PM-KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan) Component C is the one part of the scheme built for farmers who already have a grid-connected agricultural pump. Component A puts solar on barren land. Component B is for off-grid pumps with no electricity nearby. Component C does something different — it bolts a solar array onto your existing grid pump, lets the array run the pump during the day, and exports surplus units back to the DISCOM (Distribution Company) at ₹3.00–₹3.50 per kWh (kilowatt-hour). The central subsidy is 30% for general states and 50% for the North-East, hilly, and island regions, with most progressive states (Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat) topping that up by another 30%. The farmer’s out-of-pocket falls to ₹1.4–₹2 lakh for a 5 HP (horsepower) solarisation.
This guide walks through Component C end-to-end — the C1 versus C2 split, the subsidy math, the sell-to-grid mechanism, the application funnel, and the rejection patterns we see most often across the Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh installations we have worked on.
Direct answer. PM-KUSUM Component C solarises an existing grid-connected agricultural pump. C1 (Individual Pump Solarisation) lets a farmer install solar panels on their own pump and sell surplus units to the DISCOM at ₹3.00–₹3.50 per kWh. C2 (Feeder-Level Solarisation) is a DISCOM-led model. Central subsidy is 30% (50% in NE and hilly states); progressive states add 30%. Payback runs 6–7 years.
If your tubewell already runs on a metered grid connection — flat-rate, single-phase, or three-phase — Component C is the route built for you. You keep the grid as backup for nights and cloudy days, the solar array carries the pump through daylight hours, and the surplus turns into a small monthly income.
What Component C Solarisation Actually Does to Your Pump
Component C is often misunderstood as “another off-grid solar pump scheme”. It is not. The pump stays connected to the DISCOM. The solar array is wired in parallel with the grid feed through a bi-directional net meter, so during the day the solar panels carry the pump load and any surplus flows backward into the grid. At night, or during overcast weather, the same pump draws from the grid exactly as it did before. The farmer never loses irrigation capability and never depends on storage batteries.
Mechanically, a Component C installation adds four elements to the existing connection:
- A ground-mounted or pole-mounted solar array sized at roughly twice the pump’s horsepower in kilowatts-peak (kWp). A 5 HP pump pairs with a 7.5 kWp array; a 7.5 HP pump pairs with a 10–11 kWp array.
- A grid-interactive solar inverter (string or central) that synchronises the array output with the DISCOM frequency and voltage. This is different from the variable frequency drive (VFD) used in Component B standalone systems.
- A bi-directional net meter (or two unidirectional meters in some states) sealed by the DISCOM. This is what measures the surplus units flowing back.
- An AC isolator, DC isolator, and earthing kit wired into the existing pump starter.
The existing pump motor, starter, cables, and tubewell are untouched. This is the single biggest reason farmers prefer Component C over Component B — there is no need to replace a working pump, no need to dig out the casing, no need to retrain on a new control panel. The capital outlay is also significantly lower than a full Component B replacement because the pump itself is reused.
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) sets the technical specifications under the PM-KUSUM 2024 amended guidelines — module efficiency above 19%, inverter efficiency above 97%, and modules listed on the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) register.
C1 (Individual) vs C2 (Feeder-Level) — Which Applies to You
Component C has two sub-models, and the choice is not really a choice — it is determined by who initiates the project. C1 is farmer-led; C2 is DISCOM-led. Most farmers reading this guide will only ever interact with C1.
C1 — Individual Pump Solarisation (IPS). The farmer (or a Farmer Producer Organisation, an FPO) applies to the State Implementing Agency for solar panels to be installed on their own existing grid pump. The panels feed the pump first, and any surplus is exported through a bi-directional meter. The farmer owns the asset, claims the subsidy, and earns the sell-to-grid income directly. This is the route for any farmer whose pump is already drawing metered grid supply and who wants to convert it to solar without giving up the grid backup.
C2 — Feeder-Level Solarisation (FLS). The DISCOM identifies an agricultural feeder line that supplies a cluster of grid pumps, and installs a large solar plant (1–10 MW) at the feeder substation. The pumps connected downstream then receive solar power during the day without any rooftop, ground-mount, or net-meter changes at the farmer’s end. The farmer does not own the solar array and does not earn sell-to-grid income — the DISCOM does. The farmer’s benefit is that the agricultural feeder is now decarbonised and supply quality during the day improves significantly.
| Feature | C1 — Individual Pump | C2 — Feeder-Level |
|---|---|---|
| Who installs | Farmer or FPO | DISCOM |
| Who owns the array | Farmer | DISCOM / private developer |
| Subsidy applies to | Farmer | DISCOM / developer |
| Sell-to-grid income | Goes to farmer | Goes to DISCOM |
| Pump-side hardware change | Net meter + isolators | None |
| Suitable for | Farmers with one or two pumps wanting their own asset | Cluster feeders with 50+ pumps |
| Typical project size | 2–15 kWp per pump | 500 kWp–10 MWp per feeder |
| Application route | State Implementing Agency portal | DISCOM tender, no farmer application |
In practice, C2 is being deployed in Maharashtra (Mukhyamantri Saur Krishi Vahini), Gujarat (GUVNL feeder solarisation), and Punjab where high agricultural subsidy burden makes feeder-level the politically attractive route. C1 dominates in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh because individual farmers retain ownership and the income.
For a side-by-side of the entire scheme, including how Component C sits alongside the other two components, read our PM-KUSUM complete guide. If you do not yet have a grid connection at the pump site, you actually need PM-KUSUM Component B for standalone pumps, not Component C. And if you own barren land that could host a 500 kWp–2 MWp solar plant under the landowner route, see PM-KUSUM Component A for landowners.
The 5-Stage Component C Solarisation Funnel
This is the framework we use across the C1 applications we have managed. Five sequential stages, each with its own approval gate. Skipping a gate means restarting the application — which can add 8–10 weeks because the State Implementing Agency revalidates the land record, the bill, and the pump capacity afresh.
Stage 1: Eligibility Verification (Day 0–7)
Before opening the State Implementing Agency portal — Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation Limited (RRECL), Madhya Pradesh Urja Vikas Nigam (MPUVN), Haryana Renewable Energy Development Agency (HAREDA), or whichever applies to your state — confirm four eligibility conditions. Your pump must be grid-connected and the connection must be active and metered. A flat-rate connection that has been disconnected for non-payment cannot be solarised until the dues are cleared. Pump capacity must fall in the 3 HP to 15 HP band; higher-capacity pumps are technically eligible in some states but the subsidy ceiling becomes restrictive. Land ownership at the pump site must be in your name or an immediate family member’s name — a registered lease of 25+ years also qualifies in most states. Aadhaar, bank account, and DISCOM consumer number must all reflect the same applicant. Mismatches at this stage are the leading rejection cause.
Stage 2: Application Submission and Document Upload (Day 8–14)
Open the State Implementing Agency portal, register with your Aadhaar-linked mobile number, and trigger an OTP. Once logged in, select Component C-1 (individual pump solarisation), enter your DISCOM consumer number, and the portal pulls your sanctioned load and connection category from the DISCOM database. Upload the document set — latest electricity bill (within three months), Aadhaar copy, land record (Khata, Khatauni, or Patta), pump capacity certificate from the local electrical contractor, cancelled cheque, and a recent photograph of the pump and the proposed solar array site. The portal generates an Application Reference Number (ARN). Save it; every follow-up reference uses the ARN.
Stage 3: Technical Feasibility and DISCOM Sanction (Day 15–45)
The State Implementing Agency forwards the application to the DISCOM for two checks — distribution transformer (DT) headroom and net-meter compatibility. The DT must have enough capacity to absorb the surplus export; if the DT is loaded above 85%, the DISCOM issues a conditional approval with an export cap. The existing energy meter must also be replaceable with a bi-directional meter — most modern static meters are, but very old electromechanical meters require full replacement at DISCOM cost. Approval typically takes 25–35 working days. The DISCOM issues a Technical Feasibility Certificate, which is the green light for the next stage.
Stage 4: Vendor Empanelment, Installation, and Commissioning (Day 46–90)
After feasibility approval, the portal shows the list of MNRE-empanelled vendors authorised for Component C in your state. You select one. Installation of a 7.5 kWp array for a 5 HP pump takes 6–10 working days — site survey, civil foundation, structure fabrication, panel mounting, inverter wiring, DC and AC cabling, earthing, and integration with the existing pump starter. Once the array is energised and tested in island mode, the vendor uploads commissioning documents and the DISCOM schedules a net-meter installation and inspection within 7–14 working days. The DISCOM seals the bi-directional meter, signs the commissioning report on the portal, and your asset goes live.
Stage 5: Subsidy DBT and Sell-to-Grid Activation (Day 91–150)
Within 30–45 days of commissioning, the central subsidy and state subsidy are released via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to the farmer’s Aadhaar-seeded bank account through the Public Financial Management System (PFMS). The farmer’s own contribution is collected upfront before installation, so DBT effectively reimburses the farmer’s loan if one was taken. From commissioning day, surplus units flowing into the grid are tracked monthly; the DISCOM credits the sell-to-grid earnings against the farmer’s electricity bill, or pays the net positive balance quarterly through the same Aadhaar-seeded bank account. The first sell-to-grid statement typically arrives 60–90 days after commissioning.
Subsidy Math: Central + State + Farmer Share for Component C
The Component C subsidy stack is fixed by the MNRE PM-KUSUM scheme document at the central level, with each state’s Renewable Energy Department adding a top-up. The combined rate is what determines the farmer’s actual out-of-pocket.
| Category | Central Subsidy | State Subsidy | Farmer Share | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General states (UP, Bihar, Jharkhand) | 30% | 0–10% | 60–70% | Lowest stack — farmer share remains high |
| Progressive states (RJ, MP, GJ, PB, HR) | 30% | 30% | 40% | Most common stack — Heaven Green’s main territory |
| North-East + hilly + islands | 50% | 0–20% | 30–50% | Higher central share, state top-up varies |
| SC/ST farmers (any state) | 30–50% | 30–40% | 20–35% | Reservation top-up under SCSP/TSP funds |
| FPOs / Cooperatives | 30% | 30% | 40% (collective) | Subsidy capped at 2 MW aggregate |
The farmer share can be self-funded, financed through a bank loan under the NABARD agricultural infrastructure scheme, or co-financed through a Renewable Energy Service Company (RESCO) model where the RESCO holds the asset for 10–15 years and shares the sell-to-grid income.
| Pump Capacity | Solar Array Size | Total Cost (₹) | After 60% Subsidy | Farmer’s Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 HP | 4.5 kWp | ₹2.2–₹2.8 lakh | ₹88K–₹1.12L | ₹88K–₹1.12L |
| 5 HP | 7.5 kWp | ₹3.5–₹5.0 lakh | ₹1.4L–₹2.0L | ₹1.4L–₹2.0L |
| 7.5 HP | 10 kWp | ₹5.0–₹6.5 lakh | ₹2.0L–₹2.6L | ₹2.0L–₹2.6L |
| 10 HP | 13.5 kWp | ₹6.5–₹8.5 lakh | ₹2.6L–₹3.4L | ₹2.6L–₹3.4L |
| 15 HP | 20 kWp | ₹9.5–₹12 lakh | ₹3.8L–₹4.8L | ₹3.8L–₹4.8L |
The single biggest variable is the state share. A farmer in Rajasthan accessing both central (30%) and state (30%) ends up at 40% of total cost; the same farmer with the same pump in Bihar would pay 70%. This is why we always recommend verifying the active state notification before committing — state subsidy budgets sometimes exhaust before the financial year ends. For the current Rajasthan-specific numbers, refer to our KUSUM Rajasthan guide or the DREBP and PM-KUSUM Rajasthan landing page.
Selling Surplus Solar Back to DISCOM
This is the part of Component C that most farmers underestimate. A grid-tied solar pump does not just cut the electricity bill — it converts the pump from a cost centre into a small income asset. The mechanism is straightforward. The solar array generates roughly 1,500–1,650 kWh per kWp per year in central and northern India. A 7.5 kWp array on a 5 HP pump generates about 11,500 kWh annually. The pump itself, running 4–6 hours a day in the irrigation season, consumes around 4,000–6,000 kWh per year. The difference — 5,500–7,500 kWh — is surplus that flows into the grid.
The DISCOM purchase rate is set by the State Electricity Regulatory Commission and pegged to the Average Power Purchase Cost (APPC). Across most states the APPC for FY26 sits in the ₹3.00 to ₹3.50 per kWh band. Some states (Maharashtra, Karnataka) pay slightly above APPC under feed-in-tariff arrangements; some (Uttar Pradesh) pay slightly below. The DISCOM credits the units monthly and either offsets them against the farmer’s residential or commercial bill (if the farmer has one on the same name) or pays out quarterly.
| Pump | Array | Annual Generation | Self-Use | Surplus | Annual Income @ ₹3.25 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 HP | 4.5 kWp | 6,900 kWh | 2,500 kWh | 4,400 kWh | ₹14,300 |
| 5 HP | 7.5 kWp | 11,500 kWh | 4,500 kWh | 7,000 kWh | ₹22,750 |
| 7.5 HP | 10 kWp | 15,300 kWh | 6,800 kWh | 8,500 kWh | ₹27,625 |
| 10 HP | 13.5 kWp | 20,600 kWh | 8,500 kWh | 12,100 kWh | ₹39,325 |
| 15 HP | 20 kWp | 30,600 kWh | 12,500 kWh | 18,100 kWh | ₹58,825 |
Combine this surplus income with the avoided grid bill (assuming the farmer was previously paying ₹0.90 to ₹2.00 per kWh under agricultural tariff — heavily subsidised but still a cost), and the total annual financial benefit on a 5 HP solarisation lands at ₹25,000 to ₹35,000. Against a farmer’s out-of-pocket of ₹1.4–₹2 lakh, payback works out to 6–7 years and the system has a useful life of 25 years.
The grid-tied model also has a hidden second benefit — the pump runs more reliably during peak summer when agricultural feeder voltage drops. The solar inverter holds output voltage steady, the motor draws cleaner power, and motor burnout rates fall noticeably. This is also why diesel makes very little sense at the margin — see diesel vs solar pump ROI for the full cost comparison.
Get a free Component C feasibility check. Send us your latest electricity bill and pump nameplate photo — our agri-solar team confirms eligibility, sizes the array, and quotes the post-subsidy out-of-pocket within 48 hours. Get your free quote →
Common Rejection Reasons and Recovery
Across the Component C applications we have managed in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Haryana, rejections cluster around six repeat causes. Each is preventable with a pre-check before Stage 2 submission.
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1
Disconnected or dues-pending grid connection. Component C requires an active, billed connection. Clear pending agricultural tariff dues at the DISCOM sub-division office before applying; the portal blocks any consumer number flagged as defaulter.
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2
Land record name mismatch with bill. The Khata holder must match the DISCOM consumer name. For inherited pumps, file a mutation update at the Tehsildar's office first — it takes 30–45 days but is unavoidable.
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3
Pump capacity certificate missing or wrong. The local certified electrical contractor must issue a fresh capacity certificate matching the motor nameplate. Old certificates from before the current motor replacement get auto-rejected.
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4
Distribution transformer over-loaded. If the DT is loaded above 90%, the DISCOM issues an export cap or rejects entirely. Either request a DT upgrade (paid by DISCOM under farmer-friendly rules) or accept the export cap; the financial impact is small.
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5
Aadhaar–bank seeding incomplete. Subsidy DBT and sell-to-grid payouts both route through the Aadhaar-seeded bank account. Confirm seeding at the bank branch or via the UIDAI bank-mapper before submission — a missing seed bounces the entire DBT cycle.
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6
Vendor not state-empanelled for Component C. A vendor empanelled for PM Suryaghar residential rooftop is not automatically authorised for KUSUM Component C — the empanelment lists are separate. Verify the vendor's KUSUM-C registration with the State Implementing Agency before signing.
If your application has already been rejected, you have a 15-day window in most states to respond before the application is auto-closed. Beyond that, you restart from Stage 1 — but the documentation work already done is reusable, so the restart adds 4–6 weeks rather than the original 90.
Component B (Standalone) vs Component C (Grid-Tied) — When to Choose Which
Component B and Component C are often discussed together because both deliver solar irrigation. The choice between them is genuinely binary — it depends on whether your pump site has an existing active grid connection. If it does, Component C is almost always the better economic choice. If it does not, Component B is the only route.
Decision rule
Existing grid pump with active metered connection → Component C-1. No grid available within 300 metres of the pump site → Component B (standalone). Cluster of 50+ pumps on a shared agricultural feeder → talk to the DISCOM about Component C-2.
- + Fully off-grid, runs without DISCOM connection
- + No bi-directional meter or feasibility approval needed
- + Subsidy up to 60% (30% central + 30% state)
- − Pump replaced — old motor cannot be reused
- − No surplus income (no grid to export to)
- − Cloudy days mean reduced irrigation
- + Existing pump and motor reused — lower capex
- + Grid backup for nights and cloudy days
- + Surplus units earn ₹15K–₹25K per year
- + Same 60% subsidy stack as Component B
- − Net-meter feasibility approval adds 30 days
- − Cannot run if grid is down and array is offline simultaneously
Verdict. For any farmer whose tubewell currently runs on a grid connection, Component C is the better choice. It preserves the pump asset, keeps the grid backup, and adds a ₹15,000–₹25,000 annual income stream that Component B simply cannot offer. Component B remains the right answer only where there is genuinely no grid within reach — typically remote dryland tracts in Rajasthan, Gujarat, and the Deccan plateau.
How Heaven Green Energy Helps with Component C Solarisation
Heaven Green Energy is MNRE-empanelled for PM-KUSUM Component C across Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, and has handled grid-tied pump solarisation projects ranging from individual 3 HP installations to cluster FPO projects covering 40+ pumps. Our agri-solar team handles the entire workflow end-to-end:
- Eligibility pre-check against your DISCOM consumer record, land Khata, and motor nameplate before any portal submission.
- State Implementing Agency liaison — RRECL in Rajasthan, MPUVN in Madhya Pradesh, HAREDA in Haryana — to track feasibility approval and resolve queries.
- ALMM-listed tier-1 modules from Adani, Waaree, or Tata, paired with BIS-certified grid-interactive inverters carrying full 5-year and 25-year warranties.
- Civil and structural work — concrete foundations, hot-dip galvanised structures, IS 3043-compliant earthing pits — that survive Rajasthan summer and monsoon for the full 25-year lifecycle.
- DISCOM coordination for net meter installation — we attend the inspection on your behalf and ensure the bi-directional meter is sealed correctly.
- Subsidy DBT and sell-to-grid follow-up through PFMS, with reconciliation against your bank statement for the first three quarters post-commissioning.
Explore the services that match your situation:
- Solar Calculator — sizing and post-subsidy out-of-pocket for your pump HP in 60 seconds.
- Contact Heaven Green Energy — share your latest bill and pump photo for a free Component C feasibility report.
- DREBP and PM-KUSUM Rajasthan — the Rajasthan-specific landing page with state notification updates.
- KUSUM Rajasthan guide — RRECL-specific application pathway and current state subsidy notification.
For the broader scheme overview and where Component C sits relative to A and B, the PM-KUSUM complete guide is the right starting point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for PM-KUSUM Component C in 2026?
Any individual farmer, group of farmers, Farmer Producer Organisation, Water User Association, or Panchayat with an existing grid-connected agricultural pump in the 3 HP to 15 HP range is eligible for Component C-1 (Individual Pump Solarisation). The grid connection must be active, billed, and free of pending dues. Land ownership at the pump site must be in the applicant’s name or that of an immediate family member. Component C-2 (Feeder-Level Solarisation) is initiated by the DISCOM, not the farmer, so individual eligibility there is determined at the feeder level.
How much does Component C solarisation actually cost the farmer after subsidies?
For a 5 HP pump (the most common Indian agricultural pump size) paired with a 7.5 kWp solar array, the total project cost is ₹3.5 to ₹5 lakh. With central subsidy of 30% and state subsidy of 30% in progressive states like Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Punjab, the combined subsidy is 60%. The farmer’s out-of-pocket therefore lands at ₹1.4 to ₹2 lakh. SC/ST farmers can access additional reservation top-ups bringing the share below ₹1.2 lakh in some states. Smaller 3 HP installations cost ₹88,000 to ₹1.12 lakh net to the farmer.
What is the actual income from selling surplus solar to the DISCOM under Component C?
A 7.5 kWp solar array attached to a 5 HP pump generates around 11,500 kWh per year in central and northern India. The pump itself, running 4–6 hours daily in the irrigation season, consumes about 4,000–6,000 kWh. The surplus of 5,500–7,500 kWh is exported to the DISCOM at the Average Power Purchase Cost — currently ₹3.00 to ₹3.50 per kWh across most state tariff orders. Annual surplus income works out to ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 for a 5 HP installation. Larger 10 HP and 15 HP systems generate proportionally higher surplus income — up to ₹58,000 per year.
How long does the Component C application process take from start to commissioning?
A clean Component C-1 application runs 90 to 150 days from portal submission to commissioning. Stage 1 (eligibility verification) takes 5–7 days, Stage 2 (portal submission) 5–7 days, Stage 3 (DISCOM feasibility) 25–35 days, Stage 4 (vendor selection, installation, and net-meter inspection) 30–45 days, and Stage 5 (subsidy DBT and sell-to-grid activation) another 30–45 days. Delays usually come from land record mutations, sanctioned-load mismatches, distribution transformer over-loading, or vendor empanelment confusion — all preventable with a Stage 1 pre-check.
What is the difference between Component B and Component C?
Component B solarises pumps with no grid connection available — the solar array directly drives a variable frequency drive that runs the pump, with no battery and no grid backup. Component C solarises pumps that already have a grid connection — the solar array runs the pump during the day and exports surplus to the grid, while the grid remains available as backup for nights and cloudy days. Component C reuses the existing pump motor (lower capex) and generates sell-to-grid income that Component B cannot. If the pump site has grid available, Component C is almost always the better economic choice.
Does Component C work if my pump runs on a flat-rate agricultural connection?
Yes. Most agricultural connections in Punjab, Haryana, parts of Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh are flat-rate (a fixed monthly charge per HP) rather than metered. Component C is fully applicable to these connections, but the DISCOM converts the connection to a metered bi-directional arrangement as part of the net-meter installation in Stage 4. The new meter measures both import and export. The flat-rate billing structure is replaced with net metering — which is actually better for the farmer because the surplus units now have a measurable cash value rather than being wasted.
What happens to the existing pump motor and starter under Component C?
Nothing — they are reused as-is. The Component C installation adds a solar array, a grid-interactive inverter, AC and DC isolators, and a bi-directional net meter, all wired in parallel with the existing pump feed. The motor, starter, control panel, cabling, tubewell casing, and delivery pipe are untouched. This is the single biggest reason farmers prefer Component C over Component B. There is no need to replace a working pump and no retraining required on a new control panel.
Can I take a bank loan for the farmer share of Component C?
Yes. The farmer’s contribution (typically 40% of total cost in progressive states) can be financed through NABARD-refinanced agricultural infrastructure loans available at most public-sector banks and cooperative banks at concessional rates of 8.5–10% per annum, tenure 5–7 years. The sell-to-grid income and avoided electricity bill together cover the EMI in most state-subsidy scenarios. Some State Implementing Agencies also tie up with specific lenders to offer pre-approved loans on the portal itself — RRECL in Rajasthan and MPUVN in Madhya Pradesh both have such tie-ups active in 2026.
