Solar Subsidy In Maharashtra: A Detailed guide?

Your electricity bills are mounting, you’re still counting on the fuel prices to drop, and you’re still waiting for the perfect day when power consumption won’t be an issue – what if we tell you that that scenario already exists?  

Lakhs and lakhs of homes in India are already enjoying free electricity from the Sun by installing a solar system. The state of Maharashtra is no different. Solar installation is at its peak, and the state government is offering many incentives to homeowners and housing societies through a solar subsidy in Maharashtra.

Would you like to learn all the details about solar subsidy in Maharashtra? If so, we have curated this guide especially for you. 

Dive in and decode the solar subsidy in Maharashtra like never before.

Overview of solar subsidy in Maharashtra for Rooftop solar Installations 

PM Narendra Modi announced a new subsidy scheme, DBT, on July 30th, 2022. A National Portal for Rooftop Solar was launched, and a unified subsidy is offered under this scheme. 

DBT stands for direct benefit transfer. Earlier, the solar rooftop subsidy in Maharashtra was offered against the L1 rates (discovered rates). 

According to the rooftop solar policy in Maharashtra, homeowners get a subsidy amount directly into their bank accounts within 30 days after the commissioning of the plant. Since consumers get the subsidy in their bank accounts, this scheme is known as DBT.

How to get a subsidy in Maharashtra?

The conditions to avail of solar subsidy in Maharashtra 2022 include:

• The panels should be made in India. Made-in-India panels are also known as DCR panels. 
• The subsidy is applicable for on-grid connections only. 
• According to the rooftop solar yojana Maharashtra, a subsidy is offered only for residential installations and housing societies. It’s not offered for commercial or industrial purposes.

Maharashtra solar rooftop price for individual homes without a subsidy

Solar panels do not have a fixed price. There are different modules, different manufacturers, and different technologies used to make solar panels. Hence, the cost varies greatly. 

In fact, in order to determine the solar panel price for individual homes after accounting for the DBT subsidy, it is essential to know the price of solar panels and the amount of subsidy offered. 

Below is a detailed price range.

• 1 KW: ₹70,000 to ₹1,10,000
• 2 KW: ₹1,40,000 to ₹1,80,000
• 3 KW: ₹1,80,000 to ₹2,40,000
• 4 KW: ₹2,40,000 to ₹3,20,000
• 5 KW: ₹3,00,000 to ₹4,00,000
• 10 KW: ₹6,00,000 to ₹8,00,000

Please note that this price range is not just the cost of the panels, it is the entire installation cost. 

Maharashtra solar rooftop subsidy: what are the benefits of solar subsidy in Maharashtra?

Solar systems require an upfront investment. One of the most significant benefits of a subsidy on solar rooftop in Maharashtra is that it makes solar systems more affordable for consumers. 

And as we have already mentioned, DBT subsidy scheme is applicable in Maharashtra now. Here are the subsidy rates under this scheme for homeowners. 

• Up to 3kW: ₹14,588/- per kW
• Above 3kW and up to 10kW: ₹14,588/- per kW for the first 3kW and thereafter ₹7,294/- per kW
• Above 10kW: ₹94,822/- fixed

Rooftop solar system’s price with a solar subsidy in Maharashtra

Now you know the subsidy price according to the rooftop solar scheme Maharashtra. The solar panel price with solar subsidy in Maharashtra can be calculated accordingly. 

For instance, you are installing a 4 KW solar system worth Rs. 3,00,000 The subsidy amount under DBT scheme is Rs. 51,058. 

So, in this case, the solar panel price with subsidy would be Rs. 2,48,942.

Things to note:

• This cost is for polycrystalline solar panels
• This cost is for string inverters and 6 feet-mounting structures

These numbers are tentative and may change based on the value-added services that the customer chooses to buy. Solar experts can offer the exact quote only after a free rooftop consultation.

Here is a table to paint the picture clearer.

Subsidy for Small Housing Societies according to Maharashtra solar rooftop policy 

Major benefits of installing solar panels (systems) in Maharashtra

There are many benefits of installing solar panels (systems) in Maharashtra. The most important ones are as follows:

1. The carbon emissions are reduced. 
2. Consumers save a lot of money on electricity bills.

How to apply for a solar subsidy in Maharashtra?

• Download Sandes app via National Portal for Rooftop Solar
• Register and submit rooftop solar installation application
• Discom assesses the application for technical feasibility
• Obtain NOC post the Discom’s approval
• Select SolarSquare as your vendor
• Enter into an agreement with SolarSquare
• Pay and initiate solar system installation
• Post-installation, submit work completion report and net meter request
• Receive commissioning certificate upon net meter installation
• Provide bank details and a cancelled cheque copy on National Portal for Rooftop Solar
• Fund Handling Agency receives submitted details
• Subsidy disbursed to your bank account by Fund Handling Agency

How to apply for a net meter in Maharashtra?

There are three stages.

Stage 1: From the side of the customer

#1. Submission of application: 

• The application has to be submitted online through the official Mahadiscom website, www.mahadiscom.in
• Go to the renewable energy portal for solar rooftop
• Click on this link https://www.mahadiscom.in/ismart/ and apply for RE Rooftop 

An application form will open. There are three steps that you will have to complete for the successful submission of the application:

1. Submit Application
2. Make Payment
3. Select Agency

#2. Payment of (Non-Refundable) Registration charges:

• Low Tension Consumers with a sanctioned load or contract demand up to 20 kW have to Rs. 500+GST. After 20 KW, the customer will have to pay Rs. 100+GST for every 20 kW.
• High Tension Consumers have to pay Rs. 5000+GST

#3. Selection of empanelled agency

Stage 2: From the side of the MSEDCL Field officer & the Empanelled Agency

#1. Technical feasibility/Sanction of RTS

• A Local field officer will receive an intimation on mobile and NC portal after the empanelled agency will accept the proposal.
• A joint visit will be scheduled to check out technical feasibility. 
• Based on the visit, the proposal will either be approved or rejected.
• The field officer will be notified of acceptance or rejection on his mobile app.
• The geo-coordinates of the consumer site can also be captured using the same app.  
• Auto intimation regarding the sanction of the application is sent to the consumer by SMS and email. 

Stage 3: Activity related to the Consumer 

#1. Metering Specifications:  

• Net metering specifications for consumers are made available on the MSEDCL website.
• The sanction letter & metering specifications will be system generated for both LT & HT consumers. 
• In case of a change in CT-PT specifications, the same will be informed by the concerned sub-division office for LT consumers. 
• For HT consumers, metering specifications will be communicated by the local testing division.  
• The consumer is required to procure a unidirectional meter at the generation end and a bi-directional meter for Net Metering as per relevant MERC regulations. 

Please note: For the RTS Phase-II scheme, the cost of the generation meter is borne by an empanelled agency. The consumer has to pay only the cost of the NET meter and its testing charges.

• The installation company has to install the solar system within six months.
• The SDO must conduct a joint inspection to rule out any possible discrepancy.
• The SDO has to verify the compliance and permit commissioning of RTS and the metering system.
• The SDO has to record the initial readings, after which meter assignment is fed into the NC Portal.
• The SDO has to submit the verified checklist.
• The SDO has to provide a certificate for the completion of RTS. 
• After the work completion certificate is submitted, the subsidy will be disbursed to the solar installation company.

Conclusion: 

The state government does not offer a solar subsidy in Maharashtra on a system above 10 KW for residential installations. Besides, the subsidy incentive will be stopped after India hits the milestone target of 4 GW. 

Hence, it is the best time to install a solar system and get financial assistance from the state government. 

FAQs

1. What is the average cost of grid-connected rooftop solar systems in Maharashtra?

The cost difference is substantial. It depends on the type of solar panels, inverters, system’s capacity, and even the choice of installation company and the value-added services (such as AMC) purchased.

On average, the cost range could be:

• 1 KW: ₹70,000 to ₹1,10,000
• 2 KW: ₹1,40,000 to ₹1,80,000
• 3 KW: ₹1,80,000 to ₹2,40,000
• 4 KW: ₹2,40,000 to ₹3,20,000
• 5 KW: ₹3,00,000 to ₹4,00,000
• 10 KW: ₹6,00,000 to ₹8,00,000

2. Why does the government offer a solar subsidy in Maharashtra on residential rooftop solar systems?

The Indian government aims to generate 4 GW of solar electricity from residential rooftop installation. 

Hence, to make solar installation popular and more affordable, the government offers a rooftop solar subsidy in Maharashtra. 

3. What are the conditions to avail of a solar subsidy in Maharashtra?

Here are a few things that have to be kept in mind when planning to install a solar system so that you get a solar subsidy in Maharashtra: 

• The subsidy, as of now, is offered on ALMM-approved DCR solar panels only.
• The subsidy for residential installation is offered for up to 10 kW solar systems.
• Only on-grid systems are eligible for subsidy.