Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan — better known as PM Kusum Yojana — is among the most ambitious agricultural solar schemes in the world. With a combined target of 30.8 GW of solar capacity across its three components and a budget outlay that crosses ₹34,000 crore, this scheme represents a transformative opportunity for solar installers, distributors, and panel suppliers across India.

But capitalising on PM Kusum’s potential requires more than sales — it demands technical knowledge of the scheme’s component structures, power output requirements, panel specifications, and compliance frameworks. This guide provides a practical reference for every stakeholder operating in the PM Kusum solar supply chain.

PM Kusum Yojana: The Three-Component Structure

Component A: Decentralised Ground-Mounted Solar Plants

Component A enables farmers and rural landowners to set up small-scale solar power plants of 500 kW to 2 MW capacity on barren or uncultivable land. The generated power is sold to DISCOMs at a fixed tariff. For solar suppliers in this segment, the focus is on utility-grade, high-efficiency bifacial modules capable of sustained output over 25 years.

Component B: Standalone Solar Powered Agricultural Pumps

Component B replaces diesel-run water pumps with solar-powered pumps of up to 7.5 HP capacity. These are off-grid systems, requiring panels with consistent performance across varying irradiance levels. With over 17.5 lakh pumps targeted, this component alone is a massive market for panel distributors focused on rural and semi-urban geographies.

Component C: Grid-Connected Solar Powered Agriculture Pumps

Component C upgrades existing grid-connected agricultural pumps with solar energy, allowing farmers to consume solar power for irrigation and sell surplus power to the grid. Panels for this segment must be compatible with grid-tie systems and must comply with net-metering regulations set by state electricity regulatory commissions.

Technical Specifications Solar Panels Must Meet Under PM Kusum

Across all three components, MNRE’s technical specifications for solar panels under PM Kusum are stringent. Below are the key benchmarks installers and distributors must verify before procurement.

Module Type and Cell Technology

PM Kusum-approved installations predominantly use crystalline silicon modules — either Mono PERC or poly crystalline. However, given the efficiency advantages, Mono-PERC and M10 bifacial cells are increasingly preferred, especially for Component A solar plants where land-use efficiency is critical.

For a detailed comparison of cell technologies suitable for utility and agricultural solar applications, see our guide on understanding solar cell technologies including TOPCon, bifacial, half-cut, HJT, and Mono PERC.

Power Output and Efficiency

For Component A grid-scale applications, modules with a minimum power output of 375 Wp and efficiency exceeding 20% are standard. For Component B and C pump applications, panel specifications are matched to pump load requirements — typically 1 kW per HP of pump capacity, with a safety margin of 20% additional capacity factored in.

ALMM and BIS Certification

As with PM Surya Ghar, PM Kusum mandates the use of ALMM-listed modules. BIS certification under IS 14286 for crystalline silicon modules is mandatory. Any module failing to meet this standard is ineligible regardless of its price or efficiency claims.

Domestic Content Requirement (DCR) and Its Implications

A critical compliance requirement under PM Kusum’s Component A and B is the Domestic Content Requirement. Under DCR, both solar cells and modules must be manufactured in India. This has significant implications for the supply chain — distributors and installers cannot procure imported Chinese modules and remain compliant.

This is where partnering with a certified solar cell manufacturer in India becomes strategically essential. At Websol Energy System, we manufacture M10 Bifacial Mono-PERC solar cells at our plant in Falta, West Bengal — fully compliant with India’s DCR requirements.

Supply Chain Strategy for PM Kusum Installers

Winning PM Kusum tenders and delivering projects on time requires a robust, compliant supply chain. Here are the strategic priorities for solar distributors and installers:

1. Lock in manufacturer partnerships early: Government tendering timelines are unpredictable. Securing supply agreements with ALMM-listed, DCR-compliant manufacturers before bid submission prevents last-minute compliance failures.
2. Maintain documentation in advance: Keep updated copies of the manufacturer’s ALMM certificate, BIS certification, IEC test reports, and product datasheets ready for submission at bid and post-award stages.
3. Prioritise bifacial modules for Component A: In large ground-mounted projects, bifacial modules can increase yield by 10–15% depending on ground albedo — improving project IRR and making bids more competitive on per-unit generation costs.

Why Indian Solar Manufacturing Matters for PM Kusum Success

India’s solar manufacturing eco system has matured significantly, and working with established domestic manufacturers like Websol — among the earliest solar cell manufacturers in India since 1994 — gives installers access to consistent quality, reliable documentation, and local after-sales support. Explore the complete landscape of solar cell manufacturers in India at our guide to solar cell manufacturers in India.