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In a groundbreaking move, the state of Gujarat is set to revolutionize its agricultural landscape by facilitating the transition of Off-Grid Standalone Solar Pump sets to Grid Connected Solar Pump sets. This initiative, outlined in Government of Gujarat’s GR No. SLR/11/2014/Gol/1154/81 dated 08.07.2022, aims to provide Regular Electricity Connection to farmers and enhance the efficiency of their existing solar pump sets.
Gujarat, known for its forward-thinking approach, has been at the forefront of renewable energy adoption. Under the previously implemented scheme dated 25.09.2014, the state supported the installation of 12,747 Off-Grid Standalone agriculture Solar Pump sets from 2014 to 2018. Eligible farmers, with a minimum of 1 acre of agricultural land, were invited to participate, contributing ?1,000 per Horsepower (HP) for SC/ST applicants and ?5,000 per HP for others.
Taking a significant step forward, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India, introduced the ‘Pradhanmantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan’ (PM-KUSUM) Scheme in 2019. Under Component B of this scheme, Gujarat has decided to convert Off-Grid Standalone Agriculture Solar Pump sets into Grid Connected Solar Pump sets, aligning with MNRE guidelines.
The state issued a notification on 03.06.2022 and 08.07.2022, extending support to farmers with less than 8 acres of land who had previously installed Off-Grid Standalone Solar Pump sets. The scheme allows these farmers to obtain a Regular Electricity Connection and convert their existing solar pump sets into grid-connected ones. Farmers located within 1 km of the local Distribution Company’s (DISCOM) 11 kV LT network are eligible to participate.
The transition process involves installing a Grid tie inverter to convert solar power from DC to AC, synchronizing it with the grid frequency. An automatic changeover switch facilitates the switch from Off-grid to Grid-connected mode, particularly during altered 3-phase power schedules in the nighttime.
To incentivize farmers, the government is offering grants for the installation of necessary infrastructure, including Transformer Structure, electric lines, and Metering systems. Additionally, farmers can opt for regular electricity connections along with their existing solar pump sets.
The scheme promotes accountability, with farmers responsible for maintaining the solar pump sets for five years post receiving the regular electricity connection. Failure to comply may result in forfeiture of benefits.
In terms of financial arrangements, farmers will be able to sell surplus solar power to DISCOM at a fixed tariff of ?1.75 per unit for 25 years from the installation date. This aligns with the state’s commitment to promoting sustainable energy practices and reducing cross-subsidization among consumers.
The initiative is expected to bring about various benefits, including increased availability of quality grid power to farmers, accounting for Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPO) of DISCOMs, and a reduction in energy bills for farmers. Furthermore, it eases the subsidy burden on the government. As the state pushes forward with this transformative agricultural initiative, the Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission is urged to consider approving the purchase of surplus solar power at the mentioned rate. This move not only aligns with the state’s commitment to renewable energy but also sets a precedent for sustainable agricultural practices, ensuring a brighter and more energy-efficient future for Gujarat’s farmers. |
