Punjab Mulls to Incentivise Farmers for Surplus Solar Energy Production, Says Aman Arora
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Over 5K agri-solar pumps already allocated to farmers
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34MW capacity solar PV panels installed on government buildings; generating over 4.9 crore units of electricity annually
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New and Renewable Energy Minister replies during question hour in state assembly
Chandigarh, March 25, 2025:
In a groundbreaking initiative to make the state a leader in green energy production, the Punjab Government is considering incentivising farmers for producing surplus solar energy through solar pumps installed for agricultural use, announced Aman Arora, Minister of New and Renewable Energy Sources, Punjab.
He was replying to a question raised by Naresh Puri, MLA from Sujanpur Assembly constituency, during the question hour in Punjab Vidhan Sabha on Tuesday.
Aman Arora said that this forward-thinking move would empower the state's farmers, bolster the renewable energy sector, and contribute to a sustainable future. Under this proposed policy, farmers would be compensated for excess solar energy generated beyond their own consumption needs. This surplus energy will be fed into the grid, contributing to the state's energy supply and reducing reliance on fossil fuels for a greener Punjab.
"By empowering farmers to become active participants in the renewable energy sector, we are not only promoting clean energy but also creating new economic opportunities for our farmers," Aman Arora said, adding that the Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA) will install 20,000 solar pumps for agricultural purposes, with over 5,000 solar pumps already allocated to farmers.
He also shared that 4,474 government buildings have been equipped with rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) panels with a capacity of 34 MW. These panels generate over 4.9 crore units of electricity annually. Further, PEDA has planned to install 100 MW capacity solar power plants on government buildings over the next two financial years.
Aman Arora highlighted that grid-connected rooftop solar PV power plants generate power at the consumer point, reducing network losses in distribution. The electricity generated also helps bridge the demand and supply gap, enabling PSPCL to meet its renewable purchase obligation targets as specified by the Electricity Regulatory Commissions. Additionally, excess power generated during the daytime is fed back into the grid, enhancing overall energy efficiency.