PGVCL to install 1,500 solar power pumps by PGVCL

RAJKOT: State-run power distribution company Paschim Gujarat Vij Company Ltd (PGVCL) has set a target of installing 1,500 solar-powered irrigation pumping systems in Saurashtra and Kutch region before end of this financial year.
This has been done to reduce pendency of application for three-phase electricity connections for agriculture in Saurashtra and Kutch.Solar pumps will be given to farmers at subsidized rates.
Last fiscal, PGVCL had installed 1,453 units while in this financial year it plans to install 1,500 units in the regions.
"The idea is to offer clean energy and reduce pendency of applications for irrigation power connections. We have asked new applicants to switch over to solar-based systems," Sandeep Kumar, managing director of PGVCL, told TOI.
There about 2.7 lakh applications pending for new irrigation power connections in Saurashtra and Kutch regions.
PGVCL will provide 3 horsepower (HP) solar power system at Rs 15,000 and 5 HP system for Rs 25,000. These are offered at subsidized rates. The actual cost for a 3 HP system is Rs 2.8 lakh while that for a 5 HP system is Rs 3.98 lakh, said an official.
"We have installed 11 such systems in Jamnagar district and they will soon be operational after due inspections. Once farmers see economic viability, they will start accepting the new system," said a PGVCL official.