Solar Plant Farming in India
Solar Plant farming also known as solar energy farming or solar agriculture involves the cultivation of solar panels or solar arrays on agricultural land to harness the power of the sun and generate clean renewable energy. It reduces the emissions of carbon by efficient use of solar technology combined with farming practices. In recent years there has been a growing interest in renewable energy sources as a means to combat climate change and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Let’s see how solar plant farming can be done through this blog.
Process of Starting a Solar Plant Farming Business
- Market Scope for Solar Farming
The market scope for the solar farming business is quite promising and has been experiencing significant growth. According to a report the global solar farm market size accounted for 79 billion US dollars in 2022 and it is expected to reach around 268 billion dollars by 2030. Over the last few decades, developing countries have provided an opportunity for the growth of the solar farm market. The main reason for this is the increasing demand for electricity from renewable sources so many countries and businesses prioritize renewable energy. The solar plant farming industry is expected to continue its growth trajectory providing lucrative opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors.
- Investment for Solar Farming Business
Starting a solar plant farming business requires a significant investment in the total investment depending on factors like the area of the land, solar panels, equipment expenses and installation costs. In India setting up a solar plant farming can cost between rupees 4 to 5 crores for one megawatt of installed capacity and if you aim for a larger capacity such as 10 megawatts you would need an investment of around 50 crore rupees. The estimation of cost includes land cost, solar panels, transformers, inverters mounting structures, and other equipment.
- Required Space for Solar Farming Business
One of the critical factors for a successful solar plant farming business is finding the right location typically for large-scale solar farms. In India, a general estimate is that around one acre of land is required for one-megawatt solar power generation and if you want to set up a solar plant with a capacity of 5 to 10 megawatts you would need approximately 5 to 10 acres of land. The ideal sight for a solar farm should have ample sunlight exposure easy accessibility and sufficient available land additionally consider proximity to the power grid to minimize transmission losses. It is necessary to note that these are estimates and can vary depending on the requirements of the solar plant project.
- License Permission for Solar Farming Business
Before commencing operations it is important to obtain the necessary licenses and permits in India. Solar power projects come under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and respective State electricity regulatory authorities’ key licenses. Approvals are required such as obtaining a power purchase agreement from the power supply company obtaining necessary permissions from the local authorities environmental clearance from the state pollution control board. Registration of the solar power plant with the state nodal agency and obtaining goods and services tax and other state-related records required by the government engage with legal & regulatory professionals to ensure compliance with all regulations.
- Equipment Required for Solar Farming Business
To start a solar farming business in India you will need several necessary equipment and components. Some of the essential items for solar plant installation are solar panel mounting structures, inverters, battery storage equipment, transformers, combiners, boxes, cables, wiring, monitoring and control systems, switchgear and protection devices, meteorological stations, mounting tools, and equipment. It’s important to note that the specific equipment and requirements may vary on the scale and size of the solar plant farm.
- Building the Solar Farm
Once you have secured the land and the necessary approvals you can set up your solar power plant. The first main step is to analyse the site to determine solar potential by leveraging advanced tools and technologies. For optimum efficiency you can accurately estimate the solar capacity and make the best placement of solar panels. The next step is with the equipment in hand, the physical installation of the solar plant panels and associated infrastructure. So collaborating with experienced solar engineers and industry professionals can ensure that you successfully have energy production.
After the installation, thorough testing and commissioning of the solar power plant it is essential to ensure its proper functioning. It includes tests like electrical inspections, performance and quality to check that the system operates as planned. Once your solar plant farm is successfully commissioned you can start generating clean and renewable energy. To check the performance and longevity of the system monitoring and maintaining the system regularly is very necessary.
Profits from Solar Farming
The profitability of the solar farming business in India can vary depending on multiple factors like market conditions, government policies, project location and operational efficiency. However, solar plant farming in India has been gaining popularity due to the country’s abundant sunlight and government support for renewable energy. On average solar plant farms in India can generate a return on investment of around 12 to 20% annually. Solar plant farming can be a lucrative business if managed effectively, however, it is important to note that this figure can vary significantly depending on the specific circumstances.
To attract customers and investors effective marketing and strategies that include online and offline channels are crucial. Creating a professional website to highlight the solar plant farm’s best-selling points testimonials from customers and information regarding the solar energy generation process helps the social media platforms to engage with potential customers. Sharing updates on the solar industry and educating them about the benefits of solar energy to participate in relevant industry conferences, shows and expos helps to grow the network with key stakeholders and build quality partnerships.
Solar plant farming in India can be a very promising opportunity for people who want to start a business. As mentioned above this process requires a lot of attention and careful observation for installation and the profits may vary depending on various situations. By taking the necessary care and working hard this business can give a lot of profit and make the environment sustainable by using renewable energy from the sun. For more articles related to farming download our app.
