Solar for farms and water pumps
The short answer
Farm solar is a different scheme: PM-KUSUM subsidises solar water pumps (up to 30% central + 30–60% state support in many states, some as high as 90% for small farmers). A 3–5 HP pump pair with a 4–7 kW array replaces diesel costs of ₹15,000–40,000 per season.
- recommended size
- 5 kW
- recommended size
- net cost after subsidy
- ₹2,12,000
- net cost after subsidy
- generated per month
- 590 units
- generated per month
- typical payback
- 5 yrs
- typical payback
Why 5 kW: because a typical 3–5 HP irrigation pump needs a 4–7 kW array sized to the pump's horsepower and daily water hours — not to a household bill.
What it runs: submersible/monoblock water pumps running 4–8 hours daily, plus drip and micro-irrigation systems where installed.
Roof needed: roughly 450–500 sq ft of shadow-free space.
Worth knowing: This is ground-mounted, not rooftop — and the subsidy route is PM-KUSUM Component B through your state's renewable energy nodal agency, not PM Surya Ghar. Prices and support vary sharply by state.
Subsidy: ₹78,000 under PM Surya Ghar (₹30,000/kW up to 2 kW, capped at ₹78,000 for 3 kW+, residential connections only) — credited after your DISCOM commissions the system.
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Which scheme applies to farm pumps — PM Surya Ghar or KUSUM?
PM-KUSUM, Component B (standalone solar pumps). PM Surya Ghar is for grid-connected rooftop on homes. Farmers with grid-connected pumps should also check their state's feeder-separation and daytime-power policies.
How much does a 5 HP solar pump actually cost?
Roughly ₹3–4.5 lakh for the pump + array + controller before subsidies, depending on depth and head. With central and state support, farmer contribution can fall to ₹50,000–1.5 lakh in many states. Your state nodal agency's latest notification is the binding number.
What are the exact numbers for MY bill and MY state?
These figures use the national-average tariff. Your state's tariff and generation numbers — and your exact bill — are on the calculator and your state's page. The maths is identical; only the local rates change.
City-level numbers
Tariffs vary by state — these pages carry your local DISCOM rates and exact cost tables: