Maharashtra’s PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana achieves 100 MW rooftop solar capacity

The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana has successfully surpassed 100 MW of rooftop solar (RTS) power generation capacity in Maharashtra. Under this initiative, 25,086 customers have installed 101.18 MW RTS power plants, leveraging the program’s incentives. The Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company (MahaVitaran) oversees the implementation of the scheme.

Launched in February, the initiative offers a maximum subsidy of Rs 78,000 for a 3 kW plant, funded by the Central government. A direct payment process for subsidies worth Rs 1.6 billion has begun for the 25,086 customers who have set up RTS plants.

Out of approximately 3,51,942 registered customers, 2,33,431 have applied through the MahaVitaran portal. Customers generating surplus energy can sell it back to MahaVitaran, not only receiving no bills but also profiting from the excess generation.

Residential families are eligible for subsidies of Rs 30,000 per kW for up to two kilowatts of solar power, with an additional Rs 18,000 for a third kW. For systems exceeding 3 kW, a fixed total subsidy of Rs 78,000 is available. Residential Cooperative Housing Schemes can receive subsidies of Rs 18,000 per kW, up to a maximum of Rs 90,000, for capacities up to 500 kW, including vehicle charging stations. MahaVitaran provides Solar Net Meters for rooftop solar power, with automatic approval for systems up to 10 kW. Favourable bank loans are also accessible to support the installations.