Phase I research showed that grid-connected solar pumps increased farmer incomes by about 34 percent and encouraged crop diversification. The project also supported gender inclusion by improving women’s access to solar irrigation and by integrating Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) considerations into subsidy schemes.

India’s solar irrigation sector is expanding rapidly. The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) programme is the main driver of this growth and aims to add about 34,800 megawatts (MW) of solar capacity by 2026. The programme continues to evolve, but it remains central to the large-scale adoption of solar irrigation pumps in the country.

Under Phase II, work in India focuses on developing evidence-based policy tools linked to the Water–Energy–Food (WEF) nexus, testing climate-smart financing models for smallholder and marginal farmers, building capacities through specialised training linked to PM-KUSUM, and establishing living laboratories to test bundled solar applications that improve agriculture and rural livelihoods.

The project intends to collaborate with institutions such as the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) to support the scaling of solar energy solutions that promote social inclusion and climate resilience. Ongoing monitoring and evaluation efforts continue to inform scaling strategies. In line with India’s renewable energy goals and rural development priorities, Solar Energy for Agricultural Resilience (SoLAR) Phase II aims to provide the technical and policy support needed for the sustainable and equitable expansion of solar irrigation.

Phase 1 research demonstrated that solar-powered irrigation pumps in Bangladesh reduce irrigation costs by up to 30%, save time, and enhance energy security by replacing imported diesel.  Bangladesh is an important focus under SoLAR Phase 2 due to its large agricultural sector and increasing pressure on water and energy resources.  The country aims to gradually replace diesel pumps, where the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) Solar project contributes by providing evidence-based policy guidance and by piloting inclusive financing models that support smallholder adoption of solar irrigation. 

Phase 2 activities include the development of Water, Energy, Food and Solar Suitability (WEF SS) maps, capacity building for government officials and farmers, and testing bundled solar agricultural technologies. The project is also working on new financing mechanisms targeted at marginal and women farmers. Pilot initiatives assess the feasibility of grid-connected solar pumps and their integration within existing irrigation systems. 

SoLAR works with government agencies, private sector partners, and local non-governmental organizations such as the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC), Infrastructure Development Company Limited (IDCOL), Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), and the Barind Multipurpose Development Authority (BMDA) to improve awareness, address groundwater sustainability challenges, and ensure that the expansion of solar irrigation is aligned with Bangladesh’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and National Adaptation Plan (NAP).

Ethiopia has joined SoLAR Phase 2 at a time when the country is expanding its focus on clean irrigation solutions. Agriculture remains a major part of Ethiopia’s economy, and solar irrigation is increasingly seen as a viable option to support rural livelihoods. The project works with the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), the Agricultural Transformation Institute (ATI), and local enterprises such as Green Scene Energy (GSE) to strengthen on-ground implementation and the overall enabling environment. 

Under Phase 2, activities include supporting the integration of solar irrigation into national programmes and testing gender inclusive financing and business models. The project is also generating on-field evidence through pilot demonstrations. Capacity building for regional officers and work on sustainable groundwater use form another important part of the programme, as these are essential for long-term solar irrigation expansion. 

Through innovation and knowledge sharing platforms, SoLAR Phase 2 aims to support Ethiopia in improving food security, advancing climate adaptation, and promoting sustainable electrification of irrigated agriculture. 

Kenya is an important country for SoLAR Phase 2 in East Africa, where solar irrigation is seen as a promising way to improve agricultural productivity for smallholder farmers. The team has ongoing work with the National Irrigation Authority (NIA) and the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC), along with private companies such as SunCulture Kenya and FuturePump which will be built upon through solar phase 2. 

Phase 2 activities include piloting inclusive financing models for solar irrigation, carrying out impact and feasibility studies, and building the skills of extension workers and community trainers. Living lab pilots are testing packages of solar technologies, for example pairing solar pumps with solar dryers and cold storage, to help farmers increase their incomes and strengthen their resilience to climate impacts. 

The project also takes part in national forums and discussions to support knowledge sharing and to align its work with Kenya’s irrigation and clean energy goals. These efforts aim to develop solar irrigation approaches that can be scaled and adapted across sub–Saharan Africa. 

Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), Ethiopia
MoA is Ethiopia’s central government agency for agricultural development. MoA leads projects like PACT and FSRP, leveraging SoLAR to expand access to efficient irrigation and solar innovation.

Agricultural Transformation Institute (ATI), Ethiopia
ATI partners with SoLAR to develop and mainstream science-based solar irrigation and water management solutions for smallholders.

Green Scene Energy (GSE), Ethiopia–
Green Scene Energy is a women-led leader in solar distribution, providing PAY-Go and mini-grid solutions and supporting large-scale pilots for productive use in Phase 2.

Ethiopian Solar Energy Development Association (ESEDA), Ethiopia–
ESEDA fosters a vibrant solar industry through networking, policy engagement, and training, empowering local solar businesses.

GOGLA – GOGLA is working in Ethiopia to accelerate Productive Use of Renewable Energy (PURE) by supporting a sustainable industry ecosystem through three strategic pillars: convening stakeholders, influencing policy & finance, and informing members with data/standards

Agri-Energy Coalition – The Agri-Energy- Coalition is a global alliance of partners working on energy, water, agriculture, nutrition, climate and finance; created to unlock the potential of agri-food systems with clean energy.

SunCulture Kenya –
SunCulture is Kenya’s leading provider of smart solar irrigation, with Pay-As-You-Grow financing models and comprehensive farmer support.

GOGLA – GOGLA is working in Kenya to accelerate Productive Use of Renewable Energy (PURE) by supporting a sustainable industry ecosystem through three strategic pillars: convening stakeholders, influencing policy & finance, and informing members with data/standards

Agri-Energy Coalition – The Agri-Energy– Coalition is a global alliance of partners working on energy, water, agriculture, nutrition, climate and finance; created to unlock the potential of agri-food systems with clean energy.

FuturePump, Kenya
FuturePump designs and manufactures solar water pumps tailored to the needs of small farms, driving fuel-free irrigation innovation.

CLASP, Kenya
CLASP advances clean energy appliance markets and capacity, supporting end-user education and efficient solar equipment deployment.

Strathmore University, Kenya –
Strathmore University creates training curricula, builds capacity for solar systems installation and maintenance, and supports research on solar’s impact in agriculture.

National Irrigation Authority (NIA), Kenya
NIA develops and implements Kenya’s irrigation schemes, ensuring national reach and technical expertise for SoLAR’s irrigation scale-up.

State Department of Irrigation (SDI) –  Under the new National Irrigation Sector Investment Plan (NISIP), SDI is prioritizing Farmer-Led Irrigation Development (FLID), in which solar pumping is a central component.

Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC), Kenya
REREC powers Kenya’s rural renewable energy programs, including off-grid solar access for agriculture.