Solar pump cost after subsidy versus diesel and grid pump, payback for small farmers.
Is a solar pump worth it for a small farmer?
LLakhan1yr ago · 408 views
6 Answers
🌾Farmer.in Krishi TeamExpert ✓1yr ago
Yes, for most farmers a solar pump pays back well because after about 60 percent PM-KUSUM subsidy you may pay only roughly 10 to 40 percent of the cost, and running cost drops to nearly zero with no diesel and no power bill. A 3 to 5 HP system suits a small farm. The trade-off is that it pumps mainly in daylight and output dips on cloudy days, so it suits day irrigation more than night. If your grid supply is erratic or you currently burn diesel, the savings are large and payback is usually within a few years. Check your state portal for the exact farmer share before deciding.
KKavita1yr ago
For my 2 acre vegetable plot the solar pump was a relief. Earlier diesel cost me a lot every season. Just plan watering for daytime and it works fine.
EEshwar1yr ago
It is worth it but match the pump to your real water need, not the biggest size the vendor pushes. An oversized pump on a weak borewell just sucks air by noon and the extra HP is wasted. I sized mine to my well yield and it runs steady through the day.
RRukmini1yr ago
Do not forget upkeep. The panels need a wipe every couple of weeks in dusty areas or output drops, and you should check the controller and wiring before each season. It is far less work than a diesel engine, but it is not zero maintenance.
TTirupati1yr ago
If you grow a crop that needs evening or night watering, pair the solar pump with a small storage tank or a farm pond. Fill it during the day and let it gravity feed later. That removed the daylight-only worry for me on my paddy.
NNasreen1yr ago
Payback really depends on what you replace. Coming off costly diesel it pays back fast, but if you already had cheap or free grid power for the pump, the savings are smaller and the case is more about reliable daytime supply than money. Work out your own current pumping cost first.