How Much Land Is Needed for a 1 MW Solar Plant in India?
If you own agricultural or barren land and are thinking of a solar plant, the first question is simple: how much land is needed for a 1 MW solar plant? This guide gives a practical answer for ground-mounted solar plants in India, and explains what makes the number go up or down.
Short answer: about 3.5 to 5 acres per MW
A ground-mounted solar plant in India typically needs roughly 3.5 to 5 acres of land per MW. That is about 1.4 to 2 hectares per MW. The exact figure depends on the layout, the type of modules and structures, and the shape of your land.
| Plant size | Approximate land needed |
|---|---|
| 1 MW | 3.5 to 5 acres |
| 2 MW | 7 to 10 acres |
| 5 MW | 17.5 to 25 acres |
These are planning numbers. A site survey and layout design give the exact figure for your land.
What changes the land needed per MW
- Module efficiency: higher-wattage modules produce more power from the same area.
- Structure type: fixed-tilt structures and single-axis trackers need different row spacing.
- Row spacing: rows are spaced so that they do not shade each other in winter, when the sun is low.
- Shape of the land: irregular plots, boundaries and setbacks reduce usable area.
- Roads, drains and equipment: internal roads, inverter and transformer areas and drains also need space.
How to check if your land is suitable
- Flat and shade-free: no tall trees, buildings or hills that shade the plant.
- Close to a substation: the nearer the substation, the lower the cost of the connection line.
- Clear title: ownership papers in order.
- Access road: trucks and machines must be able to reach the site.
- Not flood-prone: water logging damages foundations and equipment.
A simple first step: speak to the Junior Engineer (JEn) of your area electricity distribution company (DISCOM) and ask whether the nearest substation can take power from a plant at your location.
How much can 1 MW earn?
To give you an idea: a 1 MW plant generating about 4,000 units a day (approx.) produces around 14.6 lakh units a year. At ₹3 per unit (approx. tariff), that is about ₹44 lakh a year in gross revenue, before loan EMIs, maintenance and other costs. Actual numbers depend on your site, tariff and financing.
Solar plant on agricultural land and PM-KUSUM
Under PM-KUSUM Component A, farmers and landowners set up grid-connected solar plants of 0.5 MW to 2 MW and sell the power to the DISCOM. The first phase of the scheme closed for new projects in March 2026, and the government has announced PM-KUSUM 2.0. Landowners can also set up private plants of 1 MW to 5 MW under the applicable state rules.
See how we help landowners, from the first check to commissioning, on our solar plant on agricultural land page.
Frequently asked questions
How many acres are needed for a 1 MW solar plant?
Roughly 3.5 to 5 acres per MW for a ground-mounted solar plant in India, depending on layout, module type, structures and the shape of the land.
How much land is needed for a 5 MW solar plant?
About 17.5 to 25 acres, based on 3.5 to 5 acres per MW. A site survey and layout design give the exact figure.
Can I set up a solar plant on agricultural land?
Yes, subject to state rules on land use and grid connection. The land should be flat, shade-free, have clear title and be close to a substation.
How much does a 1 MW solar plant produce?
A common planning figure in India is about 4,000 units per day, or around 14.6 lakh units a year, depending on location and design.
