Case Studies

Proving the Economic Viability of Alternative Business Models

This case study highlights how Oorja is proving the economic viability of solar-powered agricultural services through its pay-per-use model for irrigation, milling, and cooling. By combining community trust-building, blended finance, and strategic partnerships, Oorja is demonstrating that sustainable farming solutions can be both inclusive and scalable for smallholder farmers in India.

Re:Action Magazine, University of Southampton

This study presents the development and testing of an advanced irrigation scheduling algorithm tailored for solar-powered systems in rural India. The report offers both a technical foundation and real-world validation of a scalable solution for energy-efficient, farmer-centric water delivery.

Empowering Smallholder Farmers In India With Irrigation And Climate Smart Advisory as-a-Service

This case study is published as part of the Efficiency-as-a-Service Innovation Showcase Award presented by SET Alliance, and highlights Oorja’s transformative work in the Bahraich district of Uttar Pradesh.

Driving Rural Impact Through Solar: 60dB Highlights Oorja’s Work

This spotlight by 60 Decibels highlights Oorja’s impact in delivering pay-per-use solar services to smallholder farmers. Farmers reported increased yields, timely irrigation, and reduced effort. The report notes over 38,000 beneficiaries, 3,800+ tonnes of CO₂e avoided, and 125 green jobs created.

Empowering Women Farmers With Solar-Powered Solutions In Rural India

This case study by GOGLA highlights how Oorja Solutions is empowering women farmers in rural India through inclusive, solar-powered irrigation services. By understanding their unique needs and barriers, Oorja has adapted its model to boost women’s participation, productivity, and economic independence in agriculture.

Comparing Business Models for Scaling Access to PUE Appliances in Agriculture

Senior Manager Ankur Singh shares a detailed article favoring the Pay-Per-Use business model for its role in creating access to Productive Use of Energy (PUE) appliances in agriculture.

Building Community Scale Solar Infrastructures to Power India’s Agriculture Sector

In this Good Practice Note, published by Agricultural Extension in South Asia (AESA) Argha Ghose and Ankur Singh discuss Oorja’s evolution and how it has created significant social, economic and environmental impact by strengthening farmers’ livelihoods, reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable agriculture.

Affordable Solar Energy Sources for Low-Income Farmers

This case study explores how Oorja is making clean energy accessible to low-income and marginalised farmers through its affordable solar farming services.

Resilient Food System Through Climate-Smart Agriculture

This case study focuses on Oorja’s Climate-Smart Farmer Advisory that trains smallholder farmers on modern and sustainable agronomic practices to help them fight climate change and boost farm income and crop yields.