Call for proposals - Research Instrumentation Award

Research Instrumentation and Monitoring Support

Building India's evidence base on Agrivoltaics through a network of monitored field sites

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• Implemented by: Indo-German Cooperation on Agrivoltaics (IGCA)

• Applications open: 21 October 2026

• Application deadline: 31 January 2027

• Eligible projects: Agrivoltaics projects of at least 50 kWp DC (existing, or planned within six months of award)

• Support categories: Basic Data Monitoring Award (50-200 kWp); Comprehensive Data Monitoring Award (above 200 kWp)

• Apply at: Online Application Form

 

About the Call:

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The rapid emergence of Agrivoltaics in India has created a need for robust field-based evidence on agricultural, environmental, water, and energy outcomes. While several pilot and commercial projects are being established, many lack the scientific instrumentation required for systematic monitoring and long-term assessment.

To strengthen evidence generation and support data-driven decision-making, the Indo-German Cooperation on Agrivoltaics (IGCA) invites applications for research instrumentation and monitoring support for agrivoltaics projects across diverse agro-ecological regions of India focusing on Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Assam and beyond.

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Objectives:

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The program aims to establish a network of monitored Agrivoltaics sites that can generate high-quality data on system performance, agricultural productivity, microclimate interactions, water use, energy generation, and farmer outcomes. The initiative will contribute to building a stronger evidence base for Agrivoltaics research, policy, and practice.

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Support Categories:

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Two types of support will be offered by IGCA.

1. Basic Data Monitoring Award (for projects of 50-200 kWp capacity)

Basic research and monitoring instruments, such as:

• Air temperature, wind velocity and humidity monitoring

• Water and energy metering

• Rainfall monitoring and soil moisture assessment

• Soil chemistry monitoring

2. Comprehensive Data Monitoring Award (for projects above 200 kWp)

Advanced research and monitoring instruments, such as:

• Vapor Pressure Deficit (VPD) sensors

• Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) sensors

• Panel surface temperature sensors and radiation measurement instruments

• Albedometers, pyranometers and multispectral cameras

• Other advanced monitoring equipment

 

Who Can Apply?

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Applications are invited from:

• Public and research institutions (including universities)

• Agrivoltaics practitioners and RE developers

• Individual farmers, including PM-KUSUM beneficiaries

• Farmer groups, FPOs and farmer cooperatives

• NGOs and civil society organizations working directly with farmers

• Social enterprises and startups implementing Agrivoltaics pilots

• Any other relevant institutions supporting agriculture and rural livelihoods

Applicants should have either:

• An existing Agrivoltaics installation of at least 50 kWp DC capacity; or

• A confirmed plan to establish an Agrivoltaics project (at least 50 kW DC) within six months of award

 

Applicants should have either:

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• An existing farmer-centric Agriphotovoltaics installation with a clear plan for expansion or enhancement to a capacity of 50-500 kWp; or

• A confirmed plan to establish a new 50-500 kWp farmer-centric Agriphotovoltaics project within six months of VGF award

 

For this call, a farmer-centric project is either a standalone installation of 50-500 kWp, or a cumulative 50-500 kWp across multiple fields that are intrinsically linked and serve a joint or similar purpose. In both cases, proposals must establish the centrality of farmers to the goals and objectives of the project.

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Selection Process:

 

​The selection process will involve two stages:

• Stage 1: Submission of a detailed concept note / proposal through a structured online application format. Applications will be reviewed by an Internal Review Committee constituted by IGCA partners.

• Stage 2: Presentation to the IGCA Steering Committee and invited external experts for final selection and award.

 

Selection Criteria:

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Proposals will be evaluated on mutually agreed criteria and weights, along with important non-ratable parameters. The likely criteria and relative weights are:

• Technical and Financial Design (40%): Quality of design, capacity and size, energy use / evacuation plan, agricultural planning, implementation capacity, innovation in financing, extent of own contribution and clear execution timeline.

• Local Monitoring Support (30%): Instrument deployment strategy and support available for regular and robust field data monitoring and collection.

• Strategic Relevance (30%): Scaling potential, alignment with policy priorities, demonstration effect; priority for projects with higher impact potential.

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Expectations from Awardees:

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• Ensure installation and maintenance of the research instruments

• Ensure regular data collection and share agreed datasets and field observations

• Document operational experiences, challenges and lessons learned

• Contribute to knowledge-sharing and dissemination activities facilitated by IGCA

 

Expected Outcomes:

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The awards are expected to help establish a network of monitored Agrivoltaics sites that generate high-quality data on system performance, agricultural productivity, microclimate interactions, water use, energy generation and farmer outcomes. The initiative will contribute to a stronger evidence base for Agrivoltaics research, policy and practice.

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Key Dates:

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• Online applications open: 21 October 2026

• Information sessions: November - December 2026

• Application deadline: 31 January 2027

• Finalists announced: 31 March 2027

• Final round presentations and award: April - May 2027

 

How to Apply:

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• The call is hosted on the APV portal maintained by IGCA (https://www.agrophotovoltaics.in/).

• Apply through the online application format here: Online Application Form.

• For queries, please write to International Water Management Institute, iwmi-awc2026@cgiar.org

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