WattPower and First Solar Drive Agri-Solar Adoption in Telangana Under PM-KUSUM
Hyderabad has become a hotspot for agrivoltaic expansion in Telangana as industry leaders WattPower and First Solar hosted a pivotal roundtable. The event brought together farmers, policymakers, and tech experts to explore solar-powered agricultural solutions under India’s PM-KUSUM scheme.
Why Agri-Solar is Transforming Telangana’s Farming Landscape
The synergy between solar panels and agriculture creates dual benefits. First Solar’s heat-resistant thin-film panels protect crops while generating electricity through PM-KUSUM initiatives. Early results show 20% higher yields for shade-sensitive crops like turmeric.
Breaking Down the PM-KUSUM Economic Model
With 60% government subsidies, solar pumps achieve grid parity within 4-5 years. Sangareddy farmers have reported annual savings of ₹3 lakh after switching from diesel to solar irrigation.
First Solar’s Technology Advantage in Humid Climates
Cadmium telluride panels offer:
• 0.3% annual degradation rate
• 92% uptime during monsoons
• Superior performance in Telangana’s 40°C summers
Streamlining Approvals for Faster Implementation
Current regulations require farmers to obtain 8 separate clearances. Industry leaders are advocating for a single-window system to accelerate Telangana’s solar and storage deployment.
The Road Ahead for Agri-Solar in India
With 15,000 applications pending in Telangana alone, the state could soon rival global leaders in agrivoltaics. The challenge lies in grid infrastructure upgrades to support this renewable energy transition.
