PUNJAB CONSIDERS INCENTIVES FOR FARMERS TO BOOST SURPLUS SOLAR ENERGY, ANNOUNCES AMAN ARORA
• More than 5,000 Agri-Solar pumps distributed to farmers
• 34MW solar PV panels on government buildings produce over 49 million units of electricity yearly
• New & Renewable Energy Minister addresses State Assembly during question hour
Chandigarh, March 25:
In a pioneering step toward establishing Punjab as a leader in green energy, the state government is exploring incentives for farmers who generate surplus solar energy using agricultural solar pumps, revealed Mr. Aman Arora, Punjab’s Minister of New and Renewable Energy Sources.
The announcement came in response to a query from Mr. Naresh Puri, MLA from Sujanpur, during the question hour in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha on Tuesday.
Mr. Arora emphasized that this progressive initiative would empower farmers, strengthen the renewable energy landscape, and pave the way for a sustainable future in Punjab. Under the proposed scheme, farmers would receive compensation for excess solar energy produced beyond their own needs. This surplus would be supplied to the grid, enhancing the state’s energy resources and reducing dependence on fossil fuels for a cleaner, greener Punjab.
watch…..Yudh Nashian Virudh Campaign: 1259 FIRs Filed, 1758 Arrested So Far – Harpal Cheema
“By encouraging farmers to play an active role in renewable energy, we’re not only advancing clean energy adoption but also opening up new income avenues for them,” Mr. Arora stated. He added that the Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA) aims to install 20,000 solar pumps for agricultural use, with over 5,000 already provided to farmers across the state.
The minister also highlighted that 4,474 government buildings have been fitted with rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, boasting a combined capacity of 34 MW. These installations generate over 49 million units of electricity annually. Looking ahead, PEDA plans to establish 100 MW of solar power capacity on government buildings over the next two financial years.
Mr. Arora further explained that grid-connected rooftop solar PV systems produce electricity directly at the point of consumption, minimizing distribution losses. This power generation helps narrow the demand-supply gap and supports the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) in meeting its renewable purchase obligations as mandated by Electricity Regulatory Commissions. These systems operate during daylight hours, feeding surplus electricity back into the grid, he noted.
