The surge in household solar installations across Maharashtra has significantly reduced the state's reliance on external power purchases, according to government officials. A key driver of this shift is the central government’s PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, which offers subsidies of up to 60% for residential solar panel installations. Out of 13,831 applications received from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), 2,448 households have already begun receiving free electricity, a senior Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) official confirmed. Additionally, MSEDCL’s recent initiative to provide free solar net meters for rooftop installations has further encouraged consumers to transition to renewable energy. (ET)