The Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) recently announced its Multi-Year Tariff (MYT) Order, and it has stirred strong reactions across the solar industry. While the order aims to balance grid stability and DISCOM revenues, it also introduces changes that will directly affect Commercial & Industrial (C&I) solar consumers.
Let’s break it down. 👇
🌞 What Changed in the New MYT Order?
- Banking Restrictions (Biggest Impact)
- Earlier: Consumers could bank surplus solar power during the day and use it later (including evenings).
- Now: Banked energy generated during solar hours (9 AM – 5 PM) must be consumed in the same window.
- ⚠️ Impact: Businesses with high evening loads will lose out on banking benefits.
- Grid Support Charges (GSC)
- Once Maharashtra crosses 5,000 MW rooftop solar capacity, C&I customers will have to pay an additional Grid Support Charge.
- This increases the operational cost of going solar for industries.
- Reduced Benefits of ToD (Time-of-Day) Tariffs
- Solar hour rebates have been reduced/removed.
- ⚠️ Impact: Daytime solar generation earns less financial credit.
- Residential Consumers – No Change
- Good news: Housing societies and residential rooftop users remain unaffected by these changes.
📉 How Does This Affect Solar Customers?
| Impact Area | Before (Old System) | After (New MYT Order) |
|---|---|---|
| Banking | Flexible – use anytime | Restricted – use within 9 AM–5 PM |
| ToD Rebates | Available | Reduced/Removed |
| Grid Support Charges | None | Applicable after 5,000 MW rooftop |
| Payback Period (C&I Solar) | ~3 years | 6–7 years (estimated) |
| Residential Rooftop | Eligible for subsidies & banking | No impact – unchanged |
🚨 Why This Matters
For industries and businesses that invested in solar expecting short payback periods, this order could double the ROI timeline. Projects that earlier looked financially attractive may now need battery storage or hybrid models to remain viable.
Housing societies and residential users are safe for now, but C&I consumers will feel the pinch.
✅ What Should Solar Customers Do Now?
- Re-calculate ROI & Payback → Update your financial models considering new rules.
- Explore Hybrid Solar + Battery Systems → Store daytime solar and use it during evening peaks.
- Join Industry Associations → Participate in public consultations and petitions against unfair rules.
- Stay Updated → The Bombay High Court has already stayed some provisions, meaning things could still change.
🔮 The Road Ahead
The MYT order is a reminder that policy and regulation matter as much as technology in solar investments. While this is a short-term hurdle, the long-term growth of solar in Maharashtra remains strong, especially for residential and housing society projects under the PM Suryaghar Muft Bijli Yojana.
👉 Are you a business or housing society planning to go solar in Maharashtra?
At i-Solarlite, we help you design systems that maximize returns even under changing policies.
📞 Contact us today to learn how to future-proof your solar investment!
