Should you take a standalone solar pump (Component B), solarise your existing grid pump (Component C), or pay extra for hybrid backup? In 2026 this is one of the most asked questions on our helpline — especially after power cuts, inverter trips, and Rajasthan curtailment news.
There is no single "best" pump. The right choice depends on grid quality, irrigation hours, subsidy eligibility, and whether you need water after sunset.
Quick rule: Strong daytime-only irrigation + no grid line → Component B. Existing grid pump + stable feeder → Component C. Daily outages or evening pumping → consider hybrid.
Comparison table — Component B vs C vs Hybrid
| Factor | Component B (Standalone) | Component C (Grid-connected) | Hybrid / backup |
|---|---|---|---|
| PM-KUSUM component | B — new standalone pump | C — solarise grid pump | Often B + battery or special dual inverter (confirm with state) |
| Grid connection | Not required for pump run | Uses existing ag connection | Grid + solar; battery optional |
| Runs in power cut? | Yes (in sunshine) | Usually no (inverter anti-island) | Yes (battery or stored mode — model dependent) |
| Subsidy | Up to 60% (30+30) | ~30% CFA + state (varies) | Battery often limited subsidy |
| Typical cost (5 HP) | ₹3–4L → ₹1.2–1.6L after subsidy | Lower add-on if pump exists; feeder solar separate | +₹50,000–1.5L for battery/hybrid inverter |
| Net metering / export | N/A | Surplus export where allowed | Depends on design |
| Best for | Remote bore, diesel replacement | Existing electric pump, stable grid | Weak grid + night irrigation need |
| Main risk | Oversized HP, no night water | Inverter trips, curtailment | Higher cost, battery life 5–7 years |
Component B — standalone (off-grid for irrigation)
How it works: Solar array → controller → pump. No export to DISCOM. Pump runs when sun is adequate.
Pros:
- Simple; no net-metering paperwork
- Works during grid outage
- Highest subsidy slab (60%) on pump benchmark
Cons:
- No water at night unless you add storage tank
- Second pump if you already invested in grid submersible
- Must size array for worst summer day, not average
Choose B if: New bore, far from line, diesel cost high, irrigation 8 AM–4 PM only.
Cost detail: PM-KUSUM 3/5/7.5 HP costs.
Component C — grid-connected pump solarisation
How it works: Solar added to existing grid pump. Daytime solar priority; grid fills gap; surplus may go to DISCOM per state policy.
Pros:
- Uses pump you already own
- Grid can help on cloudy days (within limits)
- Part of national 35 lakh pump solarisation target
Cons:
- Stops on power cut like normal grid pump (unless hybrid controller)
- Voltage trips on weak feeders
- Export/curtailment disputes in some states
- Lower central CFA than B — check state top-up
Choose C if: Grid reliable, pump new, want single connection, comfortable with DISCOM coordination.
Problems checklist: Component C issues.
Hybrid — when backup is worth paying for
Hybrid in farmer language usually means:
- Solar + battery for evening or night slots, or
- Dual-mode inverter that can run from solar during outage (limited) — not full grid-tie export
Pros:
- Irrigation when feeder is down 4–6 PM (common in Rabi)
- Smooth start on weak voltage (battery assists)
- Peace of mind if crops cannot wait for grid
Cons:
- ₹50,000–1,50,000+ extra for usable farm battery
- Battery replacement every 5–7 years
- Subsidy may not cover full battery cost — verify before quote
- Complex service; fewer local technicians
Choose hybrid if: Vegetables / nursery need evening water, feeder trips daily, or power cut during critical flowering.
Read power cut behaviour for anti-islanding explained simply.
Decision flowchart (plain language)
Do you already have a working grid pump?
├── NO → Component B (standalone)
└── YES → Is grid stable 6+ hours/day in season?
├── NO (trips/cuts) → B new pump OR hybrid retrofit
└── YES → Need water after 6 PM?
├── YES → Hybrid or B + water tank
└── NO → Component C solarisation
Cost vs savings — 5 HP example (indicative)
| Option | Upfront (after subsidy) | 5-year running note |
|---|---|---|
| Component B | ₹1.2–1.6L | Zero grid units for pump; diesel saved |
| Component C add-on | ₹80,000–1.5L (varies) | Grid bill drops; export credit state-dependent |
| Hybrid (+ battery) | ₹2–3L total | Grid + diesel minimal; battery replacement cost |
Run your hours × tariff — bill savings cases.
Common mistakes when choosing
- Component C on a dead feeder — trips forever; should have been B
- Hybrid battery too small — runs 30 minutes, farmer disappointed
- B pump without tank — no water for cattle at night
- Ignoring ALMM — subsidy rejected on wrong panels (ALMM guide)
- Dealer pushes C because margin is higher — compare written specs
2026 policy note
PM-KUSUM 2.0 and Agri-PV expand options for land with both crops and panels — see PM-KUSUM 2.0 subsidy update. Pump choice is separate from Component A megawatt plants.
Still confused? Install water storage tank first — cheapest "hybrid" trick. Fill in sun hours (B or C), irrigate at night by gravity.
Disclaimer: Component eligibility, hybrid benchmarks, and subsidy percentages vary by state. Confirm on pmkusum.mnre.gov.in before signing. Ask Kisan does not sell pumps.
Last verified: June 2026.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Component B and Component C solar pumps?
Component B is a standalone solar pump (no grid tie for irrigation) with up to 60% subsidy. Component C solarises your existing grid-connected pump — solar runs the pump by day, grid can supplement, and surplus may export per state rules. Hybrid adds battery or grid+ solar control for backup during outages.
Does on-grid solar pump work during a power cut?
Usually no — grid-tied inverters shut down during outage (anti-islanding safety). Component C pumps typically stop when the grid fails unless designed with hybrid/backup mode. Standalone Component B keeps running in sun without grid.
Is hybrid solar pump worth the extra cost?
Hybrid costs more (battery or dual-mode inverter) but helps if you need irrigation during evening outages or weak feeders with daily trips. If your grid is stable and you only pump 6–8 hours in daytime, Component B or C alone is often enough.
Which option gets PM-KUSUM subsidy?
Component B (standalone) and Component C (grid pump solarisation) both have central/state support — verify active component on pmkusum.mnre.gov.in. Pure hybrid with battery may fall outside standard benchmarks in some states; ask nodal agency before quoting.
What do Rajasthan farmers choose?
Many use Component B where feeders are weak and curtailment/export rules frustrate Component C users. Where net metering and grid are stable, Component C saves on dual wiring. See our Rajasthan guides for state portal steps.