powered pumps can operate during the day, utilizing abundant sunlight and improving water efficiency.

3. Cost Savings: Solar panels have a relatively low operational and maintenance cost. Over time, the savings on electricity bills can be significant, allowing farmers to redirect funds towards other essential needs.

4. Diversified Income: Solar energy can provide farmers with an additional source of income. By generating excess electricity, farmers can sell it back to the grid or participate in government incentive programs, generating revenue.

5. Reduced Carbon Footprint: Solar energy is a clean and renewable energy source, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change. This aligns with sustainable farming practices and environmental stewardship.

6. Improved Crop Yields: Access to reliable electricity for irrigation, machinery, and other purposes can lead to improved crop yields. Farmers can control irrigation schedules more effectively, leading to better water management and healthier crops.

7. Remote Access: Solar-powered technologies can be paired with digital tools and sensors, allowing farmers to remotely monitor and manage their farms. This enables informed decision-making and optimized resource usage.

8. Rural Development: Installing solar panels on farms can create local job opportunities for installation, maintenance, and repair of solar systems, stimulating economic growth in rural communities.

9. Government Incentives: The Indian government offers various incentives, subsidies, schemes, and policies to promote solar energy adoption. Farmers can benefit from these programs, making the installation of solar panels more affordable.

10. Water Pumping Solutions: Solar-powered water pumps can address water scarcity issues by drawing from groundwater sources, particularly in regions with unreliable or depleting water resources.

11. Reduced Diesel Dependency: Solar energy can replace or supplement diesel generators used by many farmers for power, reducing fuel costs and environmental impacts.

Cost of Solar Panel Installation in India

Installing solar panels at residences can lead to lower monthly power expenses. However, there are initial setup costs in India, including solar equipment, panel mounts, and labor. Properties with good sun exposure can recoup these costs in 6 to 8 years, influenced by electricity costs, property size, and payment approach.

Average Cost of Solar Panel Installation for Home

The cost of installing solar panels varies based on factors like structure type, roof specifications, shading, and utility considerations. For a 3kW system, the average home installation cost ranges from Rs 1,89,000 to Rs 2,15,000, with a per-watt price between Rs 75 and Rs 85 in India.

Prior to switching to solar power, it’s crucial to evaluate the potential financial implications over the long term. Factors like electricity expenses, location-related variables, solar equipment, and governmental incentives should be taken into account. These measures help gauge how savings align with the cost of the solar setup over the typical 25-year system lifespan.

First published on: 19 Aug 2023, 14:06 IST

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

   • Target 7.1: By 2030, ensure universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services.
   • Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
   • Indicator: Percentage of households or farms using solar panels for electricity generation.

2. SDG 13: Climate Action

   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
   • Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning.
   • Indicator: Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from the agricultural sector due to the use of solar panels.

3. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

   • Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity, and innovation.
   • Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities.
   • Indicator: Number of jobs created in the installation, maintenance, and repair of solar systems in rural communities.

4. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

   • Target 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes.
   • Indicator: Number of solar-powered irrigation systems installed in agricultural fields.

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: krishijagran.com

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