Maharashtra Sets World Record For Installing 45,911 Solar Pumps In A Month

Maharashtra has installed 45,911 off-grid solar agricultural pumps in 30 days, earning recognition from Guinness World Records, the state-run Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd (MSEDCL) said on Monday.

The deployment makes Maharashtra the fastest state in India to roll out solar pumps and places it second globally after China in the scale and speed of installations achieved by a single administrative region.

MSEDCL said the record reflects its push to expand clean energy use in agriculture, improve irrigation access and support farmer incomes through programmes under the PM-KUSUM (Component B) scheme and the state’s Magel Tyala Saur Krushi Pump Yojana.

Behind The Rapid Rollout

MSEDCL outlined several measures behind the rapid rollout, including prioritising drought-prone districts, stricter vendor accountability with a three-day grievance-resolution framework, simultaneous deployment of multiple installation teams and a pump-sizing policy linked to landholding. The utility said ongoing agricultural connections are now being provided through off-grid solar pumps to ensure reliable daytime power supply.

The company said the systems approach, digital tracking and farmer-focused implementation provide a replicable model for other states. Maharashtra has installed 747,000 solar pumps so far and is targeting 1.045 million.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the record underscores Maharashtra’s national lead in solar irrigation and supports “clean, farmer-centric irrigation”. He said the initiative would strengthen irrigation security, boost productivity and reduce dependence on conventional energy. 

Record Time

GK Energy, one of the implementing partners, said it installed nearly 17% of the pumps during the record period. Its CEO said the milestone demonstrated the value of “farmer-centric innovation” and the long-term economic and operational advantages of off-grid solar irrigation. Shakti Pumps on the other hand claimed that it emerged as the leading contributor with 8,846 pumps the highest 
number by any participating companies. 

MSEDCL Chairman and Managing Director Lokesh Chandra said the achievement was driven by “efficient scheme design, transparent vendor empanelment and strict compliance”. He said the policy of providing new agricultural connections only through off-grid solar pumps would help expand access and reduce pressure on the grid.

State officials said Maharashtra’s model—combining structured planning, a strong vendor ecosystem, safeguards and farmer-focused deployment—offers a template for other Indian states and developing countries seeking scalable clean-energy irrigation solutions.

The state government and MSEDCL said they will continue to expand solar irrigation and support India’s wider clean energy transition.