Maharashtra now has a clear policy on solar power. According to the state-run power distribution company consumers can install solar panels for their power generation and consumption.

As per Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company, any LT or HT consumer who intends to install a solar photovoltaic (PV) system less than 1MW to cater to all or part of his own electricity load requirement is eligible for getting connectivity of solar panels with MSEDCL's network.

Consumers catering to a common load like housing societies are also included. The capacity of the solar system should not exceed the sanctioned load of the consumer as power is for captive use and not generation.

The solar PV connectivity, however, will come with riders.  The cumulative capacity of all the solar panels connected to a particular distribution transformer should not exceed 40% of its capacity.

Further the voltage level of solar PV connections is different for different loads. For a single phase load of less than 8 KW a voltage level of 230/240 V is required. For three-phase loads between 8 KW and 150KW a voltage level of 400/415 V is needed. In municipal corporation areas for loads between 150KW and 1,000KVA a voltage level of 11KV is required. In non-municipal corporation areas the upper limit is 80 KW.

Consumers can fill up the application form available MSEDCL website. Within 15 days of receipt of application, MSEDCL will conduct a technical study. If found okay, MSEDCL will convey its approval within 7 working days of the completion of feasibility study. Consumers must submit work completion report within a stipulated period of approval. Within 10 days of receiving the report MSEDCL will complete commissioning of the system. In the next 10 days it will then install the net meter at its own cost on the premises and synchronise the system. MSEDCL will sign a net metering connection agreement with the consumer for a period of 20 years. The agreement may be terminated prematurely.

Detailed policy: click here