The Maharashtra government announces the launch of the Swayampurna Maharashtra Residential Roof Top (SMART) Solar Scheme, a major initiative to promote energy self-reliance and sustainability by offering rooftop solar systems to economically weaker households at highly subsidized rates—sometimes as low as 5% of the total system cost.
Targeted at BPL, SC/ST, and other low-consumption domestic consumers (under 100 units/month), the scheme offers a 90–95% subsidy on 1 kW rooftop solar installations. For a system costing ₹50,000, eligible consumers will pay as little as ₹2,500. Over 5 lakh households are expected to benefit in the initial phase, including 1.5 lakh BPL families.
Subsidy Breakdown (1 kW system):
- BPL: ₹30,000 (Central) + ₹17,500 (State) → ₹2,500 Consumer Cost
- SC/ST: ₹30,000 + ₹15,000 → ₹5,000
- Other low-consumption: ₹30,000 + ₹10,000 → ₹10,000
The Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) will implement the scheme with a budget allocation of ₹330 crore (2025–26) and ₹325 crore (2026–27).
Lokesh Chandra, Managing Director, MSEDCL, stated, “With the low costs involved, electricity becomes almost free for consumers from the economically weaker section of society. They also get an additional source of income through the sale of surplus electricity.”
The standard 1 kW system is expected to generate around 120 units/month, covering typical household needs and potentially bringing electricity bills to zero through net metering.
Priority will be given to remote and tribal areas like Melghat, Nandurbar, and Gadchiroli, supporting Maharashtra’s clean energy goals and India’s 500 GW renewable energy target by 2030.
Applications will soon open through the official MSEDCL portal.
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