PM-KUSUM: Punjab Issues Bid To Solarise 200 Agri Pumps

PM-KUSUM: Punjab Issues Bid To Solarise 200 Agri Pumps

The Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA) has invited bids for the solarisation of around 200 agricultural pumps across the state under the central government’s PM-KUSUM scheme, aiming to boost clean energy use in irrigation and allow farmers to earn income by exporting surplus solar power to the grid. The last date to submit the bid is June 25.

The project, floated under Component-C of the PM-KUSUM scheme of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), involves the design, supply, installation, testing, commissioning, and five-year maintenance of distributed, grid-connected solar PV systems. The initiative will be implemented across three 11-kV agricultural feeders—Kurali (Banur sub-division), Peerkot (Sub-Maur sub-division), and Sadhowal (Rangian sub-division)—under Punjab State Power Corporation Ltd (PSPCL).

PEDA said the selected bidder will also be responsible for replacing the existing grid-connected AC pumps with energy-efficient, BEE star-rated pumps. Preference will be given to pumps with higher efficiency ratings. Each solarised pump will be equipped with net metering and integrated with the grid, allowing farmers to use solar power for irrigation and feed excess electricity back into the system.

The MNRE guidelines allow states to solarise grid-connected pumps in two modes: either to run solely on solar power or on both grid and solar power. Punjab will adopt the latter approach, ensuring pumps can operate on grid power when available, and switch to solar during daytime outages.

Officials said the move is expected to enhance access to reliable daytime power for irrigation, reduce electricity costs for farmers, and contribute to water conservation by discouraging excessive pump usage. It will also provide an additional revenue stream for farmers through the sale of surplus solar power to PSPCL.

The systems must be installed within 10 feet of the borewell, and integrated with Remote Monitoring Systems (RMS) to comply with MNRE data requirements.