Nagpur: In a major boost for affordable clean energy, Mahavitaran (MSEDCL) has successfully brought down the cost of 1 kW rooftop solar installations under the state government’s SMART scheme, helping consumers save ₹15,000 per kilowatt. The revised rate of ₹45,450 per kW is significantly lower than the market average of ₹60,000, offering huge financial relief to nearly 5 lakh BPL and economically weaker domestic electricity consumers.

The reduced rate emerged from Mahavitaran’s recently approved tender process for implementing the Swayampurna Maharashtra Residential Rooftop Solar (SMART) scheme. The tender was cleared during a board meeting held in Mumbai under the chairmanship of Lokesh Chandra, CMD, Mahavitaran, with Additional Chief Secretary (Energy) Abha Shukla in attendance.

Lower Solar Rates Bring Big Savings

The state government had earlier estimated a project cost of ₹50,000 per kW under the SMART scheme. However, solar vendors in the open market continued to charge around ₹60,000. The latest tender approval, with a quoted rate of ₹45,450, marks a significant milestone in lowering costs and improving accessibility.

This cost reduction is expected to benefit:

• 5 lakh BPL and EWS consumers covered under the SMART scheme
• Other domestic consumers opting for rooftop solar under the national subsidy programme

Stronger Savings Under PM Suryaghar Muft Bijlee Yojana

The reduction aligns strongly with the Pradhan Mantri Suryaghar Muft Bijlee Yojana, launched in February 2024. The central government offers the following direct subsidies:

• ₹30,000 for 1 kW
• ₹60,000 for 2 kW
• ₹78,000 for 3 kW

A 1 kW rooftop solar unit typically generates around 120 units per month, often exceeding household consumption. Consumers therefore:

• Pay zero electricity bills, and
• Earn additional income by selling surplus power to Mahavitaran

To further support low-income families, the Maharashtra government has introduced extra subsidies under the SMART scheme specifically for BPL and economically weaker consumers.

Cheaper Rooftop Solar to Boost Adoption

With the new project cost of ₹45,450, the remaining amount payable by consumers after subsidy will be significantly lower. This reduction is expected to accelerate rooftop solar adoption across Maharashtra, especially among small and needy electricity consumers.

Mahavitaran has also published a list of empanelled vendors on its official website and the SMART Scheme portal, ensuring transparency and ease of access for applicants.