AI SummaryMaharashtra SMART Solar Scheme: Maharashtra government's Swayampurna Maharashtra Residential Rooftop (SMART) Solar Scheme is accepting online applications for domestic rooftop solar connections. The scheme covers 5 lakh households, with priority for poor families and low electricity users, and adds a state subsidy on top of the central PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana subsidy.
Eligible consumers can apply through the MSEDCL rooftop solar portal, where the SMART Scheme option is now live alongside PM Surya Ghar applications. This state-level scheme was announced on October 7, 2025 with a total budget of Rs. 655 crore spread over two financial years.
What is Maharashtra SMART Solar Scheme?
SMART stands for Swayampurna Maharashtra Residential Rooftop Solar Scheme. Maharashtra government started this scheme to make 5 lakh homes self-sufficient in electricity while bringing monthly power bills close to zero. Eligible households get 20% to 35% state subsidy on top of the central government's rooftop solar subsidy, so the final amount a consumer pays stays very low.
The scheme is run by Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL). MSEDCL looks after application verification, vendor empanelment, installation supervision and subsidy payment, and it gives top priority to backward and remote areas such as Melghat, Chandrapur and Gadchiroli.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Swayampurna Maharashtra Residential Rooftop (SMART) Solar Scheme |
| State | Maharashtra |
| Announced On | October 7, 2025 |
| Total Target | 5 lakh domestic consumers |
| Total Budget | Rs. 655 crore (two financial years) |
| State Subsidy | 20% to 35% (on top of central subsidy) |
| Central Subsidy | Up to Rs. 78,000 per household (PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana) |
| Department Running Scheme | MSEDCL |
| Application Mode | Online via MSEDCL rooftop solar portal |
| Official Website | mahadiscom.in |
| Helpline | 1800-212-3435 / 1800-233-3435 |
How to Apply Online for SMART Solar Scheme
Applications are open on the official MSEDCL rooftop solar portal. The same page also handles PM Surya Ghar applications, and eligible consumers can select the Swayampurna Maharashtra Aawasiya Roof Top (SMART) Scheme option while applying.
STEP 1 - Open the official MSEDCL rooftop solar application page and choose the rooftop solar / SMART Scheme application option.
STEP 2 - Enter your electricity consumer number, mobile number and email ID. Keep the mobile number active, because OTPs and application updates are sent there.
STEP 3 - Select your eligibility category (BPL, general EWS, SC or ST) and choose a listed vendor from the empanelled agencies list published by MSEDCL.
STEP 4 - Upload required documents like the recent electricity bill, Aadhaar card, bank passbook and category proof. Note down the application number for future reference.
STEP 5 - Wait for the technical feasibility check and approval from MSEDCL. After approval, the vendor installs the rooftop system and MSEDCL carries out the final inspection and grid commissioning.
STEP 6 - After commissioning, the central subsidy is released through the PM Surya Ghar portal and the state subsidy under the SMART Scheme is paid to the linked bank account.
Application Status and Official Links
You can track the progress of your application on the MSEDCL rooftop solar application status page. MSEDCL also gives the standard operating procedure (SoP) for rooftop solar on its portal. For PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, the national portal is pmsuryaghar.gov.in.
Eligibility Criteria
Only domestic electricity consumers of Maharashtra are covered under this scheme. Priority is given to poor families and households with low monthly consumption.
- Residency: Applicant must be a resident of Maharashtra with a domestic electricity connection.
- Low consumption: Households using less than 100 units of electricity per month get first preference.
- Category: BPL, SC, ST and economically weaker general category consumers are eligible.
- Rooftop space: Applicant must have suitable rooftop space for solar panel installation and a bank account for subsidy payment.
In total, the scheme will cover 5 lakh domestic consumers. This includes 1.54 lakh BPL families and 3.45 lakh consumers using less than 100 units per month, along with SC and ST households.
Benefits of SMART Solar Scheme
The scheme cuts the rooftop solar cost sharply for eligible households. The state share on top of the central subsidy brings the out-of-pocket cost down to a very small amount for BPL and low-income families.
- Additional state subsidy of 20% to 35%: This comes on top of the central subsidy, so the final consumer share stays low.
- Near-zero electricity bills: Once the system starts generating power, monthly bills drop heavily and spare power goes back to the grid.
- Income from surplus power: Under net metering, extra generated units are adjusted in the bill and can earn credits.
- Five-year maintenance: The listed vendor has to look after operation and maintenance of the system for five years.
- Made in India components: Only IEC-certified solar modules manufactured in India are allowed in the scheme.
Subsidy Structure and Financial Details
For a benchmark cost of Rs. 50,000 per kW, the total system cost is shared between the consumer, the state government and the central government. The consumer share depends on the category.
| Category | Consumer Share (Rs.) | State Share (Rs.) | Central Share (Rs.) | Total Cost (Rs.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BPL Consumers | 2,500 | 17,500 (35%) | 30,000 (60%) | 50,000 |
| EWS General | 10,000 | 10,000 (20%) | 30,000 (60%) | 50,000 |
| SC Category | 5,000 | 15,000 (30%) | 30,000 (60%) | 50,000 |
| ST Category | 5,000 | 15,000 (30%) | 30,000 (60%) | 50,000 |
Note: For a 1 kW rooftop system costing Rs. 50,000, a BPL consumer pays only Rs. 2,500. The state government covers Rs. 17,500 and the central government pays Rs. 30,000 under PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.
Under current PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana rules, the central subsidy is Rs. 30,000 per kW for systems up to 2 kW and Rs. 18,000 per kW for the additional capacity up to 3 kW. The maximum central subsidy for one household is Rs. 78,000, and Maharashtra's allocation under the central scheme is 8.75 lakh households.
Budget Allocation
Maharashtra government has set aside Rs. 655 crore for the scheme over two financial years: Rs. 330 crore for FY 2025-26 and Rs. 325 crore for FY 2026-27.
Documents Required
Keep these documents ready before starting the online application, because they have to be uploaded with the form.
- Aadhaar Card and mobile number for OTP verification.
- Recent electricity bill of the residential connection.
- BPL ration card (for BPL) or income certificate (for EWS category).
- Caste certificate for SC and ST applicants.
- Bank account passbook and property ownership proof of the rooftop premises.
- Passport size photographs for the application record.
Scheme Timeline
The scheme was announced on October 7, 2025. As per the current plan, installations and payments will continue till March 2027, and MSEDCL will report progress every quarter. As of August 2026, the option to apply under the SMART Scheme is available on the MSEDCL portal.
Key Highlights
Maharashtra is among the leading states for rooftop solar installations under PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. The MSEDCL rooftop solar portal shows more than 9.97 lakh solar customers with about 6,744 MW of installed capacity. The SMART Solar Scheme gives priority to consumers using less than 100 units a month, and a BPL family can get a 1 kW system for just Rs. 2,500. All solar modules in the scheme are IEC-certified and made in India.
Link with PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana
SMART Solar Scheme works on top of the central government's PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, which was launched on February 29, 2024 to give up to 300 units of free electricity per month to one crore households across India. For the latest central scheme details, see PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana 2026 post.
Environmental and Economic Impact
This scheme helps Maharashtra move closer to its renewable energy targets. It also supports India's goal of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel power capacity and the net-zero by 2070 goal, while reducing dependence on conventional electricity and helping poor families cut their power expenses without taking loans for solar panels.
Contact / Helpline
For help with the application, call MSEDCL toll-free numbers 1800-212-3435 / 1800-233-3435. For questions related to the online portal, email support_solarrf@mahadiscom.in.
FAQ's
What is Maharashtra SMART Solar Scheme?
SMART stands for Swayampurna Maharashtra Residential Rooftop Solar Scheme. It is a state-level scheme that gives extra subsidy to poor and low-usage domestic consumers for installing rooftop solar systems.
Who can apply for Maharashtra SMART Solar Scheme?
Domestic electricity consumers of Maharashtra from BPL, SC, ST and general EWS categories can apply. Consumers using less than 100 units a month get priority.
How much subsidy is provided?
BPL consumers get 35% state subsidy, SC and ST consumers get 30%, and general EWS consumers get 20%, on top of the central government subsidy.
What is the maximum capacity allowed?
The maximum capacity is 3 kW as per PM Surya Ghar rules, and the central subsidy is limited to 3 kW.
How much does a BPL consumer pay for a 1 kW system?
A BPL consumer pays only Rs. 2,500 for a 1 kW system costing Rs. 50,000. The state pays Rs. 17,500 and the central government pays Rs. 30,000.
How to apply for the SMART Solar Scheme?
Apply online through the MSEDCL rooftop solar portal. The full application steps are given above in this post.
Which department runs the scheme?
Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) runs the scheme.
Can surplus electricity be sold back to the grid?
Yes. Under net metering, surplus solar power goes to the grid and the consumer gets bill credit or payment for the extra units.
Is maintenance covered under the scheme?
Yes. The listed vendor has to look after operation and maintenance of the system for five years.
Which areas get priority?
Backward and remote areas such as Melghat, Chandrapur and Gadchiroli get top priority under the scheme.
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