Optimizing Decentralized Solar Adoption in Rajasthan: A Regional Strategy for PM-KUSUM Implementation using the Integrated Deployment Model (IPKDM)

Abstract

The PM-KUSUM scheme aims to help farmers switch from diesel to solar energy while boosting their earnings. It offers a central subsidy of 30% to 50% for installing new solar pumps or converting current electric pumps to solar It also allows farmers to generate revenue by setting up solar power plants (up to 2MW) on fallow land and selling electricity to DISCOMs at state-determined rates. The prices for this power are fixed by the state regulator, and the scheme is managed by state government departments. The PM Kusum scheme got administrative approval in March 2019 and guidelines were prepared in July 2019. The scheme was launched by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) (Choudhary, 2023)

Introduction

The PM-KUSUM scheme, launched in 2019 by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, aims to help farmers shift from diesel-powered irrigation to clean solar energy. The scheme reduces dependence on costly fuel, provides reliable electricity, and allows farmers to earn extra income by selling surplus solar power to the grid. In Rajasthan, which receives around 320 sunny days annually, the scheme has shown significant benefits for farmers and renewable energy development. The scheme is implemented by Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation Limited.

The PM-KUSUM scheme consists of three components:

1. Component A focuses on installing decentralized solar power plants up to 2 MW near substations. Rajasthan has sanctioned 5220 MW under this component, with 466.75 MW installed so far. Jodhpur leads implementation because of high solar radiation, available land, and strong grid infrastructure. The component supports farmers, cooperatives, and local groups while promoting decentralized renewable energy generation.
2. Component B supports standalone solar-powered agricultural pumps in off-grid rural areas. It mainly benefits regions like Jodhpur and Bikaner, where water scarcity, poor grid connectivity, and diesel pump dependence are common. The scheme prioritizes small and marginal farmers and encourages water-saving irrigation methods.
3. Component C promotes solarization of existing grid-connected agricultural pumps. Farmers use solar power for irrigation and can sell excess electricity to DISCOMs. Jaipur and Kota divisions show the highest implementation because of strong feeder infrastructure and a large number of grid-connected pumps.

The study highlights that Rajasthan is one of the leading states in decentralized solar energy under PM-KUSUM. The state has installed 1308 MW of decentralized solar capacity across 684 plants, with major growth occurring in 2024–25. Rajasthan ranks first in Component A implementation and third in Component C nationally.

Conclusion

The research indicates that PM-KUSUM’s performance in Rajasthan is not uniform; rather, it is a product of regional variations in infrastructure and geography. While Jodhpur leads in decentralized power generation (Component-A), other regions show varied success based on their specific grid connectivity and irrigation needs. The field evidence confirms that a \"one-size-fits-all\" approach is insufficient. By adopting the proposed IPKDM framework, Rajasthan and other Indian states can better align renewable energy goals with rural economic development. Ultimately, PM-KUSUM serves as a critical bridge between India’s clean energy transition and sustainable agricultural growth, provided that implementation remains flexible, data-driven, and region-specific. Under PM KUSUM Scheme Rajasthan is a leading state of total installed capacity in all three Components (Component A, Component B, Component C). The Trend shows gradually increasing installed solar capacity and crossed 2000MW of solar capacity. Few challenges faced by the farmers but technologies like Luminous Power Technologies is set to begin work on a massive 350 MW solar energy project in Rajasthan as part of the federal PM-KUSUM initiative.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2026 Gajendra Kumar Tardia, Dr. Saurabh Kumar Jain. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.