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Free Electricity for 25 Years: Maharashtra’s SMART Rooftop Solar Breakthrough

  • Writer: Ajjay Bhagyakar
    Ajjay Bhagyakar
  • Nov 5
  • 3 min read

By Ajjay Bhagyakar | Published by Griha Realty Source by Indian Express

Free Electricity for 25 Years
Source by Indian Express

In a landmark initiative aimed at uplifting low-income households while accelerating solar power adoption, the Maharashtra government has rolled out the Swayampurna Maharashtra Residential Rooftop (SMART) scheme in partnership with MSEDCL. Under this scheme, households from the Below Poverty Line (BPL) and Economically Weaker Section (EWS) categories will receive free electricity for 25 years, via the installation of 1 kW rooftop solar systems.


Why this is a game changer


  • Each rooftop solar system of 1 kW is expected to generate around 120 units of electricity per month, which is sufficient to cover households consuming up to 100 units monthly.

  • Households consuming less than 100 units (common among low-income families) stand to eliminate their electricity bills — and even earn by selling surplus power back to the grid.

  • The scheme is strongly subsidised: beneficiaries contribute a minimal share thanks to combined central and state subsidies.


Key features at a glance


  • The central government’s flagship scheme Pradhan Mantri SuryaGhar Muft Bijli Yojana offers a subsidy of ₹30,000 per kW for 1 kW rooftop solar systems. Press Information Bureau+4Freyr Energy+4PMSuryaghar+4

  • Under the SMART scheme, the state adds further subsidies:

    • BPL consumers: ₹17,500 from state + ₹30,000 (Centre) → only a small user contribution.

    • EWS consumers (under 100 units/month): ₹10,000 state + ₹30,000 Centre.

    • SC/ST consumers: additional state subsidy of ₹15,000.The Times of India+1


  • Budget allocation: ₹655 crore earmarked for this scheme to benefit 5 lakh households in Maharashtra (1.54 lakh BPL + 3.45 lakh EWS).The Times of India+1

  • Implementation: First-come, first-served basis. MSEDCL will facilitate installation, monitoring and net-metering.

  • Net-metering and sale of surplus is enabled, so households can earn extra income beyond their own consumption.


What it means for households


If you are a qualified household (BPL or EWS) consuming under 100 units/month:

  • Your monthly bill could drop to zero.

  • You may earn by selling surplus electricity back to the grid.

  • The upfront cost you contribute is very small thanks to combined subsidies.

  • You secure energy independence and long term savings for 25 years.


How to apply & eligibility hints


  • Ensure your household’s electricity consumption is under 100 units/month (a basic eligibility criterion in the SMART scheme).

  • You must fall under BPL or EWS (or SC/ST in some cases) and be an electricity consumer of MSEDCL.

  • Visit MSEDCL’s rooftop solar portal (online) to check the application, track status, upload documents. css.mahadiscom.in+1

  • Check that your rooftop has a shadow-free area and is suitable for solar panels. MSEDCL+1

  • Since this is first-come, first-served, you may want to act early if you’re eligible.


Why this matters for real estate & sustainable living


For Griha Realty readers and homeowners:

  • Solarised homes become far more cost-effective for low-income occupants, reducing long-term utility burden.

  • Such schemes increase the value proposition of properties with rooftop space and usable orientation.

  • For developers and property owners: integrating rooftop solar in projects and helping residents avail the scheme can be a strong differentiator.

  • From a sustainability angle, this initiative aligns with India’s climate goals (increasing rooftop solar capacity, reducing dependence on fossil-fuel electricity) and helps make homes greener.


Final word ( Free Electricity for 25 Years )


The SMART scheme by MSEDCL marks a major stride in democratizing access to solar energy for Maharashtra’s low-income households. It not only makes 25 years of free electricity possible, but also opens the door to additional income through surplus power. For eligible consumers, this is an opportunity to convert a monthly utility expense into a long-term asset. For property developers, owners and sustainability-minded residents, the implications are profound. We at Griha Realty applaud such forward-looking policy moves, and encourage eligible households to explore the scheme. ( Free Electricity for 25 Years )

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