Freyr Energy Deploys 221-kW Rooftop Solar System for Maharashtra FPO, Supporting Sustainable Agriculture in Marathwada

As farmers in Maharashtra’s drought-prone Marathwada region increasingly turn to renewable energy to address rising electricity costs and unreliable power supply, Freyr Energy has commissioned a 221-kW rooftop solar system for Marathwada Agro Process Farmer Producer Company (FPO) in Kallam, Dharashiv district.

Marathwada, which lies in the rain shadow region of the Western Ghats, has long struggled with water scarcity, declining groundwater levels, and recurring droughts. Agriculture remains the primary source of livelihood in the region, where nearly 79% of farmers are smallholders facing increasing challenges from erratic monsoons, climate variability, and rising operational costs.

Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) across the region rely heavily on electricity for activities such as milk processing, cold storage, and micro-irrigation. Frequent power outages and growing dependence on grid electricity have accelerated the adoption of alternative energy solutions, particularly rooftop solar.

The newly commissioned 221-kW rooftop solar installation at Marathwada Agro Process FPO is expected to meet approximately 61% of the organisation’s total energy demand. The solar system generates an estimated 316,800 kWh of electricity annually, offsetting a significant portion of the FPO’s annual energy requirement of around 515,500 kWh.

According to the company, the solar project is expected to deliver annual savings of approximately ₹23.1 lakh, with an estimated return on investment within three to four years. The system supports critical operations including milk processing, cold storage, and common utility services, helping improve energy reliability and operational efficiency.

Commenting on the development, Radhika Choudary, Co-Founder and Director of Freyr Energy, said that rooftop solar is increasingly becoming a strategic investment for farmer-led enterprises seeking operational sustainability and long-term growth. She noted that reliable access to clean energy can help reduce costs, improve efficiency, and strengthen the resilience of rural agri-businesses.

The project reflects the broader momentum of rooftop solar adoption across Marathwada. Under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, the region’s eight districts have collectively installed more than 93,000 rooftop solar systems with a combined capacity of 341 MW. Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar has emerged as the leading district, accounting for over 37,000 installations.

Freyr Energy currently has nearly 13 MW of installed solar capacity across Maharashtra and aims to solarise more than 20,000 homes and 2,000 MSMEs by 2030, supporting the state’s transition toward cleaner and more reliable energy solutions.