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Maharashtra Electricity Bill: In a major move to encourage consumers to install rooftop solar panels, the Maharashtra government has launched a SMART Solar Scheme (Swayampurna Maharashtra Residential Rooftop Solar Scheme), aimed at economically weaker sections to cut their electricity bills to zero.

The scheme will provide a 90-95 per cent subsidy to beneficiaries who consume less than 100 units of electricity every month, Times of India reported. The beneficiaries include individuals from Below Poverty Line (BPL) households, as well as those belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities.

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Maharashtra Govt To Provide 90-95% Subsidy: Check Details

- A 1KW solar panel can produce approximately 120 units of electricity per month.

- The installation cost of the solar panel is around Rs 50,000, Times of India reported.

- Of the total cost, the Central Government will contribute Rs 30,000, while the State Government will give an extra subsidy of Rs 17,500 for BPL consumers. The consumer will have to pay Rs 2,500.

- On the other hand, the government will give a subsidy of Rs 45,000 for SC and ST consumers. The consumers will have to pay Rs 5,000.

- For consumers (not from BPL, SC, or ST categories) who use less than 100 units per month, the government will provide a subsidy of Rs 40,000, and they will have to pay Rs 10,000 as installation cost.

The Maharashtra government has approved a total budget of Rs 655 crore for the SMART Solar Scheme. Of these, Rs 330 crore has been allocated for 2025–26 and Rs 325 crore has been allocated for 2026-27.

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The scheme will be implemented by Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL). The move aims to benefit around five lakh households, including 1.5 lakh BPL families and 3.5 lakh low-income households with minimal electricity usage.

Once the solar panels are installed, the suppliers will be responsible for all maintenance and repairs for a period of five years, at no additional cost for beneficiaries. To ensure access to even remote areas, the Maharashtra government has directed that the scheme be given priority in remote areas such as Melghat, Nandurbar, and Gadchiroli.