Andhra’s First Grid-Connected Solar Plant Under PM-KUSUM Launched in Palnadu
Andhra Pradesh inaugurates its first grid-connected solar plant under PM-KUSUM in Palnadu, aiming to supply stable daytime power to farmers and expand renewable energy.
Dumtika Editorial
August 30, 2026 · 2 min read
(Image: Dumtika Editorial)
Key Highlights
- 3 MW solar plant commissioned in Palnadu under PM-KUSUM scheme
- Project supplies daytime power to agricultural pump sets via grid
- APCPDCL plans to solarise 65,000 pump sets across four districts
- Central Financial Assistance supports renewable energy expansion
Andhra Pradesh has marked a significant milestone in renewable energy with the commissioning of its first grid-connected solar power plant under the PM-KUSUM scheme. The 3 MW facility, located at N.N. Thanda in the Macherla division of Palnadu district, was officially launched by Andhra Pradesh Central Power Distribution Corporation Limited (APCPDCL) Chairman and Managing Director P. Pullareddy.
This solar plant is designed to supply electricity directly to the 33/11 kV substation, ensuring reliable daytime power for agricultural pump sets connected to the grid. The initiative is part of the Feeder-Level Solarisation programme under Component-C of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM), which aims to provide farmers with consistent daytime power while reducing reliance on traditional energy sources.
APCPDCL highlighted that this Palnadu project is the first of its kind in Andhra Pradesh to be integrated with the grid under the PM-KUSUM scheme. The corporation is now moving forward with plans to solarise approximately 65,000 agricultural pump sets across four districts, targeting a combined solar generation capacity of 191.5 MW. Of this, 109 MW is being set up in the erstwhile Prakasam district, 42.5 MW in Palnadu, 23 MW in NTR district, and 17 MW in Bapatla district.
P. Pullareddy stated that feeder-level solarisation is being prioritized to meet the electricity needs of agriculture through renewable sources. He also noted that Central Financial Assistance is available for projects implemented under this scheme. According to Pullareddy, the N.N. Thanda plant will help deliver a more stable daytime power supply to farmers and boost the share of renewable energy in the region's power mix.
The commissioning event saw the presence of APCPDCL Director (Projects & HR) T.V.S.N. Murthy, Palnadu Superintending Engineer P. Vijay Kumar, Macherla Executive Engineer Singayya, and representatives from Palnadu Power Ventures Private Limited.
