An Indo-German Solar-Agriculture Project at IARI by Ornate Solar

Agriculture and renewable energy are two critical pillars for India’s sustainable future. But what if we could combine them into a single ecosystem that simultaneously generates clean energy and supports farming?

This is the promise of Agrivoltaics (Agri-PV) — an innovative approach that integrates solar photovoltaic (PV) panels with agricultural land to create a dual-use system that benefits both energy production and crop cultivation.

At Ornate Solar, we are at the forefront of this revolution, designing advanced solar solutions that empower farmers, reduce carbon footprints, and support India’s renewable energy goals. Our latest milestone? A 100 kWp Agri-PV system at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), Pusa, New Delhi, installed under the Indo-German Energy Forum initiative.

Agrivoltaics, or Agri-PV, involves installing solar panels above agricultural fields, allowing crops to grow beneath while generating electricity from the sun. The benefits are multi-fold:

• Enhanced land use efficiency: Farmland serves dual purposes — food production and clean energy generation.
• Boosted solar output: Advanced systems, like our Elevated Tube Tracker (ETTA), follow the sun’s path, increasing energy yield by 15–25% compared to fixed panels.
• Sustainable agriculture: Partial shading helps reduce water evaporation and protects sensitive crops.
• Carbon reduction: Renewable energy generated on farmland offsets fossil fuel usage, reducing CO₂ emissions.

For the IARI project, Ornate Solar deployed a 100 kW Agri-PV system with solar trackers across 6,000 sq. ft. The system is expected to generate around 1,75,000 kWh of clean energy annually, significantly reducing CO₂ emissions by over 5,000 tons over its lifetime.

What makes this project truly cutting-edge is our Elevated Tube Tracker for Agrivoltaics (ETTA). ETTA is an indigenously developed system designed to optimize solar generation while maintaining an optimal environment for crops below. The name “ETTA,” derived from Hebrew, symbolizes bonding — a fitting tribute to this project that unites renewable energy and agriculture.

The Agri-PV project at IARI is a shining example of international cooperation for sustainable development. On November 1, 2025, students from REEM visited the plant, gaining firsthand insights into advanced solar technologies and their policy and implementation aspects.

The visit was graced by Johann Saathoff, Parliamentary State Secretary of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), along with senior officials from IARI and NISE. Their presence validated the innovation and collaborative efforts driving India-Germany partnerships in renewable energy and sustainable manufacturing.

When Ornate Solar began developing an in-house tracker for Agrivoltaics, there were doubts about the technology and its market potential. However, the belief in Agri-PV as a future necessity, especially as renewable energy penetration grows, drove the team forward.

The GIZ India team played a pivotal role, supporting Indian engineers through exposure visits to European Agri-PV farms and fostering confidence in local solutions. When GIZ released a tender for an Agri-PV pilot at IARI, the focus was on intent and capability, rather than pre-existing systems. This trust empowered Ornate Solar to deliver a landmark installation in the heart of India’s capital.

The successful deployment of ETTA at IARI represents more than just a technological milestone:

• It sets a benchmark for dual-use solar-agriculture projects in India.
• It encourages innovative Indian engineering solutions in renewable energy.
• It strengthens the India-Germany collaboration in sustainable technologies.

By combining energy generation with agricultural sustainability, projects like these demonstrate the transformative potential of Agrivoltaics for India’s renewable energy roadmap.

We are committed to making Agrivoltaics mainstream in India, offering solutions that are technologically advanced, cost-effective, and sustainable. With projects like IARI Pusa, we are not just generating energy — we are empowering farmers, protecting the environment, and shaping India’s clean energy future.

Ornate Solar is a leading solar company with 10 years of experience in the industry and the mission to reimagine the way solar is installed worldwide.

By not only partnering with the best-in-class solar brands but also developing our high-quality solutions (panels, solar inverters, accessories, InRoof), we develop and deliver solutions that are modern, reliable, and effective.

Ornate Solar is also a trusted BESS manufacturer in India. We have developed UnityESS, an advanced energy storage solution designed and manufactured in India to provide reliable power and energy independence.

If you are looking for high-quality solar solutions, call us at 1800 2026 252 to discuss your options.