Abstract
Solar energy offers a promising renewable alternative to traditional fossil fuel-based electricity generation for powering agricultural activities in remote rural areas. Several studies have demonstrated the technical and economic feasibility of photovoltaic, solar thermal, and hybrid solar systems for various on-farm applications such as water pumping, crop drying, greenhouse heating. These systems provide clean energy for irrigation, milling, cooling, and mechanical operations to improve productivity. When integrated with battery storage, solar also enables electrification and lighting in off-grid farms. The upfront capital cost of solar installations has been reducing significantly, and various incentive programs have enhanced the affordability for smallholder farmers. However, adoption of solar energy in the agriculture sector still faces certain challenges. Lack of adequate financing options and initial higher costs compared to conventional fuels limit widespread deployment. Technical skills are required for installation, operation and maintenance of these systems. Seasonal variations and uncertainty of solar resources necessitate proper system sizing and integration with demand patterns. Policy support through subsidies, tax benefits and financing schemes can help address these barriers. With the declining price trends and increasing reliability of solar technologies, the potential for energy access and economic gains from solar power in rural agriculture appears promising.
Published Version
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