Agro- Voltaic Farms under MSKVY

Agro- Voltaic Farms under MSKVY

Maharashtra is one of the most industrialized state in the country. It has the maximum power demand in the country and has major industrialized cities like Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Nashik etc. In addition to the demand from industries there is an increasing demand for power from the agricultural sector. However due to acute shortage of peak power in the state, the agriculture sector receives power only during non peak hours causing great hardship to the farmers.

Mukhya Mantri Krishi Vahini Yojana (MSKVY) of the Government of Maharashtra was envisaged in 2017 to cater to the agricultural electrical demand and to mitigate these challenges faced by the agricultural sector. By setting up Solar PV Plants closer to the demand, this scheme is benefiting the Solar Power Developers and the farmers.

Solar Power Developers are setting up Solar farms and are cultivating a certain variety of crops that can provide livelihood to locals and at the same time generate some additional revenue to supplement the revenue from the Solar Farm.


Highlights of MSKVY:

Deemed NA status for land.
Accelerated Depreciation at 40% .
No electricity duty for 10 years.
Relaxed Eligibility criteria for bidding for projects under this scheme.
MSEDCL to sign power purchase agreement at fixed tariff for 25 years
MSEDCL will procure 100% of the power during the tenure of PPA.
Bidder can be an individual, firm or a company.

Strat-Edgy is providing end to end services from selecting land, setting up the Solar farm, crop selection, setting up agro processing units and also tie up with buyers for the crops and end products. Services that Strat-Edgy is providing are:

1.Land:

Identifying land parcels closer to agricultural substations identified by MSEDCL.
Verifying suitability of land for Solar PV Generation
Land approvals
Gram Panchayat Approval


2. Bidding Process and PPA

Entity formation
Grid Connectivity feasibility study and pre-approval from competent authority.
Facilitation for document preparation and project report etc as per bidding requirements.
Attending Pre-bid meetings
Submission of Bids
Reviewing the PPA terms and conditions
Facilitation during signing of PPA.

3. Financial Agency and Financial closure

Preparation of Detailed Project Report
Financial Modelling
Documentation as required by Financing agency for financial closure
Documentation for disbursement of debt as per requirements of Financing agency


4. Solar Project Management Consultancy

Preparation of Detailed Project Report
Preparation of RFQ to be floated for EPC
Selection and appointing of EPC
Finalisation of EPC Contract.
Finalisation of O & M Contract with EPC
Liaison with government departments for project registration and approvals.
Approving Engineering Drawings
Reviewing Barchart / timelines proposed by EPC
Reviewing Site Safety Protocol, Development plan, Installation and Commissioning Protocol.
Representing Developer during MSEDCL / MSPGCL review meetings
Liaison with various departments for approvals
Weekly review meeting with EPC’s for monitoring progress.
Reporting of project progress to the financing agency and developer.
Periodic visits to site for inspection and monitoring of progress at site.
Liaison with MSEDCL for readiness / augmentation of Substation for power evacuation.
Project Final Testing, Commissioning and PR evaluation
Project Handing Over to Developer.

5. Agriculture Development

Modification of Solar design to suit Agricultural activities
Identification of crops suitable for co-existence of Solar and Agriculture activities
Crop planning
Agro Processing activities
Markets and tie up with buyers for crops and Agro processed goods.
Financial Planning