For a typical 1kW rooftop solar system costing around Rs 50,000, combined subsidies from central and state govts can reduce consumer costs by up to 95%
The kiosks have been set up as part of the month-long ‘Seva Setu Camp’ initiative of the Union ministry of new and renewable energy, running from Sept 17 to Oct 17. Under the subsidy structure, below poverty line (BPL) households receive Rs 47,500 in support, including Rs 30,000 from Centre and Rs 17,500 from the state, bringing their contribution down to Rs 2,500. Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (SC/ST) beneficiaries receive an additional Rs 15,000 state subsidy and pay Rs 5,000, while economically weaker section (EWS) consumers get Rs 10,000 from the state and pay Rs 10,000. The central subsidy component remains Rs 30,000 across categories.
Citizens can get complete information on PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana and Swayampurna Maharashtra Residential Rooftop (SMART) solarscheme through these kiosks,” Vikas Adhe, public relations officer, MSEDCL Nashik zone, said. Designed as single-window facilitation centres, they provide guidance to domestic consumers on rooftop solar schemes and application procedures. “MSEDCL’s aim is to ensure that both central and state rooftop solar schemes reach consumers at the grassroots level.