Session Details:
Title of the Session: Agrivoltaics: Renewable Energy Utilization and Food Production
Date with Month & Year: 05th May 2026 (Tuesday)
Duration (in hours): 2 Hours
Mode: Hybrid (Virtual Seminar with Physical Participation)
Venue / Platform: Seminar Hall, ACET – Bengaluru / Google Meet
Activity Category: Self Driven Activity
Objective of the Activity:
The primary purpose of this seminar was to introduce students and faculty to the emerging concept of Agrivoltaics a dual land-use approach that co-locates solar PV energy generation with agricultural production. The session was organized to bridge the knowledge gap between renewable energy engineering and sustainable food systems, inspiring students to think innovatively about interdisciplinary solutions to global energy and food security challenges. It also aimed to provide real-world exposure through interaction with an international industry expert, enriching the academic and professional outlook of participants.
Activity Led by: Institute Council
Theme: Innovation
Expert / Speaker Details:
Name: Mr. Ronald Reagon
Designation: Senior Renewables Engineer
Organization / Institution: Yinson Renewables, Oslo, Norway
Brief about Expert / Speaker:
Mr. Ronald Reagon is a Senior Renewables Engineer at Yinson Renewables, Oslo, Norway, with extensive expertise in designing and implementing large-scale renewable energy projects. He specializes in agrivoltaics systems the co-location of solar PV infrastructure with agricultural land use and brings hands-on international project experience that provides students with a unique, globally-informed perspective on sustainable energy solutions and their practical implications for food production and land management.
Brief Description of the Activity:
The hybrid seminar was inaugurated with a welcome address by Dr. Kaveri (HOD, ECE), followed by introductory remarks from Dr. Madhusudhan (IIC Convener) and Dr. M.S. Ganesh Prasad (Principal). The Chairman Dr. B.A. Vishwanath and Chairperson Dr. Priya Vishwanath of AGI – Bengaluru also graced the occasion. Mr. Ronald Reagon then delivered a comprehensive presentation covering: (a) Introduction to Agrivoltaics concept, history, and global relevance; (b) Technical principles of integrating solar panels over or adjacent to agricultural land; (c) Benefits such as enhanced crop yield under partial shading and reduced water evaporation alongside clean energy generation; (d) Live case studies from Europe and Asia; (e) Policy frameworks and economic viability; (f) Career opportunities for ECE graduates in the renewable energy sector. The session included an interactive Q&A where students raised questions on implementation challenges, crop selection, and India’s agrivoltaics potential. A feedback collection exercise was conducted at the conclusion of the seminar.
Participant Details:
Total no. of Student Participation: 100+ Students
Total no. of Staff (Teaching / Non-Teaching) Participation: 8–10 Faculty Members
Total no. of External Participation: Nil (Resource Person joined virtually from Oslo, Norway)
Key Highlights:
- International exposure — students interacted live with a Senior Renewables Engineer based in Oslo, Norway.
- Innovative interdisciplinary topic — Agrivoltaics blends ECE expertise with sustainable agriculture, a first for the department.
- Hybrid format — physical seminar hall seamlessly connected to the international speaker via Google Meet.
- High student engagement — active Q&A session with thoughtful questions on policy, crop selection, and India’s potential.
- Strong institutional support — attended by the Principal, HOD, IIC Convener, and AGI Chairman & Chairperson.
- Co-organized under IIC and IEEE Bangalore Section (IEEEACETSB-STB60227795), adding academic credibility.
- Aligned with UN SDGs — SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 7 (Affordable Clean Energy), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
Outcome of the Activity:
Participants gained a comprehensive understanding of agrivoltaics systems and their potential to simultaneously address energy security and food production challenges. Students were exposed to real-world renewable energy engineering practices from an international perspective. The session enhanced awareness about sustainable technology career pathways for ECE graduates. Faculty members gained insights into contemporary research areas integrable into curriculum discussions. The activity contributed to the institute’s innovation culture by encouraging creative, interdisciplinary thinking aligned with IIC KPIs on innovation awareness and industry–academia interaction.
Feedback / Reflection:
| Participant 1 (Student – B.E. 6th Sem, ECE) | “I never imagined solar panels and farming could work together so effectively. Mr. Ronald’s presentation gave me a completely new perspective on how engineering can contribute to agriculture. I am now motivated to explore agrivoltaics for my final year project.” |
| Participant 2 (Student – B.E. 4th Sem, ECE) | “The session was very well-structured and easy to understand. Learning about international projects from a practitioner in Norway was truly inspiring. The Q&A gave me clarity on Indian agrivoltaics policies as well.” |
| Participant 3 (Faculty – ECE Dept.) | “This seminar effectively exposed students to an emerging and highly relevant technology. The interdisciplinary nature of agrivoltaics is a great example of how ECE can contribute beyond traditional domains. The organization was smooth and the interaction with the international expert was very enriching.” |
