How Solar Startups Are Transforming Handlooms and Agriculture in India

Many villages in India still struggle with power cuts and weak electricity. But now, things are changing. Thanks to solar startups, even the most remote areas are getting clean, steady electricity through solar power.

From handloom weavers to farmers, many people are now using solar energy to power their work. These changes are not just helping the environment—they’re improving lives and incomes.

Indian Startups and Their Initiatives

1. ONergy Solar: Impacted over 1 million lives, supporting households, micro-businesses, and farmers with solar solutions. Their simplified financing models and local partnerships are making solar adoption seamless.
2. SNL Technologies: Based in Manipur the startup has transformed lives by offering EMI options as low as ₹920 per month for solar panels. Their work in powering looms and homes is enhancing productivity and supporting women-led livelihoods.
3. Gram Oorja Solutions Private Limited: Active for over 16 years, has built 152 solar microgrids, electrifying 6,200+ households in remote Indian villages. Additionally, they’ve deployed 770 solar-based irrigation systems, benefiting over 3,400 farming families. 
4. SolarSquare Energy Solutions: Another key player, aims to counter the low adoption rate (currently just 1% of Indian homes) by increasing awareness and promoting solar’s long-term cost benefits.

Solar Power Helping Women Weavers

India’s handloom sector, largely powered by women, has also seen transformation. In regions where women work late into the evening, solar-powered looms are now helping women weave more fabric, earn better, and contribute to their families’ income. Campaigns like Bolega Bihar empowered over 700 women to lead local solar energy adoption.

Support from Government Schemes

The government is also helping people go solar. Under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, over 10 lakh homes have installed solar panels as of March 2025. Families can get loans up to ₹2 lakh with low interest to install rooftop solar systems. This means more people can afford solar power without a big upfront cost.

Solar Microgrids Changing Villages

While rooftop panels work for homes, some villages now use solar microgrids—a small solar power system that powers the whole village. One such example is Darewadi in Maharashtra, once known for long power cuts. Now, thanks to solar power, homes have lighting, water pumps run efficiently, and TVs and music systems operate all day.

Farming with Solar Power

Instead of spending money on diesel for water pumps, farmers now use solar pumps that save money and reduce pollution.

Solar dryers are also helping fruit farmers. These dryers keep the fruits fresh for longer, even when the weather changes. Some farmers have started using solar-powered machines to process and store fruits better.

In some places, solar-powered cooking systems using biogas are also making cooking cleaner and safer for families.

A Brighter, Greener Future

Thanks to solar startups, villages in India are no longer waiting for electricity. They are creating their own clean energy systems, supported by easy loans, government help and smart business models. From weaving to farming, solar power is boosting income and improving everyday life.

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