The SoLAR Phase II was launched officially on November 28, 2025, according to the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). This was the start of an ambitious multi-country initiative to scale climate-resilient, socially inclusive solar irrigation throughout Ethiopia, Kenya, Bangladesh, and India. This extension builds on the solid foundation established during SoLAR Phase I (2019–2024), which evaluated novel institutional and finance models and produced data on the technical, environmental, and economic performance of solar irrigation pumps (SIP), both grid-connected and off-grid.

With emerging nations striving to move away from fossil fuel dependency while ensuring reliable irrigation for millions of farmers, the launch comes at a crucial time. Solar irrigation is increasingly recognized as a key component of the water-energy-food nexus, promoting both adaptation and mitigation. In addition to program expansion, SoLAR Phase II launched refers to partnerships aimed at enhancing rural incomes, groundwater sustainability, and climate resilience, as well as scaling lessons, gender-inclusive models, and digital tools such as SolaReady.

How Does Climate-Resilient Agriculture Benefit from Solar Irrigation?

Key points:

• Lessens dependency on diesel and fossil fuels.
• Offers dependable, reasonably priced irrigation power.
• Increases crop diversity and productivity.

By making irrigation more dependable, less expensive, and less carbon-intensive, solar irrigation is revolutionizing agriculture throughout Asia and Africa. Grid-connected SIPs offset an astounding 12.3 tCO₂ per farmer annually, more than double that of off-grid options, according to studies from Gujarat’s Suryashakti Kisan Yojana (SKY) under Phase I, without increasing groundwater exploitation. Furthermore, IWMI’s farmer training increased energy evacuation by 23%, bringing in an additional Rs 14,000 per farmer on average.

As of July 2025, 1,439,617 farmers benefited from the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM), which has further accelerated solar adoption. With SoLAR Phase II launched, national plans in Ethiopia, Bangladesh, Kenya, and India will be guided by the program’s goal of strengthening climate-resilient irrigation techniques.

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What Did Phase I Teach Us About Sustainable and Inclusive Solar Models?

Key points:

• Women-owned businesses increased incomes and access.
• Off-grid pilots used fewer diesels.
• Evidence influenced national policies.

The establishment of women-led solar service businesses in Madhya Pradesh was one of Phase I’s most well-known accomplishments. These businesses, run by self-help organizations, improved access to irrigation, promoted the adoption of high-value crops, and significantly increased household incomes. The findings demonstrated the substantial economic and social benefits that gender-inclusive models may provide.

Off-grid SIP experiments improved livelihoods and decreased reliance on diesel in areas with limited grid access. These observations are expected to impact PM-KUSUM 2.0 in 2027 and are already contributing to policy discussions with India’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.

The programme’s success is a key reason SoLAR Phase II was launched as a much greater, cross-regional effort.

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How Will SoLAR Phase II Strengthen Policy, Technology, and Institutions?

Key points:

• Evidence-based national policies.
• Living laboratories for solutions tailored to the situation.
• Planning and monitoring tools that are digital.

The goal of SoLAR Phase II is to provide conditions that make solar irrigation a crucial component of national climate resilience plans. The effort will strengthen institutions, financing mechanisms, and policies to scale what works.

SolaReady, a spatial decision-support platform designed to assist governments and practitioners, is a significant innovation introduced in Phase II. It charts the best places for solar irrigation, coordinating potential with groundwater sustainability, mitigation, and climate adaptation.

Swiss Ambassador Maya Tissafi emphasized that the effort reflects a worldwide commitment to resilient, gender-inclusive development and is motivated by a shared goal rather than location. Alok Sikka, an IWMI official, said that Phase II also fortifies partnerships throughout East Africa, highlighting the growing significance of the water-energy-food nexus on a global scale.

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How Does the Programme Aim to Integrate Solar Irrigation into Climate Strategies?

Key points:

• Supports mitigation and adaptation simultaneously.
• Guarantees the sustainability of groundwater.
• Encourages fair access in all areas.

Solar energy in agriculture provides both current adaptation and future mitigation, according to Ramesh Chand of NITI Aayog. With SoLAR Phase II launched, the programme will move into a multi-year implementation stage, embedding SIPs into national climate resilience agendas.

As solar irrigation grows without over-extraction, maintaining groundwater sustainability remains a primary goal. Phase II seeks to establish a standard for inclusive climate solutions throughout Asia and Africa by promoting equitable access, especially for women and marginal farmers.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Why was SoLAR Phase II extended to four nations?

As Phase I data showed that solar irrigation had significant positive effects on the climate, livelihood, and gender, East African partners have demanded comparable developments.

Q2. How would policymakers benefit from SolaReady?

SolaReady’s spatial mapping of solar irrigation potential enables better planning and investment decisions by connecting it to groundwater sustainability and climate priorities.

Q3. Is there a chance that solar irrigation will lead to more groundwater overuse?

Not always. Grid-connected SIPs can sustain sustainable extraction levels when combined with appropriate incentive structures and monitoring, according to studies from Gujarat’s SKY program.

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