In a bid to promote rooftop solar power among economically weaker sections (EWS) of society, the Devendra Fadnavis-led government in Maharashtra is set to roll out a new policy in the next fortnight. This initiative, aimed at making solar energy more accessible, will offer subsidies to EWS consumers for purchasing solar panels, following the guidelines of the central government’s “PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.”
The state’s energy department has been actively working on the policy and has set a target of distributing 20 lakh solar panels under this scheme over the next year.
After taking charge as Chief Minister, Fadnavis has been regularly reviewing the progress of various departments. During a recent meeting, the energy department was instructed to develop a policy that provides subsidies to consumers using less than 100 units of electricity per month—an amount that most EWS consumers fall under. The initiative comes as part of the government’s efforts to support those who are financially constrained and unable to afford rooftop solar panels on their own.
Currently, the central government offers a subsidy of Rs 30,000 for the installation of 1 kW rooftop solar panels for consumers who use up to 150 units of electricity per month. Additionally, consumers using up to 300 units per month are eligible for a subsidy of Rs 60,000 for the installation of 2 kW rooftop solar plants. For those with higher electricity consumption of more than 300 units a month, the subsidy increases to Rs 78,000.
The new state-level policy is expected to further boost Maharashtra’s transition towards cleaner, more sustainable energy solutions while ensuring that those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds can also participate in the solar energy revolution.
4o mini