In what could help farmers using solar powered water pumps for irrigation in Gujarat to earn some extra money, the state government is considering the possibility of connecting them to the grid.
According to sources close to the development, the idea is under primary stage of consideration and could be implemented soon, if found viable.
As on date nearly 4,000 solar water pumps have been distributed to the farmers and all these are off grid and farmers are using surplus power for other purpose at their farms. The idea of connecting it to the grid, according to state government sources, is to provide an additional source of income to farmers.
“Farmers who have installed solar water pumps have been using surplus power for other purposes at their farms. Connecting to the grid will provide opportunity to earn from excess power supply to farmers.The idea is under consideration at this time,” a state energy department official told Business Standard.