In a significant move towards promoting sustainable energy solutions, the state has introduced a ground-breaking subsidy scheme for rooftop solar panels, offering substantial financial benefits for both residential and commercial installations. The scheme, administered under the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL), aims to incentivise solar adoption by providing varying subsidies based on the size of the installed panels.
Under this initiative, a diverse consumer base of 2.8 crore individuals served by MSEDCL across key areas such as Bhandup-Mulund, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Pen, Panvel, and Vasai-Virar in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), as well as other regions in the state, can take advantage of the subsidy program. With a pre-existing solar rooftop installed capacity of 1,600 MW in the state, the new scheme aligns with the central government’s financial assistance framework, particularly the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, which has a substantial budget outlay of Rs 75,000 crore.
As part of the subsidy scheme, approximately 1 lakh MSEDCL consumers have already opted for financial support in the past, highlighting the growing interest in renewable energy solutions. The program currently involves 243 empanelled agencies dedicated to facilitating rooftop solar installations.
In addition to contributing to environmental sustainability, the subsidy scheme promises significant savings on power bills for consumers. For instance, a household with a monthly electricity consumption of 300 units stands to benefit immensely. If a solar panel generates 200 units per month, the household pays only for the remaining 100 units (300-200) as its electricity bill. In scenarios where the solar panel surpasses the household’s monthly consumption, the excess units are credited to the following month’s bill his initiative not only makes solar panel installations more financially accessible but also encourages a wider adoption of green energy practices, aligning with the broader global push towards a sustainable and eco-friendly future.
