1. What is this item?
A Solar Power System captures sunlight using photovoltaic (PV) panels and converts it into electricity for use on the farm. It can power irrigation pumps, cold storage, processing equipment, lights, or even entire farm offices. These systems are modular, scalable, and eco-friendly, reducing dependence on diesel and the unreliable grid. They can be on-grid (connected to the power grid), off-grid (battery-backed), or hybrid systems combining both. With dropping solar panel prices and government subsidies, solar is becoming the go-to choice for energy self-reliance in agriculture.
2. How is the Quantity Estimated?
• Load Calculation: Sum up all appliances' daily energy consumption (kWh/day).
• Sunlight Availability: Use average daily solar radiation (kWh/m²/day) in your area—typically 4–6 hours usable sunlight per day.
• Panel Sizing: Divide daily load by sun hours to estimate required kW capacity.
Example: 40 kWh/day load ÷ 5 sun hours = 8 kW system.
• Battery Sizing (for off-grid): Size for 1–2 days of autonomy (depending on criticality).
• Inverter Sizing: Must match peak load demand + safety margin.
• Roof/Ground Space: 1 kW of panels needs ~100 sq. ft of shadow-free area.
3. What are the Cost Components?
• Solar Panels (Monocrystalline/Polycrystalline)
• Inverter (String, Hybrid, or Micro-inverter)
• Mounting Structures (Rooftop, ground-mount, or trackers)
• Batteries (for off-grid or hybrid systems—Lithium-ion or Lead-Acid)
• Wiring, Switches, Junction Boxes, Surge Protectors
• Charge Controllers (in off-grid setups)
• Monitoring System (optional remote monitoring)
• Installation & Commissioning
• Permits & Net Metering Setup (for on-grid systems)
• Annual Maintenance & Cleaning (low, but regular)
4. Going Rates & Per Unit Cost
• Capex (Equipment + Installation)
o On-Grid Solar System: ₹45,000–₹60,000 per kW
o Off-Grid/Hybrid with Battery: ₹75,000–₹1,00,000 per kW
o Batteries: ₹8,000–₹15,000 per kWh (Lead-Acid); ₹18,000–₹25,000 per kWh (Lithium)
• Example – 5 kW On-Grid System
o Panels + Inverter + Wiring: ₹2.5–₹3 Lakhs
o Mounting & Installation: ₹50,000
o Total ≈ ₹3–₹3.5 Lakhs
• Subsidies: Up to 30–40% capital subsidy for agri use (MNRE or State schemes)
• O&M Costs: ~1–2% of capex per year
• Payback: 4–6 years depending on usage & subsidy; 25+ years of system life
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This makes solar power not just a clean and quiet option, but also a long-term money-saver—and a very Instagrammable one too 😎🌞. Plus, no more worrying about diesel prices or noisy gensets. Want help mapping subsidy schemes or DIY checklist for this too?
