In a pioneering effort to position Punjab as a leader in green energy production, the state government is considering offering incentives to farmers for generating surplus solar energy through solar pumps used in agriculture, announced Aman Arora, Punjab’s Minister of New and Renewable Energy Sources.
Responding to a query from Sujanpur MLA Naresh Puri during the question hour in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha on Tuesday, Aman Arora stated that this progressive initiative would not only empower farmers but also strengthen the renewable energy sector and contribute to the state’s sustainable future. Under the proposed policy, farmers will receive compensation for any excess solar energy they generate beyond their own consumption. This surplus energy will be fed into the grid, boosting Punjab’s energy supply while reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
“By encouraging farmers to participate actively in renewable energy production, we are not only advancing clean energy adoption but also creating new economic opportunities for them,” said Aman Arora. He further informed that the Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA) is set to install 20,000 solar pumps for agricultural use, with over 5,000 already allocated to farmers.
Additionally, he revealed that rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) panels have been installed on 4,474 government buildings, providing a total solar capacity of 34 MW. These installations generate over 4.9 crore units of electricity annually. Looking ahead, PEDA has planned to establish 100 MW capacity solar power plants on government buildings over the next two financial years.
Highlighting the benefits of grid-connected rooftop solar PV systems, Aman Arora explained that generating power at the consumer level helps reduce network distribution losses. This solar-generated electricity also assists in bridging the demand-supply gap and supports Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) in meeting its renewable energy obligations set by the Electricity Regulatory Commissions. These grid-connected systems produce electricity during daylight hours and channel surplus power back into the grid, ensuring an efficient and sustainable energy model for Punjab.