@thesis{Jain2024, author = {Jain, Rushabh Bansilal}, title = {Solar-powered irrigation in Ghana}, subtitle = {techno-economic analysis and sustainable business models}, publisher = {Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt}, address = {Ingolstadt}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:573-49789}, pages = {x, 78}, school = {Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt}, year = {2024}, abstract = {This thesis investigates the feasibility and economic viability of Solar-Powered Irrigation Systems (SPIS) in Ghana, focusing on smallholder farms. The study addresses the critical need for sustainable and efficient irrigation methods amidst challenges posed by traditional diesel-based systems and limited access to reliable electricity in rural areas. A comprehensive analysis of various SPIS configurations, including off-grid, grid-connected, and mini-grid systems, is conducted manually and validated with HOMER software. The research evaluates technical performance, economic benefits, and environmental impacts, highlighting the potential of SPIS to enhance agricultural productivity while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The findings suggest that community-based models and strategic use of solar power beyond irrigation can maximize benefits, promoting year-round utilization and sustainability. Economic analyses underscore the importance of subsidies to lower initial financial barriers, making solar irrigation an attractive option for smallholder farmers and private investors. The study concludes with recommendations for policy reforms, community engagement, and technological innovations to drive the widespread adoption of SPIS, ultimately contributing to Ghana's goals of sustainable agricultural development and energy independence.}, language = {en} } @article{MehtaJainZoerner2025, author = {Mehta, Kedar and Jain, Rushabh Bansilal and Z{\"o}rner, Wilfried}, title = {Agrivoltaics Around the World: Potential, Technology, Crops and Policies to Address the Energy-Agriculture Nexus for Sustainable and Climate-Resilient Land Use}, volume = {18}, pages = {6417}, journal = {Energies}, number = {24}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {1996-1073}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.3390/en18246417}, year = {2025}, abstract = {The urgent pursuit of climate-resilient agriculture and clean energy systems, central to the Energy-Agriculture Nexus and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, has accelerated global interest in agrivoltaic (Agri-PV) technologies. This paper presents a global systematic review and meta-analysis of 160 peer-reviewed studies, structured through a five-stage thematic synthesis: (1) mapping global and regional Agri-PV deployment and potential, (2) analyzing system design and modeling methodologies, (3) evaluating crop suitability under partial shading, (4) reviewing enabling policies and regulatory frameworks, and (5) assessing techno-economic feasibility and investment barriers. Results reveal that Europe and Asia lead Agri-PV development, driven by incentive-based policies and national tenders, while limited regulatory clarity and high capital costs constrain wider adoption. Despite technological progress, no integrated model fully captures the coupled energy, water, and crop dynamics essential for holistic assessment. Strengthening economic valuation, policy coherence, and standardized modeling approaches will be critical to scale Agri-PV systems as a cornerstone of sustainable and climate-resilient land use.}, language = {en} }