Maharashtra SMART Solar Scheme: The Government of Maharashtra just launched a new SMART Solar Scheme 2026 for its residents. This scheme is started to encourage domestic consumers, especially the economically weaker sections, to install a solar system on their rooftops. Under this scheme, the government will install solar rooftops on 5 lakh households to make them self-sufficient in electricity and also help them to reduce their power consumption and lower their electricity bills. In this scheme, the government releases a resolution in which they announce to provide subsidies on solar panels under the SMART scheme.
The scheme is mainly for farmers, houseowners, and housing societies, and the best part is that the government gives a subsidy, so you don’t have to pay the full cost yourself. To know more about this scheme in detail, keep reading this article till the end.
Maharashtra SMART Solar Scheme
| Name of the Scheme | Maharashtra SMART Solar Scheme |
| Launched By | Government of Maharashtra |
| Objective | To promote solar rooftop systems and reduce electricity costs |
| Eligible category | BPL, SC/ST, EWS |
| Subsidy | 90 to 95% |
| Maximum Capacity | ,Up to 3 Kilowatt |
| Beneficiaries | To promote solar rooftop systems and reduce electricity costs |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | www.mahadiscom.in |
Key Features of the Maharashtra SMART Solar Scheme
Reduce electricity bills to nearly zero for beneficiaries. Make 5 lakh domestic consumers self-reliant in power consumption. Provide priority access to backward and remote areas like Melghat, Chandrapur, and Gadchiroli. Support India’s commitment to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil fuel power capacity.
Target Beneficiaries
This scheme will benefit a total of 5 lakh domestic consumers, including:
i) 1.54 lakh BPL families.
ii) Scheduled Caste consumers.
iii) Scheduled Caste consumers.
iv) 3.45 lakh economically weaker consumers who use fewer than 100 units per month.
Maharashtra SMART Solar Scheme: Eligibility criteria
To be eligible, an applicant must meet the following criteria –
i) The Applicant must be a resident of Maharashtra.
ii) Must be a domestic electricity consumer.
iii) Monthly electricity consumption should be less than 100 units.
iv) BPL, SC, ST, and economically weaker general category consumers are eligible for the scheme.
v) Must have suitable rooftop space for solar panel installation.
Required Document
Aadhaar card. Recent Electricity Bill. Income Certificate (EWS category). Caste Certificate (SC/ST applicants). BPL Ration Card. Bank Account Passbook. Passport-size photograph. Property Ownership Documents. Mobile Number.
Subsidy Chart Details
| Category | System Size | Approx. Subsidy | Remarks |
| Residential | Up to 3 KW | 40% | Full Subsidy On Basic Cost |
| Residential | 3-10 KW | 20% | Subsidy only on the first 3 KW |
| Housing | Up to 500 KW | 20% | Subsidy capped per building |
| Farmers | Depends on usage | Up to 30-40% | Special category under Agri use |
Implementation Steps
Implementation of the scheme will be done through the following steps:
For project execution, the first step is verifying the applicant and monitoring their progress. After that, tenders will be issued to qualified suppliers. Ensure that the solar panel modules will be made in India and IEC-certified. After the installation, supervise the whole process and maintenance for 5 years. Monitor the project and make a report quarterly. Give priority to backward and tribal/remote areas.
How to Apply Online
Interested applicants can visit the MSEDCL official website – www.mahadiscom.in. Firstly have to register as a consumer by adding your electricity connection details. Now, firstly have to check your eligibility. Submit required documents. Select an empanelled vendor from the approved list. Get a technical assessment of your rooftop. Receive approval and subsidy disbursement details. Complete installation through the approved vendor. Get final inspection and commissioning by MSEDCL. Receive the subsidy amount in your bank account.
Environmental and Economic Impact
The SMART Solar Scheme is expected to play a vital role in
Creating sustainable livelihoods through green power generation. Supporting India’s commitment to 500 GW non-fossil fuel capacity. Contributing to net-zero emissions by 2070. Reducing dependence on conventional electricity sources. Empowering economically weaker sections with energy independence.
Budget Allocation
The Maharashtra government has made a total budget provision of Rs. 655 crore for implementing the scheme over two financial years:
FY 2025-26 – Rs. 330 crore. FY 2026-27 – Rs 325 crore.
Financial Overview
System View: Approximately Rs. 50,000/- for a 1KW system.
Subsidy Amount:
i) BPL – Rs. 47,500/- to Rs. 47,750/-.
ii) SC/ST/EWS – Rs. 47,500/- to Rs. 47,750/-.
Out-of-pocket Expense: BPL Families – Rs. 2,500/-. SC/ST/EWS – Rs. 2,500/- to Rs. 2,750/-.
Benefits of the scheme
Generate your own power and eliminate monthly bills. Use of IEC-certified solar modules manufactured in India. Installation and maintenance coverage for five years. Sell surplus solar power back to the grid. Focus on Melghat, Chandrapur, Gaschiroli, and other remote regions. It will boost energy independence for households and farmers.
Official Website Link
FAQs
What is the Maharashtra SMART Solar Scheme?
The complete name of SMART is the Swayampurna Maharashtra Residential Rooftop Solar Scheme. This scheme was started by the Maharashtra government for BPL, SC, ST, and EWS domestic consumers. Under the scheme, consumers will get a 90 to 95% subsidy on the installation of a solar rooftop.
Who is eligible to apply for the scheme?
Consumers who lie under the BPL, SC, ST, and EWS categories and whose monthly electricity consumption is less than 100 units are eligible.
What is the maximum capacity allowed?
The maximum system capacity is 3KW as per the PM Suryaghar Yojana guidelines.
How much will a BPL consumer pay for a 1KW system?
A BPL consumer will pay only Rs. 2,500 for a 1 kW system costing Rs. 50,000. The remaining Rs. 47,500 will be covered by state (Rs. 17,500) and central (Rs. 30,000) subsidies.
How much subsidy is provided?
BPL consumers get 35% state subsidy, EWS general consumers get 20%, and SC/ST consumers get 30% state subsidy. This is in addition to the 60% central government subsidy.
Which areas get priority?
Backwards and remote areas such as Melghat, Chandrapur, and Gadchiroli will receive priority under this scheme.
Can I apply if I live in a rented house?
Only the property owner or society can apply.
Is the subsidy amount credited to the bank account?
No, the subsidy is usually adjusted directly with the vendor’s installation cost. You pay only the remaining amount.
How long does it take for installation?
Once approved, the process can take anywhere between 30 and 60 days.
