MUMBAI: As per the latest report released by Mercom India, Maharashtra has emerged as the second-largest state in India for cumulative rooftop solar installations, following Gujarat. Maharashtra’s contribution to the country’s total solar Photovoltaic (PV) installations stands at an impressive 13.3%, as per the report. Sources said that the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) accounted for 8% of the state’s solar rooftop installed capacity.
The report highlighted that while India’s total cumulative rooftop solar installations reached 11.6 GW by June, Maharashtra boasted an installed capacity of 1.5 GW, second only to Gujarat’s 3.2 GW. “Maharashtra has also added the second-highest rooftop solar capacity in the second quarter of 2024 — April to June — with 95 MW. The installations increased by 77% from 53.4 MW the previous quarter, which was Jan to March,” the report stated. Notably, 74% of the state’s quarterly capacity additions were attributed to installations under the Prime Minister – Surya Ghar programme.
State energy department officials credited this growth to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy’s (MNRE) subsidy scheme, which provides a 20% to 40% subsidy on solar installations. This initiative has motivated many citizens and housing societies to adopt solar energy for partial or complete electrification of their homes, bungalows, and buildings. By generating solar power for the grid, residents have not only benefited from govt subsidies but have also experienced a reduction of 50% or more in their monthly electricity bills.
Although the initial investment in solar energy is substantial, it is a one-time cost that comes with govt support. The solar-generated electricity can be utilised to power staircase lights, street lights within society premises, and even provide hot water for bathing purposes. Many societies have also implemented solar energy for their gardens and other common utilities, as the generated power can be shared among all residents.
MSEDCL managing director Lokesh Chandra said the power utility has received over 1.3 lakh applications across Maharashtra, with 26,000 rooftop solar installations completed and more than 70,000 applications approved to date. The MSEDCL is set to receive a subsidy of Rs 150 crore from the central govt under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, which will be distributed among power consumers. “The Union govt decision to further continue this scheme will encourage more residential consumers to switch to solar,” he said.
A report from Mercom also revealed that renewable energy accounts for approximately 39% of Maharashtra’s power mix, with solar contributing around 15%. The state’s cumulative solar installations stand at about 7.5 GW. “During the first half of 2024, the state installed approximately 800 MW of large-scale solar projects. Maharashtra has about 17 GW of solar projects in the pipeline, with the majority stemming from the Mukhya Mantri Saur Krishi Vahini Yojana – 2.0,” the report added.