Maharashtra Launches SMART Solar Scheme To Promote Rooftop Solar For Low-Income Households

The Government of Maharashtra has approved the ‘Swayampoorna Maharashtra Residential Rooftop (SMART) Solar Scheme’ to encourage the adoption of rooftop solar systems among low-income households. The scheme specifically targets below poverty line (BPL) families and economically weaker domestic consumers who use less than 100 units of electricity per month. Under this initiative, around 5 lakh households will receive additional state subsidies, supplementing the central government’s support under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, to install rooftop solar systems.

The program is designed to make low-income families self-reliant in electricity while also enabling them to earn extra income by selling surplus power. The Maharashtra government has fixed the benchmark cost for installation at ₹50,000 per kW. For BPL households, the contribution is only ₹2,500 per kW, with ₹17,500 provided by the state and ₹30,000 by the central government, covering about 95 percent of the cost. Economically weaker general category consumers will pay ₹10,000 per kW, supported by ₹10,000 from the state and ₹30,000 from the central government, making an 80 percent subsidy. Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe households will each contribute ₹5,000, with the remaining cost covered by ₹15,000 state and ₹30,000 central subsidies, offering 90 percent support.

The state has allocated ₹330 crore for FY 2025-26 and ₹325 crore for FY 2026-27 to fund the scheme, which will be implemented by the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company (MSEDCL). Running until March 2027, the program aims to increase rooftop solar capacity, create local employment, and support India’s renewable energy goals as per COP26 commitments. Priority will be given to BPL households and remote areas, including Melghat, Chandrapur, and Gadchiroli, ensuring access to clean energy for underserved communities.