Introduction
India has launched multiple solar subsidy schemes to promote renewable energy, but PM-KUSUM Ghar Yojana stands out as a farmer-focused initiative. Understanding how PM-KUSUM differs from other government schemes helps farmers and rural households make better investment decisions.
In this blog, we’ll compare PM-KUSUM with other solar schemes, highlight its unique advantages, and explain how EPC companies like Solyug Renewables help maximize benefits.
Overview of PM-KUSUM Ghar Yojana
PM-KUSUM aims to:
-
Provide solar irrigation pumps for farmers
-
Enable grid-connected small solar power plants
-
Retrofit existing grid pumps with solar
-
Offer up to 60% subsidy to reduce upfront costs
Key benefits include cost savings, additional income from surplus energy, and environmental sustainability.
Other Major Solar Subsidy Schemes
-
Rooftop Solar Subsidy Scheme (MNRE)
-
Targets households and commercial buildings
-
Central subsidy: 20–40% depending on capacity
-
Focus: Reducing grid dependency and electricity bills
-
-
Solar Pump Scheme (State-Level, e.g., Gujarat, Maharashtra)
-
Focused on irrigation and agricultural use
-
Subsidy ranges from 30–70% depending on farmer category
-
Typically smaller scale than PM-KUSUM
-
-
Solar Parks Scheme (Central & State)
-
Large-scale solar power generation (MW scale)
-
Not specifically for farmers
-
Provides land and infrastructure for industrial solar projects
-
Key Differences: PM-KUSUM vs Others
| Feature | PM-KUSUM Ghar Yojana | Other Solar Subsidies |
|---|---|---|
| Target Users | Farmers, rural households | Urban households, commercial buildings |
| Subsidy | Up to 60% | 20–40% (Rooftop), 30–70% (state schemes) |
| Focus | Irrigation pumps, small solar plants | Electricity bill reduction, commercial use |
| Grid Connectivity | Yes, allows selling surplus | Varies; some rooftop schemes allow net metering |
| Government Support | Central + State | Mostly central or state only |
| Technical Assistance | EPC companies like Solyug Renewables | Optional; often DIY installation |
PM-KUSUM is more farmer-centric, offering financial support, technical guidance, and revenue from surplus energy — making it ideal for rural India.
Benefits of Choosing PM-KUSUM
-
Higher Subsidy: Most state schemes offer less support than PM-KUSUM.
-
Farmer-Friendly Design: Includes irrigation pumps and grid-connected solar plants.
-
Income Generation: Surplus power sale is a built-in feature.
-
Comprehensive Support: EPC companies handle application, installation, and maintenance.
Example: A farmer with a rooftop solar panel under MNRE scheme saves electricity bills. A PM-KUSUM user saves bills and earns extra income by selling surplus energy.
Role of EPC Companies
EPC companies like Solyug Renewables help farmers:
-
Choose the right scheme based on land, irrigation needs, and finances
-
Ensure proper documentation for subsidy approval
-
Install high-quality solar systems compliant with MNRE
-
Monitor system performance and handle post-installation maintenance
This ensures maximum benefits and a hassle-free experience for farmers.
Case Study: Comparing Schemes
-
Rajasthan Farmer: Installed a 3 HP pump under PM-KUSUM:
-
Cost: ₹1.8 lakh
-
Subsidy: ₹1.08 lakh
-
Annual savings + income: ₹18,000
-
-
Neighbor under MNRE Rooftop Scheme:
-
Cost: ₹1.5 lakh
-
Subsidy: ₹45,000
-
Annual savings only: ₹8,000
-
PM-KUSUM clearly provides higher financial and practical benefits for farmers, especially those in rural areas relying on irrigation.
Tips for Choosing the Right Solar Scheme
-
Evaluate your land, irrigation, and electricity needs.
-
Compare subsidy percentages and eligibility.
-
Consider technical assistance from certified EPCs.
-
Factor in potential income from selling surplus power.
Conclusion
While India offers several solar subsidy programs, PM-KUSUM Ghar Yojana stands out for farmers, providing financial support, energy savings, and income opportunities. By working with certified EPC companies like Solyug Renewables, rural households can confidently adopt solar energy, maximize benefits, and contribute to sustainable development.