The Maharashtra government has launched the Swayampurna Maharashtra Residential Roof Top (SMART) solar scheme to offer subsidies of up to 95 per cent for rooftop solar panel installations for select consumer categories.
The scheme outlines the objective to promote renewable energy adoption and help low-income households reduce their electricity bills to zero. The scheme targets below poverty line (BPL), scheduled caste, and scheduled tribe households with monthly electricity consumption of up to 100 units. For a 1 kW rooftop solar system, it is estimated to cost around Rs 50,000 and generate 120 units of electricity per month out of which the central government will provide Rs 30,000 as a subsidy. In addition, the state government will contribute Rs 17,500 for BPL households, thus reducing their out-of-pocket cost to Rs 2,500.