Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (Mahavitaran) has revised its rooftop solar installation price to Rs45,450 per kilowatt (kW), a reduction that is said to save consumers Rs15,000 on standard systems. The utility framed the move as complementing the central government scheme Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSMBY), which provides direct subsidies of Rs30,000 for one kW, Rs60,000 for two kW and Rs78,000 for three kW systems. The revised price is intended to improve affordability and uptake.\n\nA typical one kW rooftop solar system can generate about 120 units per month, which for many small households matches or exceeds domestic consumption and can reduce electricity bills to zero. Surplus generation may be exported to the grid under net metering arrangements, allowing consumers to earn additional income from feed-in. Mahavitaran has published empanelment lists of vendors on its official website and the SMART portal to enhance transparency in procurement and help consumers identify authorised suppliers.\n\nThe Maharashtra government is offering additional state-level assistance through the SMART scheme targeted at below poverty line (BPL) and economically weaker section (EWS) consumers to further strengthen affordability. The SMART scheme launched last year includes subsidies of up to 95 per cent for low-income households that consume less than 100 units per month. Officials expect the combined effect of central and state support together with cost rationalisation to lower upfront barriers to adoption among vulnerable segments.\n\nThe pricing revision arrives as rooftop solar capacity in the state has surpassed 5 gigawatt (GW), forming a substantial portion of the overall installed solar base of 19.1 GW as of January 2025. By lowering installation costs and ensuring vendor transparency the utility seeks to accelerate residential uptake across categories and deepen rooftop solar penetration, particularly among small and economically weaker consumers. The move is presented as part of broader efforts to expand distributed renewable generation in the state.