Check your electricity bill before installing solar; Capacity can be increased later

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

Under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, rooftop solar approvals will now prioritize customers’ electricity usage over the past 12 months. Mahavitran has started implementing this system. Chief Engineer Pawankumar Kachhot said solar capacity can be upgraded later if electricity usage increases.

Earlier, approvals were based on the customer’s requested capacity. Now, automatic approval is given up to 3 kW after verification. There is no penalty if solar produces more than the user consumes.

Electricity distribution:

• 1 kW solar generates ~150 units; customers must use at least 50 units, and 100 units go to Mahavitran.

• 2 kW → 200 units to Mahavitran; 3 kW → 300 units. Remaining electricity is for customer use.

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Transformer load: Installing higher capacity than needed increases transformer load. Transformers can handle up to 70% solar. Excess capacity benefits only limited customers, so 12-month usage is prioritized.

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Capacity upgrade: Existing customers are unaffected. A 3 kW system produces ~360 units. New approvals depend on load, and capacity can be increased later if usage rises.