Photovoltaics for Agriculture – Irrigation, Pumps & Subsidies 2026
19/04/2026
If you're a farmer and pay for electricity for irrigation, read this. Farmers in Greece spend an average of €2,800 per year on electricity for irrigation. With photovoltaics, this can become zero.
Applications in Agriculture
| Application | Power | Cost | Payback Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Borehole pump | 2–5 kW | €3,000–€6,000 | 3–4 years |
| Irrigation system | 5–10 kW | €6,000–€12,000 | 4–5 years |
| Agricultural warehouse | 3–8 kW | €4,000–€9,000 | 4–5 years |
| Greenhouse | 10–50 kW | €12,000–€55,000 | 4–6 years |
Real-life example
Thanasis in Ilia had 10 acres of olive groves and paid €3,200/year for electricity for irrigation. He installed an 8kW system with Longi panels and a Victron MPPT. Cost: €7,800. With a 60% subsidy: €3,120 self-contribution. Payback period: 13 months!
Subsidies for Farmers 2026
- 🌾 RDP / Rural Development: up to 60% subsidy for farmers
- 🏢 ESPA: up to 50% for agricultural processing units
- ⚡ Net Metering: sale of surplus energy to the grid
💡 Tip: Farmers have the best subsidies in Greece — up to 60%. It's worth applying before signing anything.
Photovoltaic Pump vs. Grid Pump
| Characteristic | Photovoltaic | HEDNO Grid |
|---|---|---|
| Operating cost | ✅ Zero | ⚠️ High |
| Remote areas | ✅ Ideal | ❌ Difficult |
| Reliability | ✅ Independent | ⚠️ Depends on grid |
| Installation | ✅ Simple | ⚠️ Requires infrastructure |
FAQ
Do I need a battery for the pump?
Not necessarily. If irrigation is only done during the day, you can suffice with a direct panel-pump connection. If you need night operation, add a LiFePO4 battery.
Can I get a subsidy as a farmer?
Yes! The RDP covers up to 60% for photovoltaic installations for agricultural use.
Does it work in winter too?
Yes, but with reduced efficiency. For winter irrigation, we recommend a system with a storage battery.