The perception today is that a large amount of investment is needed for installing a solar energy system at your home. However, the Government is giving a huge push to enable and facilitate everyone to go solar.
Yes, there is an upfront cost, but the long-term monetary benefits of installing a rooftop solar system more than compensates the initial investment. The state government provides a solar panel subsidy in Maharashtra to make things even more economical.
Who can get subsidy for solar rooftop installation
The conditions to avail of solar subsidy in Maharashtra include:
- The panels should be made in India. Made-in-India panels are also known as DCR panels. As of now, only polycrystalline solar panels are made in the country.
- The subsidy is applicable for on-grid connections only.
- According to the rooftop solar yojana Maharashtra, a subsidy is offered only for residential installations and housing societies. It’s not offered for commercial purposes.
How much is the solar subsidy in Maharashtra
The solar rooftop subsidy in Maharashtra is offered against the L1 rates (discovered rates).
According to the rooftop solar policy in Maharashtra, homeowners get a subsidy amount according to the benchmarks listed below:
- 40% of L1 prices for a solar system between 1 KW to 3 KW.
- 20% of L1 prices for a solar system above 3 KW and up to 10 KW.
L1 rates in Maharashtra
- For 1 KW to 3 KW: Rs. 47,113/KW
- Above 3 KW and up to 10 KW: Rs. 45,065/KW
How to apply for a solar subsidy in Maharashtra?
Now, let us look at the process for getting solar subsidy in Maharashtra. DISCOM for application of solar subsidy in Maharashtra
https://www.mahadiscom.in/ismart/
- Visit the MSEDCL iSMART website.
- Find out the list of empanelled vendors.
- Pick SolarSphere
- Discuss details with us
- An officer from MSEDCL will visit your house and ensure that all the dues have been cleared and that there’s adequate space for the installation.
- After the clearance, our team will start the process of installation.
- You pay the money to us for the system without the subsidy amount.
- Upon installation, the commissioning of the net meter will begin.
- Once installed and commissioned, your solar system will be ready to use
- The DISCOM will disburse the subsidy directly to SolarSphere.
How to apply for a net meter in Maharashtra?
There are three stages.
Stage 1: From the side of the customer
#1. Submission of application:
- The application must be submitted online through the official Mahadiscom website: https://www.mahadiscom.in/ismart/ and apply for RE Rooftop
An application form will open. There are 3 steps that you will have to complete for the successful submission of the application:
- Submit Application
- Make Payment
- Select Agency
#2. Payment of (Non-Refundable) Registration charges:
- Low Tension Consumers with a sanctioned load or contract demand up to 20 kW must pay Rs. 500+GST. After 20 KW, the customer will have to pay Rs. 100+GST for every 20 kW.
- High Tension Consumers must pay Rs. 5000+GST
#3. Selection of empanelled agency
Stage 2: Activities for MSEDCL Field officer & the Empanelled Agency
#1. Technical feasibility/Sanction of RTS
- A Local field officer will receive an intimation on mobile and NC portal after the empanelled agency accepts the proposal.
- A joint visit will be scheduled to check out technical feasibility.
- Based on the visit, the proposal will either be approved or rejected.
- The field officer will get a notification of acceptance or rejection on his mobile app.
- The geo-coordinates of the consumer site can also be captured using the same app.
- Auto intimation regarding sanction of application is sent to the consumer by SMS and email.
Stage 3: Activities related to the Consumer
#1. Metering Specifications:
- Net metering specifications for consumers are made available on the MSEDCL website https://www.mahadiscom.in/consumer/en/meter-specification-for-net-metering/
- The sanction letter & metering specifications will be system generated for both LT & HT consumers.
- In case of a change in CT-PT specifications, the same will be informed by the concerned sub-division office for LT consumers.
- For HT consumers, metering specifications will be communicated by the local testing division.
- The consumer is required to procure a unidirectional meter at the generation end and a bi-directional meter for Net Metering as per relevant MERC regulations.
Please note: The cost of the generation meter is borne by an empaneled agency. The consumer has to bear only the cost of the net meter and its testing charges.
- The installation company has to install the solar system within 6 months.
- The SDO has to carry out a joint inspection to rule out any possible discrepancy.
- The SDO has to verify the compliance and permit commissioning of RTS and the metering system.
- The SDO has to record the initial readings after which meter assignment is fed into the NC Portal.
- The SDO has to submit the verified checklist.
- The SDO has to provide a certificate for the completion of RTS.
- After the work completion certificate is submitted, the subsidy will be disbursed to the solar installation company.
