Maharashtra aims for 70+ solar villages in two months
The Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company (MSEDCL) has unveiled an ambitious plan to provide up to 100% solar-powered electricity to two villages in each district of the state within the next two months. This initiative is aimed at promoting the use of renewable energy and reducing reliance on traditional power sources. The first village set to benefit from this scheme is Manyachiwadi in Patan Taluka, Satara district, which will soon receive maximum solar-powered electricity and be designated as a 'solar village'. Following this, more than 70 other villages across Maharashtra are expected to be included in the project. The primary focus of the plan is to encourage rooftop solar power generation. Solar panels will be installed on the roofs of houses in Manyachiwadi, with the government providing subsidies to facilitate this process and make it easier for residents to adopt this eco-friendly solution. Under the Pradhan Mantri Suryaghar Free Electricity Scheme, domestic consumers in the selected villages will be eligible for a maximum subsidy of Rs 78,000 for installing solar panels with a capacity of up to 3 kW. This will enable them to generate electricity for their own consumption. Additionally, any excess power produced can be sold back to MSEDCL, potentially resulting in zero bills and generating additional revenue. To ensure the initiative's success, the government plans to allocate funds for the solarisation of water supply and street lighting schemes in these villages, further reducing dependence on conventional electricity and contributing to the goal of creating solar-powered communities. MSEDCL Managing Director Lokesh Chandra indicated that the state power utility will also encourage all commercial and industrial consumers in these villages to participate in the solarisation scheme, aiming to create a holistic approach to renewable energy adoption. The Pradhan Mantri Suryaghar Free Electricity Scheme, established by the Central Government, targets providing 300 units of free power to one crore households across the country. In Maharashtra, the objective is to install rooftop solar in 20 lakh households. To date, around 3.5 lakh consumers have registered for the scheme, with 2.3 lakh applying through the Mahavitaran portal. The scheme offers substantial subsidies to encourage participation. Residential households can receive a subsidy of Rs 30,000 per kilowatt for systems up to 2 kilowatts, with an additional Rs 18,000 for the third kilowatt. For systems larger than 3 kilowatts, a fixed subsidy of Rs 78,000 is provided. Residential cooperative housing schemes are also eligible for a subsidy of Rs 18,000 per kilowatt for a maximum capacity of 500 kilowatts, which can include a vehicle charging facility.
A senior MSEDCL official noted that implementing this solar-powered electricity plan in Maharashtra is a significant step towards promoting sustainable energy practices. By offering subsidies and incentives, the government is facilitating the adoption of solar power, contributing to a greener future. The success of this initiative in the selected villages could serve as a model for other regions, encouraging more communities to embrace renewable energy solutions.
As Maharashtra advances towards its goal of creating solar villages, it is setting a precedent for the rest of India. Chandra remarked that the shift towards clean energy not only reduces the carbon footprint but also empowers people by providing them with access to affordable and reliable electricity. With government support and citizen participation, this project has the potential to transform Maharashtra's energy landscape and pave the way for a sustainable future.
According to the latest state economic survey report, Maharashtra ranks fifth in India, following Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, in terms of installed renewable energy capacity. The report highlighted that the state's total installed renewable energy capacity had increased from 11,476 MW to 12,271 MW, with the share of renewable energy in Maharashtra's total installed capacity rising from 23.8% to 32.1% over the past five years.
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