☀️ Solar Pump Subsidy 2026 - PM-KUSUM Scheme

Under PM-KUSUM (Component B), the central government provides 30% subsidy on standalone solar pumps. State governments add a minimum 30% subsidy, making total subsidy 60% in most states. Farmers pay the remaining 10-40%, of which bank loan can cover up to 30%. In special category states (NE states, J&K, Himachal, Uttarakhand), central subsidy is 50%, bringing total to 80%. Maharashtra has a separate state scheme (Mukhyamantri Saur Krishi Pump Yojana) where eligible farmers pay as little as 5%. Apply through your state agriculture or energy department.

A 5 HP solar pump costs approximately ₹2.5-3.5 lakh before subsidy. In most states with 60% PM-KUSUM subsidy, the farmer share is ₹1-1.4 lakh (and a bank loan can cover up to 30% of the cost). In Maharashtra under the state scheme, eligible farmers pay as little as 5% of the cost. Once installed, the pump provides free irrigation for 25+ years with minimal maintenance cost.

After application and approval, it typically takes 3-6 months for installation. The process involves: application (2-4 weeks), approval and empanelment (4-8 weeks), installation and commissioning (4-8 weeks). Fast-track states like Rajasthan complete in 3-4 months.

Yes, under PM-KUSUM Component A, solar plants of 500 kW to 2 MW can be installed on barren land and sell power to DISCOMs at feed-in tariff rates of ₹3-5/unit. This creates additional income of ₹1.5-5 lakh per year for farmers with unused land.