Mumbai: In a major push toward sustainable and affordable energy for low-income households, the Maharashtra government on Monday issued a Government Resolution (GR) announcing heavy subsidies ranging from 90 to 95 per cent for the installation of rooftop solar panels under the Swayampurna Maharashtra Residential Roof Top (SMART) Solar Scheme. The initiative aims to help Below Poverty Line (BPL), Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) consumers achieve 'zero' monthly electricity bills while promoting renewable energy adoption across the state.
Details On The Subsidy
According to the GR, households with monthly power consumption below 100 units will be eligible for the subsidy. The cost of installing a 1KW solar panel, capable of generating around 120 units of electricity per month, is estimated at Rs 50,000.
Of this, the Central government will provide Rs 30,000 as financial support. For BPL consumers, the state government will contribute an additional Rs 17,500, bringing the total subsidy to 95 per cent, with the consumer paying just Rs 2,500.
SMART Scheme |
For SC and ST consumers with less than 100 units of monthly consumption, the subsidy will amount to Rs 45,000 (90%), requiring a contribution of Rs 5,000 from the consumer. Other economically weaker consumers who do not fall in these categories but consume less than 100 units monthly will receive a Rs 40,000 subsidy (80%), contributing Rs 10,000 themselves.
To ensure the smooth rollout of the scheme, the state government has allocated Rs 330 crore for the financial year 2025тАУ26 and Rs 325 crore for 2026тАУ27. The Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) will implement the project, with funds provided through the stateтАЩs budgetary grants.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had earlier announced the plan in the state assembly, emphasising its goal to make electricity nearly free for the economically weaker sections. тАЬIt is finally being implemented, and with the low costs involved, electricity becomes almost free for these consumers,тАЭ said MSEDCL Managing Director Lokesh Chandra, as quoted by Times of India. He added that beneficiaries would also have the opportunity to earn additional income by selling surplus solar energy back to the grid.
As per state estimates, around five lakh domestic consumers are expected to benefit in the initial phase, comprising approximately 1.5 lakh BPL households and 3.5 lakh low-consumption consumers. The GR also mandates suppliers to maintain and repair the installed solar systems for five years, prioritizing implementation in remote and underdeveloped regions such as Melghat, Nandurbar and Gadchiroli.
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