Complete Guide to Solar Water Pumps in India (2026)
For decades, Indian farmers have relied on noisy, polluting, and expensive Diesel pumps or unstable grid electricity for irrigation. Solar Water Pumps have emerged as the most viable alternative, offering free electricity during the day when crops need water the most.
How PM KUSUM Yojana Helps
The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM KUSUM) is a flagship scheme to solarize India's agriculture.
- Subsidy Amount: The government bears 60% of the cost.
- Loan Facility: Banks provide 30% of the cost as a loan.
- Farmer Investment: The farmer only needs to pay 10% upfront to get the system installed.
Types of Solar Pumps
1. Submersible Solar Pumps:
Used when the water level is deep (more than 15 meters) like in borewells. The motor and pump are submerged in water. This is the most common type used in India.
2. Surface Solar Pumps:
Used when the water source is nearby surface (ponds, rivers, canals, open wells). The pump is installed on dry land and sucks water through a pipe.
Sizing Your Pump (HP vs Head)
The biggest mistake farmers make is choosing the wrong HP. A 5HP pump is useless if it is not designed for the specific "Head" (depth) of your borewell.
- Low Head, High Discharge: For shallow water but large volume.
- High Head, Low Discharge: For deep borewells (300ft+), water volume will be less.
Application Process
To apply for the PM KUSUM subsidy, farmers must visit the official portal of their state's Renewable Energy Agency (e.g., MEDA in Maharashtra, UPNEDA in UP, RRECL in Rajasthan). The application is online, based on Aadhar authentication and land records (7/12 extract).