Nagpur: In a major boost to rooftop solar adoption, the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) found a significantly lower rate of Rs45,450 per kilowatt for rooftop solar installations under the state govt’s SMART scheme, offering a saving of nearly Rs15,000 per kW compared to prevailing market rates.Currently, solar energy suppliers are charging around Rs60,000 per kW in the open market. However, under the tender finalised by MSEDCL, the quoted rate of Rs45,450 per kW is substantially lower, resulting in major savings for nearly 5 lakh beneficiaries of the scheme. The development also signals that rooftop solar systems can be installed at far more competitive rates than previously assumed, potentially benefiting other consumers as well.The Swayampurna Maharashtra Residential Rooftop Solar (SMART) scheme, aimed at providing relief to below poverty line (BPL) and economically weaker domestic consumers with monthly electricity consumption up to 100 units, is being implemented under the leadership of chief minister Devendra Fadnavis. The responsibility for execution was entrusted to MSEDCL.The tender was approved during a meeting of the company’s board of directors held in Mumbai under the chairmanship of MSEDCL chairman and managing director Lokesh Chandra. The meeting was also attended by additional chief secretary (energy) Abha Shukla.Under the SMART scheme, the State govt initially estimated a cost of Rs50,000 per kilowatt. With the new tender rate at Rs45,450 per kW, the financial burden on consumers will be reduced significantly.The initiative complements the PM Suryaghar Muft Bijlee Yojana launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February 2024. Under the Central scheme, domestic consumers receive a direct subsidy of ₹30,000 for 1 kW, ₹60,000 for 2 kW, and ₹78,000 for 3 kW rooftop solar systems, with the remaining cost borne by the consumer.A 1 kW rooftop solar system typically generates around 120 units of electricity per month. In many cases, this exceeds the consumption of small households, resulting in zero electricity bills and even additional income through the sale of surplus power to MSEDCL.With the State govt now providing additional support under the SMART scheme for 5 lakh BPL and economically weaker consumers, the reduced tender rate is expected to make rooftop solar more accessible and affordable. MSEDCL also published the list of empanelled vendors for solar installations on its official website and the SMART scheme portal, enabling eligible consumers to proceed with installations at the approved rates.
