Farmers in Bangladesh are increasingly exploring solar-powered irrigation systems as a way to reduce reliance on costly diesel fuel and generate additional income by selling surplus electricity to the national grid.
Solar panels installed in or near crop fields can power groundwater irrigation pumps, offering a cleaner and potentially cheaper alternative to traditional diesel generators, according to experts.
Limited Adoption Despite Benefits
Despite the advantages, the technology has seen limited adoption. A recent survey by the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation found that around 71 percent of power-operated irrigation systems in the country still rely on diesel, while 29 percent use electricity.
Only 4,058 solar-powered irrigation units have been installed nationwide so far.
However, rising global energy prices linked to geopolitical tensions, including the Iran–Israel conflict escalation in the 2020s, have increased pressure on Bangladesh’s fuel supplies.
The government has already started rationing fuel while trying to ensure adequate diesel availability for farmers and industrial sectors.
Climate Goals and Slow Progress
Bangladesh’s climate plan under the Paris Agreement aims to install 45,000 solar irrigation pumps by 2035.
Progress toward that goal has been slow due to high upfront installation costs, licensing challenges, and uncertainty over how operators can sell surplus electricity to the grid.
Farmers Seeing Cost Benefits
For farmers like Mohammad Anisur Rahman, switching to solar irrigation has already reduced costs and dependence on diesel.
Rahman installed solar panels over part of his maize field in Jhenaidah District and connected them to a solar-powered submersible irrigation pump.
According to field estimates, solar irrigation in southwestern Bangladesh costs between $87 and $99 per acre, compared with $125 to $150 per acre for diesel-powered irrigation.
Selling Surplus Electricity
Researchers and developers say connecting more solar irrigation pumps to the national grid could improve the financial viability of the technology.
During periods when irrigation demand is low, pump operators could sell unused electricity to the grid.
The Wave Foundation has already connected three solar pumps to the grid and plans to install 39 more.
However, operators still face restrictions when trying to draw electricity from the grid if solar generation falls short, which experts say weakens the economic case for wider adoption.
Groundwater Concerns Remain
Some water experts warn that cheaper solar-powered irrigation could increase pressure on groundwater resources, especially in areas already facing declining water tables.
Researchers at the International Water Management Institute say that farmers using solar pumps do not necessarily extract more water than those using diesel systems.
However, experts stress that expanding solar irrigation in water-stressed regions will require stronger groundwater regulation, improved water recharge measures, and more region-specific planning to ensure sustainable water use.
