Solar pumps

Under the Solar Energy Policy 2022, the Indian state tagets installing about 3 GW of utility-scale solar, 720 MW of distributed generation, and 280 MW off-grid capacity from fiscal 2022-23 to 2026-27.

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar have developed a solar power system that can be easily moved between farms to pump water for irrigation. The kit comprises solar panels and an inverter to power a surface-mounted pump.

With solar water pumps, farmers have access to high-quality power available for irrigation. These systems are portable and can be assembled at any preferred location. With the growing utilization of these systems, the costs have decreased substantially, making them an efficient, convenient, and cost-effective solution for grid-isolated rural areas. 

Bengaluru-based Mecwin Technologies Ltd and Karnataka Vikas Grameena Bank (KVGB) have partnered to finance solar pump-sets for farmers. Adani has formed a new energy arm called Adani New Industries Limited (ANIL).

The International Solar Alliance (ISA), which aims to mobilize more than $1 trillion of solar power investment by 2030 in its member countries, expanded its scope of work by launching programs on solar panel and battery waste management and solar-powered hydrogen production in its fourth assembly held recently.

The Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI) has invited Expression of Interest to identify the applicants who are interested in leasing or selling their land to developers for setting up agricultural feeder-level solar power plants in the State.  

India’s solar-powered irrigation mission has had a sluggish run despite the PM-KUSUM scheme providing ample flexibility and budgetary support for the system implementation. An IEEFA report highlights the need to address the challenges of coordination, affordability, business models, technology and awareness creation at State level to increase the uptake.

Tata Power brings technology and financial strength to set up the distributed, small-scale solar power systems in rural areas and provide round-the-clock power supply to households and businesses. CSC brings to the partnership village-level entrepreneurs to provide quick, low-cost service support. 

Under the partnership, the West Bengal-based not-for-profit organization shall set up a guarantee fund to facilitate the financing of solar pumps for unbankable small and marginal farmers without having to offer any collateral.

The innovators will be required to showcase their technologies in actual field conditions. The shortlisted ones will be empanelled and allocated sites for installing solar pumps under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evem Utthan Mahabhiyan (PM KUSUM) Scheme.