With its rich cultural heritage, Iran has long recognized the four elements—water, soil, air, and fire—as the foundation of existence. Zoroastrianism regards these elements as sacred and views their wise use as a religious responsibility. This article introduces agrivoltaics systems, explores their relationship with the four elements, and discusses their role in sustainable productivity and preservation of divine blessings. The findings indicate that employing this technology continues the tradition of Iranian wisdom in protecting the earth and its resources.
- Introduction: The Four Elements in the Avesta and Gathas
In Zoroastrian thought, the four primary elements of creation are described as follows:
1.1 Water (Ap)
Avesta, Yasna 38, Verse 3 (Doustkhah, 2005, Vol. 1, p. 352):
“We praise all pure waters of Ahura Mazda, created for the benefit of humans, cattle, and the earth.”
Water symbolizes purity and life, and polluting it is considered an unforgivable sin.
1.2 Soil (Zam)
Avesta, Vendidad, Fargard 3, Verse 30 (Bahar, 2007, p. 255):
“Blessed is the one who brings dead land back to life, for he has performed the highest deed for Ahura Mazda.”
Soil is the foundation of life and prosperity, and neglecting it is regarded as improper.
1.3 Air (Vayu)
Avesta, Yasht 15, Verse 1 (Doustkhah, 2005, Vol. 2, p. 1153):
“Hail to Vayu, the bearer of noble winds, who spreads life throughout the world.”
Air sustains life and provides the breath for humans and plants. Polluting it is seen as disrupting the natural order of creation.
1.4 Fire (Atar)
Gathas, Yasna 34, Verse 4 (Doustkhah, 2005, Vol. 1, p. 460):
“O Mazda, may your ever‑present fire look upon our good deeds, words, and thoughts.”
Fire represents energy, light, wisdom, and the power to give life. The sun itself is honored as the celestial fire.
- The Sun in Zoroastrianism and Agrivoltaics
In the Avesta, the sun is referred to as Hvare‑khshaeta:
Avesta, Mithra Yasht, Verse 66 (Doustkhah, 2005, Vol. 2, p. 979):
“We praise the radiant sun, the swift steed that shines upon all things.”
2.1 Overview of Agrivoltaics Systems
Definition:
An Agrivoltaics System (Agri‑Photovoltaics) integrates solar energy generation through photovoltaic panels with agricultural cultivation on the same land. The concept was first introduced in 1981 by Adolf Goetzberger and Armin Zastrow at Germany’s Fraunhofer ISE.
Key Objectives:
- Producing food and energy simultaneously
- Preserving natural resources such as water and soil
- Achieving multiple uses of farmland
- Reducing the impacts of climate change
Main System Types:
- Elevated fixed panels that allow agricultural machinery to operate beneath them
- Adjustable panels with single‑axis or dual‑axis tracking systems
- Agrivoltaic greenhouses
Global Examples:
- Japan: over 3,000 projects implemented
- China: more than 2 GW of installed capacity
- France: the Horizeo project with a capacity of 1 GW
Source:
- Fraunhofer ISE, “Agrophotovoltaics: Harvesting the sun for power and food”, 2021.
- Dupraz et al., “Combining solar photovoltaic panels and food crops for optimising land use: Towards new agrivoltaic schemes”, Renewable Energy, 2011.
- The Role of Agrivoltaics in Protecting and Enriching the Four Elements
3.1 Water
- Panel shading reduces soil surface evaporation by up to 40%.
- Water used to clean panels can be collected and reused for irrigation.
- Can be integrated with advanced smart drip‑irrigation systems.
3.2 Soil
- Shields the soil from intense direct sunlight, helping prevent erosion.
- Enhances soil moisture levels and supports healthier plant growth.
- Preserves farmland by eliminating the need to convert it into dedicated solar fields.
3.3 Air
- Produces clean energy without emitting air pollutants.
- Creates a cooler microclimate beneath the panels, improving conditions for agriculture.
- Can be paired with cultivating medicinal plants that naturally purify the air.
3.4 Fire (Sunlight)
- Maximizes the use of solar energy—revered as the celestial fire—for both power generation and photosynthesis.
- Regulates light exposure to boost plant development and improve crop quality.
- The Significance of Technology in Enhancing Divine Blessings
4.1 Religious and Philosophical Perspective
In Zoroastrian teaching and Iranian philosophy, knowledge and technology are regarded as means to cultivate the earth and honor the divine act of creation. Humanity, as an Ashu (a wise and righteous being), is responsible for:
- Avoiding waste of resources
- Developing and enriching the land
- Improving efficiency and productivity
- Ensuring fairness in the use of God’s gifts
Gathas, Yasna 34, Verse 15 (Doustkhah, 2005, Vol. 1, p. 462):
“O Mazda, true knowledge is that which shows people the right path for living and cultivating the earth.”
4.2 Contribution of Agrivoltaics to Preserving Divine Blessings
Water: Minimizes consumption, reduces excessive evaporation, and enables reuse of water from panel cleaning for irrigation.
Soil: Protects against erosion, enhances soil quality and productivity, and avoids converting farmland into standalone solar sites.
Air: Generates clean energy without pollution and creates a favorable microclimate for humans and plants.
Fire (Sunlight): Harnesses solar energy efficiently for electricity generation, lighting, heating, and photosynthesis.
4.3 Technology as an Expression of Divine Wisdom
Within Zoroastrianism, when human knowledge and technology are guided by truth, good thoughts and good deeds, they are not only acceptable but seen as reflections of Ahura Mazda’s wisdom in the material world.
Avesta, Yasna 45, Verse 5 (Doustkhah, 2005, Vol. 1, p. 491):
“True knowledge is the light and the strength that leads life toward righteousness.”
4.4 Conclusion of This Section
- Agrivoltaic systems optimize the use of energy, soil, water, and sunlight.
- This technology carries forward the thoughtful heritage of ancient Iranians in safeguarding the four sacred elements.
- Using technology wisely is a practical way of showing gratitude for divine blessings and fulfilling the religious duty of cultivating the earth.
- The Importance of Agriculture and the Impact of Agrivoltaic Systems on Sustainable Productivity
5.1 The Value of Agriculture in Zoroastrianism and Iranian Wisdom
In the Avesta and the Gathas, agriculture is considered one of the noblest tasks and responsibilities of humankind:
Vendidad, Fargard 3, Verse 1 (Bahar, 2007, p. 245):
“Ahura Mazda said to Zarathustra: O Spitama, the best place in the world is where a man tills the land and grows grain.”
Agriculture is seen as:
- A source of life, livelihood, and prosperity
- A symbol of effort, purity, and truth
- A religious obligation to cultivate and improve the material world (Geti)
5.2 Challenges Facing Modern Agriculture in Iran
Today, agriculture in Iran faces significant difficulties:
- Water shortages due to recurring droughts
- Soil salinity in central and southern regions
- Intense sunlight leading to high evaporation
- Reduced productivity and rising production costs
5.3 How Agrivoltaic Systems Improve Agricultural Productivity
Agrivoltaics offers effective solutions to these issues:
Reducing Water Use:
- Shading from panels can cut soil surface evaporation by up to 40% (Fraunhofer ISE, 2021).
- Water used for cleaning panels can be collected and reused for irrigation.
Boosting Crop Yields:
- Controlled light and temperature levels improve photosynthesis and enhance crop quality.
- Research (Dupraz et al., 2011) shows yields can rise by up to 10% under solar panels.
Encouraging Cultivation of Medicinal and Drought‑Resistant Plants:
- Supports growing high‑value medicinal crops that thrive without intense direct sunlight.
- Promotes crop diversity and provides farmers with additional income opportunities.
Protecting Soil:
- Reduces erosion caused by wind and heavy rains.
- Maintains soil structure and boosts microbial activity.
5.4 Harmonizing Modern Agriculture with Religious Philosophy
In Zoroastrianism, developing the land and enhancing its productivity is considered a form of worship. Agrivoltaic technology:
- Realizes this philosophy through the use of contemporary knowledge and efficient solar energy utilization
- Upholds the legacy of ancestors by fostering a responsible attitude toward nature
- Embodies wisdom and righteous action by conserving resources for future generations
Gathas, Yasna 44, Verse 18 (Doustkhah, 2005, Vol. 1, p. 483):
“O Mazda, grant me the wisdom to cultivate the world in the best possible way.”
5.5 Summary of This Section
- Agriculture is a fundamental pillar of Iran’s economy and cultural identity.
- Agrivoltaic technology, as the pioneering integrated solution for food and energy production, addresses challenges of water scarcity, limited land, and energy needs.
- By lowering water consumption, boosting productivity, and supporting economic and environmental sustainability, this system promises a brighter future for Iranian agriculture.
- Final Summary
In Zoroastrianism and Iranian wisdom, the four elements—water, soil, air, and fire—are considered the basis of life, purity, and prosperity. Following the teachings of the Avesta and the Gathas, humans are entrusted with the responsibility to safeguard these elements through wisdom, knowledge, and righteous actions, and to work toward the cultivation and flourishing of the earth.
Today, agriculture stands as a vital pillar of Iran’s economy and culture but faces significant challenges such as water scarcity, soil degradation, climate change, and the demand for clean energy. Agrivoltaic technology, which integrates solar power generation with crop production on the same land, presents an intelligent and sustainable solution that:
- Lowers water consumption
- Improves crop productivity and quality
- Preserves soil health
- Generates clean air and renewable energy
- And most importantly, upholds the wise tradition of ancient Iranians in honoring Ahura Mazda’s creation and wisely utilizing divine blessings.
Therefore, agrivoltaics is more than just an innovative technology; it represents the embodiment of ancient Iranian values and culture in the responsible and effective use of nature’s gifts to ensure healthy food, clean energy, sustainable growth, and the prosperity of the earth.
