Maharashtra’s New Rooftop Solar Subsidy Scheme – Full Pros and Cons Explained
- TheGreen Bein
- Oct 7
- 7 min read
Collated by ChatGPT Edited by TheGreenBein
In a landmark move for clean energy adoption, Maharashtra’s New Rooftop Solar Subsidy Scheme (Swayampurna Maharashtra Residential Rooftop (SMART)), offering up to 80–95 % subsidy for rooftop solar installations for selected households. Free Press Journal.
This builds upon the central government’s rooftop solar subsidies and is aimed especially at low-consumption, low-income, SC/ST and BPL households. Let us dig into what this means, who qualifies, how to claim, and how it ties into national rooftop solar policies.
What Maharashtra’s New Rooftop Solar Subsidy Scheme Offers
According to the state announcement:
The state subsidy is extra over the central subsidy under the PM Surya Ghar / rooftop solar scheme. The Times of India+2Free Press Journal+2
Households consuming less than 100 electricity units per month will be eligible for enhanced subsidies.
For instance, for a 1 kW system costing ~₹50,000, a BPL household would pay only ~₹2,500, with state covering ~₹17,500 and central subsidy ~₹30,000. The Times of India+1
The state has budgeted ₹655 crore over two years (FY 2025–26 & FY 2026–27) for this scheme.
The implementing agency will be MSEDCL, which will issue tenders to certified vendors, oversee installation, commissioning, monitoring, and maintenance over a 5-year period.
Priority geographies include underdeveloped / remote areas like Melghat, Chandrapur, Gadchiroli.
In short: if you fall into the target consumption / income bracket and have your rooftop ready, your cost burden could drop drastically under this scheme.
How Maharashtra’s New Rooftop Solar Subsidy Scheme Aligns with Central Rooftop Solar / PM Surya Ghar Scheme
To understand the full subsidy picture, it helps to see how central and state schemes combine.
The National Portal for Rooftop Solar / PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana provides Central Financial Assistance (CFA) for residential rooftop installations.
Under the central scheme, the subsidy norms (for benchmark costs) are:
₹30,000 per kW for capacity up to 2 kW
₹18,000 per kW for additional capacity from >2 kW up to 3 kW
A ceiling total subsidy cap of ₹78,000 (i.e. systems above 3 kW don’t get proportionally more subsidy)
The “Grid Connected Rooftop Solar Programme” under MNRE also outlines that residential consumers can apply via the national portal or via DISCOMs to avail CFA.
The state’s SMART subsidy is in addition to this central subsidy—so eligible households would benefit from both.
Thus, your final out-of-pocket cost = (Benchmark cost) – (Central subsidy) – (State subsidy) – (Any other local incentives)
Who Is Eligible for Maharashtra’s New Rooftop Solar Subsidy Scheme / Key Conditions
From the central and state scheme documents, eligibility and conditions are:
Residential consumer with a valid electricity connection.
Own / control rooftop where the solar system is installed.
The system must be grid-connected rooftop solar (no off-grid systems are eligible under the subsidy scheme). Ministry of New and Renewable Energy+2Solar Rooftop API+2
Installation must be through an MNRE / DISCOM / State-approved / empaneled vendor to qualify. National Government Services Portal+3Solar Rooftop API+3Ministry of New and Renewable Energy+3
Applicants should not have already availed subsidy for a rooftop solar installation earlier (for the same premises).
For the state’s SMART scheme, additional criteria: monthly electricity consumption <100 units, belonging to BPL / EWS / SC / ST / low-income bracket, etc.
Check the detailed GR (government resolution) when published for exact eligibility thresholds, documentation lists, etc.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply & Claim the Subsidy
Here is a general roadmap combining central and state processes:
Register / log in on the National Rooftop Solar Portal / PM Surya Ghar portal.
On the portal, provide your mobile number, consumer number, address, bank account, etc.
Select your DISCOM / electricity provider / state and fill in your consumer / connection details.
Choose an empaneled / approved solar vendor (panels, inverters, design) from lists provided on the portal or DISCOM site.
Submit technical proposal & structural feasibility / site details (roof strength, orientation, shading analysis). DISCOM / technical team may inspect or validate.
Installation of the system by the vendor, per approved specifications.
Commissioning and inspection / verification by DISCOM / authority to ensure the system meets specifications and standards (safety, quality).
Subsidy disbursement: On successful verification, the subsidy (CFA + state share) is credited directly to the beneficiary’s bank account (DBT) or as adjustment in electricity bill, as per scheme norms.
Monitoring & performance checks: The installed system may be monitored, and the vendor or agency may maintain it for the guaranteed period (often 5 years).
Be sure to retain all documents, inspection / commissioning reports, vendor contracts, invoices, etc., for future reference and audits.
Specifics for Maharashtra / MSEDCL
MSEDCL has an I-SMART portal which integrates PM Surya Ghar and Maharashtra’s New Rooftop Solar Subsidy Scheme for Maharashtra consumers. MSEDCL
The portal states the central subsidy norms (₹30,000 / kW up to 2 kW, ₹18,000 / kW for additional up to 3 kW) for residential customers.
Local Maharashtra solar subsidy / scheme guides likewise mention using the national portal + state platform to process applications in Maharashtra.
The Bank of Maharashtra (Mahabank) also offers rooftop solar loans aligned with these subsidy schemes for individuals, subject to credit checks, CIBIL score etc. Bank of Maharashtra
Thus, for a Pune or elsewhere in Maharashtra household, the process would likely go via the national portal + MSEDCL/I-SMART link + state SMART scheme overlay.
Benefits, Challenges & Tips for Maharashtra’s New Rooftop Solar Subsidy Scheme
Benefits
Dramatic reduction in upfront cost for qualified households
Long-term electricity bill savings or near zero bills
Ability to sell excess power back to grid (net metering)
Contribution to green energy goals and climate action
Challenges / Risks
Delay or mismatch between application, verification, installation, subsidy payout
Need to ensure vendor is approved / meets technical quality
Structural / shading issues in rooftop may limit performance
Awareness gap: many households may not even know of the scheme
Tips for Applicants / Homeowners
Early check: confirm your monthly consumption (must be <100 units for full subsidy under SMART)
Confirm your eligibility (income / category) before investing
Choose a reputed, experienced empaneled vendor
Ensure roof structural safety & no shading disruptions
Track your application status in portal, follow up with DISCOM if delays
Keep documentation clean (IDs, invoices, commissioning, test reports)
Monitor system performance over time
CONS & REALITY CHECK
⚠️ Eligibility is narrow – The 95% subsidy mainly applies to low-consumption, low-income households. Middle-class and higher-consumption users get smaller subsidies.
⚠️ Portal glitches and delays – The I-SMART portal often goes offline, and processing through DISCOMs can take weeks.
⚠️ Vendor dependency – Only empaneled vendors can install, limiting options and sometimes raising costs.
⚠️ Subsidy delays – While the central scheme promises DBT within 30 days, real-world disbursement can take several months.
⚠️ Roof space and structure – Many urban houses or apartments lack suitable space or structural strength for panels.
⚠️ Maintenance responsibility – After 5 years, maintenance shifts to the consumer, which means some ongoing costs.”
Conclusion
Maharashtra’s SMART rooftop solar scheme marks a significant shift—not just in renewable energy policy, but in equitable access to clean power. By stacking additional state subsidy on top of central assistance, the state is aiming to make solar adoption virtually cost-free for its most underprivileged citizens. For eligible households, this can translate into near-zero electricity bills and even extra income from surplus export.
If you live in Maharashtra (or plan to), check your eligibility, register on the national rooftop solar portal, and track the SMART scheme rollout closely. The opportunity to harness sunlight, lighten your electricity burden, and contribute to a greener future is now more accessible than ever.
Maharashtra SMART Solar Rooftop Subsidy – FAQs for Consumers
1. What is the SMART Solar Rooftop Scheme in Maharashtra?
The SMART Scheme offers up to 95% subsidy on rooftop solar panel installations for residential consumers under the Swayampurna Maharashtra Abhiyan. It integrates with the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana.
2. Who is eligible for the Maharashtra rooftop solar subsidy?
All residential consumers with an active electricity connection under MSEDCL are eligible. Subsidy percentage varies based on income category—BPL, EWS (General), and EWS (SC/ST).
3. How much subsidy can BPL consumers get?
Below Poverty Line (BPL) households can receive 95% total subsidy, comprising ₹30,000 (Central) + ₹17,500 (State) + ₹2,500 consumer contribution.
4. What subsidy is available for Economically Weaker Section (EWS) General category?
EWS General consumers get an 80% subsidy – ₹30,000 from the Central Government, ₹10,000 from the State, and ₹10,000 is paid by the consumer.
5. What is the subsidy for SC/ST households in Maharashtra?
EWS (SC/ST) consumers are eligible for a 90% subsidy, with ₹30,000 (Central) + ₹15,000 (State) + ₹5,000 consumer share.
6. How can I apply for the rooftop solar subsidy in Maharashtra?
You can apply online via the MSEDCL I-SMART Portal, which integrates the PM Surya Ghar scheme for Maharashtra:🔗 https://www.mahadiscom.in/ismart
7. What documents are required for rooftop solar subsidy application?
Aadhaar card
Recent electricity bill
Proof of income or caste category (if applicable)
Bank details for DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer)
Rooftop ownership proof
8. What capacity solar system is eligible for subsidy?
Residential consumers can install up to 3 kW under PM Surya Ghar for full subsidy benefits. Systems up to 10 kW are eligible for partial subsidy under MSEDCL.
9. How is the subsidy amount disbursed?
After installation and inspection, the total subsidy (Central + State share) is directly credited to the beneficiary’s bank account (DBT) or adjusted in the electricity bill.
10. Can apartment or housing societies apply for the rooftop solar subsidy?
Yes. Housing societies and cooperative housing associations are eligible under group metering or shared rooftop systems.
11. What is the cost of installing a rooftop solar system in Maharashtra?
A typical 1 kW system costs around ₹55,000–₹65,000, depending on brand and quality. With subsidy, the consumer contribution can be as low as ₹2,500–₹10,000.
12. Which authority verifies and approves the subsidy claim?
MSEDCL conducts physical verification after installation and coordinates with the MNRE (Ministry of New & Renewable Energy) for central share approval.
13. How long does the subsidy approval process take?
Typically 30–45 days from inspection to disbursement, depending on document verification and DBT processing timelines.
14. Can existing solar consumers claim the new subsidy?
No. Only new installations commissioned under the SMART/PM Surya Ghar program are eligible.
15. What is the lifespan of rooftop solar systems?
Most systems last 20–25 years, with performance warranties of 10 years or more from the manufacturer.
16. Is net metering available for SMART solar consumers?
Yes. All installations under MSEDCL are eligible for net metering, allowing consumers to export excess power and reduce electricity bills.
17. Can I install rooftop solar through any vendor?
Only MNRE empanelled vendors or MSEDCL-registered installers can execute installations eligible for subsidy. A list is available on the I-SMART portal.
18. What are the benefits of rooftop solar in Maharashtra?
Free electricity up to 300 units/month
Reduced dependency on DISCOM
20+ years of energy savings
Environmental sustainability
Property value increase
19. What happens if my system fails inspection?
If the system doesn’t meet technical standards, MSEDCL will provide a corrective window. Subsidy approval happens only after re-verification.
20. Whom can I contact for support or grievance redressal?
You can contact MSEDCL Solar Cell or the District Renewable Energy Officer (DREO) for your region.
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