RE-INVEST 2024: MoU Signed for Vertical Solar Farms to Power Agriculture and Clean Energy Production

India is set to lead a groundbreaking transformation in renewable energy with the signing of a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between AgriVijay, Next2Sun Germany, and Wattkraft India during RE-INVEST 2024. This partnership introduces an innovative vertical solar technology that promises not only to generate clean energy but also to revolutionize the agricultural landscape by enabling continued farming on the same land. This dual-use approach is expected to transform India's agrarian economy while making substantial strides towards energy independence and climate action.

“We are thrilled to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between AgriVijay, Next2Sun Germany, and Wattkraft India to bring cutting-Vimal Panjwani, Founder & CEOn Agrivijay. “This partnership aims to address the growing concerns over land usage in conventional solar installations, which often displace valuable agricultural land. By implementing Next2Sun’s innovative vertical bifacial Agri-PV systems, we will enable dual land use—allowing farmers to continue agricultural activities while also generating renewable energy. With the support of governments and agricultural associations in both India and Germany, our goal is to launch pilot projects across India, with plans to scale this sustainable technology for nationwide adoption. This collaboration represents a significant step toward a greener, more economically viable future for our farmers and the country as a whole.”

This initiative comes at a critical time, as India seeks innovative ways to meet its growing energy needs without compromising its agricultural strength. The introduction of Next2Sun’s vertical bifacial solar technology tackles a key challenge faced by traditional solar farms, which often require vast areas of land—land that could otherwise be used for agriculture. This unique approach allows solar panels to be installed in a vertical orientation, generating energy from both sides while maintaining the ability for farmers to cultivate crops below. By making land use more efficient, this technology provides a solution that serves both the energy and agriculture sectors.

The pilot projects, which will range from 100 kWp to 500 kWp, are designed to showcase the effectiveness of vertical bifacial solar technology across different regions in India. These projects will not only demonstrate the feasibility of combining solar energy production with crop cultivation but also offer a sustainable model that can be scaled nationwide. This collaboration is expected to help India achieve its renewable energy targets while preserving the agricultural heritage that sustains millions of livelihoods.

The MoU signing was witnessed by several key dignitaries, including Sascha Krause-Tünker, CFO of Next2Sun AG, alongside Svenja Schulze, the German Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, and Shri Pralhad Joshi, India’s Minister of New and Renewable Energy. This joint effort is set to lay the foundation for a broader adoption of vertical solar technology, aiming to benefit rural communities across the country.

“With the support of both governments and the agricultural community, we are confident that these projects will set a new benchmark for sustainable development in India. We believe this will inspire others to adopt similar solutions and transform how we think about land use and energy production,” added Sascha Krause-Tünker, emphasizing the far-reaching impact of the partnership.

India is uniquely positioned to lead the way in the combination of agriculture and renewable energy. As the pilot projects get underway, they will provide real-world examples of how this groundbreaking technology can change the landscape of energy production. In doing so, these projects will not only help meet the country’s energy demands but also enhance agricultural productivity and support rural farmers.

The long-term goal is to expand the reach of this technology, contributing to India’s energy independence and furthering its commitment to global climate action.