Mumbai: Maharashtra has emerged as one of the best-performing states under the Prime Minister’s Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, topping the country in several key parameters and recording the highest number of rooftop solar installations in a single day.
On May 29, a record 15,000 rooftop solar projects were installed across India under the scheme. Maharashtra accounted for 4,700 of these installations, the highest among all states. Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi congratulated the state for the achievement and also praised it for joining the select group of states that have crossed six lakh rooftop solar installations.
The implementation of the scheme has gathered pace in Maharashtra under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. During May, the state secured the top position in the number of applications received under the scheme and project inspections, while ranking second in rooftop solar installations and vendor registrations.
The programme is being implemented by Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL). Senior state officials, including Additional Chief Secretary (Energy) Abha Shukla and MSEDCL Chairman and Managing Director Lokesh Chandra, credited the performance to the efforts of the utility’s officers and employees.
The rooftop solar scheme provides direct subsidies to residential consumers installing solar power systems. Financial assistance of Rs 30,000 is available for a one-kilowatt system, Rs 60,000 for a two-kilowatt system and Rs 78,000 for a three-kilowatt system.
A nationwide campaign conducted during May boosted participation across the country. Maharashtra received 4.49 lakh applications during the month, the highest in India. Gujarat followed with 3 lakh applications, while Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Kerala recorded 1 lakh, 44,000 and 35,000 applications respectively.
In terms of actual installations, Maharashtra ranked second with 54,000 rooftop solar systems. Uttar Pradesh led the category with 64,000 installations, while Gujarat, Rajasthan and Kerala occupied the remaining positions among the top five states.
The state also topped the country in project inspections, completing verification of 69,000 rooftop solar installations. Uttar Pradesh followed with 64,000 inspections, while Gujarat, Rajasthan and Kerala ranked next.
Registered vendors play a key role in implementing the scheme, as consumers can select approved contractors for installing rooftop solar systems. Maharashtra ranked second in vendor registrations with 413 registered contractors. Uttar Pradesh led the category with 779 vendors, followed by Gujarat, Assam and Rajasthan.
The latest figures highlight Maharashtra’s growing role in promoting rooftop solar energy and expanding access to clean electricity under the Centre’s flagship residential solar programme.
