Solar energy policy in Maharashtra

This page outlines all the available funding and incentive schemes for solar energy in the state of Maharashtra in India, both at the Federal and State level. If you notice anything that is incorrect or out of date, please let us know via our contact page.

Maharashtra has 430 MW of cumulative capacity of solar energy as of January 31, 2017 with an extra 340 MW of works in progress, according to market analysts Bridge To India. It is forecast to achieve a phenomenal 12 GW of solar power capacity by 2022.

Federal incentives for solar energy in India

Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission

The Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has the ambitious goal of reaching 100 GW of grid-connected solar power by 2022, and making India a global leader in the development of solar energy. Currently India is on track to reach this goal, and a poll we conducted via Twitter showed that half of respondents thought that India would surpass this and install “much more than 100 GW” by 2022, proving that optimism abounds on this question.

The JNNSM is geared toward both large-scale solar installations (60 GW) and residential rooftop plants (40 GW). It is rolled out in phases and batches, each of which consists of a reverse bidding auction. This means that bidders bid the price per kilowatt hour at which they would be willing to sell the electricity. The most recent auction was Phase II Batch IV of the JNNSM.

State incentives for solar energy in Maharashtra

The state of Maharashtra has taken decisive action in stimulating solar energy in the region. What follows are the various incentives and financial rules they have adopted in order to stimulate solar energy in the state.

Policy for large-scale solar projects in Maharashtra

Maharashtra’s current solar energy plan covers an installation of 7.5 GW, with 2.5 GW of this coming from Maharashtra State Power Generation Company (Mahagenco) and a further 5 GW coming from other developers. These projects must have a minimum capacity of 1 MW, although developers may bundle multiple projects of 250 kW or more to achieve the 1 MW floor. Solar power projects under the policy are exempted from acquiring a No-Objection Certificate (NOC), but must be registered with Maharashtra Energy Development Agency (MEDA). The electricity duty is waived for the first 10 years of solar plant operation.

For details of fees and charges for grid-connection, see the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) Regulations 2017.

Net metering policy for domestic solar rooftops

Maharashtra offers a net metering connection for domestic solar rooftops for both individuals and groups. The size of the system determines the voltage level that should be fed into the grid and the relevant authority of the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Co. Ltd (MSEDCL) to which the application should be submitted.

System size Voltage level Relevant MSEDCL authority
Up to 8 kW 230/240 V (one phase) Concerned sub-division office
8 to 150 kW/187 kVA (in Municipal Corporation areas)

8 to 80 kW/100 kVA (in other areas)

400/415 V (three phase) Concerned sub-division office
150 to 1,000 kW/187 kVA (in Mumbai Metropolitan Region)

80 to 1,000 kW/100 kVA (in other areas)

11 kV and above Concerned circle office

Application for the net metering program in Maharashtra is done with a simple online form.

Solar installations on Maharashtra government buildings and for people below poverty line

Maharashtra has put aside ₹2,682 crore aside for installing rooftop solar systems on government buildings (100% subsidy) and people below the poverty line (15% subsidy).

Are you interested in installing solar in Maharashtra?

If so, get in touch and learn how we can help you join us in the solar energy revolution.