Maharashtra to Offer Extra Subsidy for EWS on Rooftop Solar Panels

To encourage rooftop solar energy adoption among the economically weaker sections (EWS) in Maharashtra, the Devendra Fadnavis government is set to introduce a new policy within two weeks. The state will provide subsidies for purchasing solar panels, aligning with the central government’s “PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.” The state energy department is developing the policy and aims to distribute 20 lakh solar panels under this initiative over the next year.

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After taking charge of the Chief Minister’s office, Mr Fadnavis has been continuously taking a review of the various departments. In a recently held review meeting, the energy department was directed to come up with a policy to provide a subsidy to the consumers, who are using less than 100 units of electricity and can’t afford the rooftop solar power panel due to financial constraint. Most of the consumers, who are using less than 100 units in a month, fall in the EWS category.

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Central Government’s Subsidy Scheme for Rooftop Solar Plants Based on Monthly Electricity Consumption

At present, the central government is only providing a subsidy of Rs 30,000 to consumers, who are using 150 units of electricity monthly, for installation of rooftop solar plants of 1 kW (kilowatt). Apart from this, the consumers, who are using up to 300 units of electricity a month, are being provided a subsidy of Rs 60,000 for installation of rooftop solar plants of 2 kW. The centre also provides a subsidy of Rs 78,000 to those consumers, whose consumption is more than 300 units a month.

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Maharashtra Government Plans Additional Financial Assistance for EWS Consumers

A senior official from the state government said that the provision for installation of rooftop solar power panels is not sufficient for EWS consumers, who can’t afford the remaining cost. Thereforethe state government is considering a proposal to provide financial assistance to such poor consumers from the state’s exchequer also. “At present, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Orissa, are providing Rs 10,000, Rs 15,000 and Rs 20,000 respectively from their own coffers to fund rooftop solar power for the weaker sections. On the same line, we are also drafting a policy to chip in to promote rooftop solar power panels among the EWS in the state. It will help to drastically reduce the monthly bills of the poor people,” the senior official said.

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Maharashtra Energy Department Finalizing Policy to Boost Rooftop Solar Panel Installations

A senior official from the energy department stated, “We are in the process of finalizing a policy on this matter. Once completed, we will seek cabinet approval.” The official mentioned that they have received 2,69,745 applications for rooftop solar panels, out of which 2,67,725 have been approved. “Currently, 57,934 consumers have installed rooftop solar panels across the state, generating 230.33 megawatts of renewable energy,” he added.

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