Introduction
The MERC MYT Order 2024 has introduced changes in electricity billing that significantly affect commercial rooftop solar customers in Maharashtra. For businesses planning a 100 kW solar rooftop system, it’s crucial to understand how these changes influence electricity bills, payback period, and return on investment (ROI).
Electricity Cost Without Solar (100 kW Commercial Customer)
Under MSEDCL’s tariff structure, a 100 kW commercial consumer faces:
- Fixed Charges: ₹250/kVA/month → ₹25,000/month (assuming 100 kVA contract demand).
- Energy Charges: ~₹11/unit (average, including FAC, wheeling, and cross-subsidy charges).
- TOD (Time-of-Day) Charges: Extra ₹1.50–2/unit from 6 PM–10 PM (peak hours).
If monthly consumption = 12,000 units → Approx. ₹13–14 lakhs annually in electricity bills without solar.
Electricity Cost With 100 kW Rooftop Solar (No Subsidy – Commercial)
- 100 kW Rooftop Solar Cost: ₹35–40 lakhs (CAPEX, no subsidy for commercial).
- Annual Solar Generation (Mumbai/Pune region): 1.5 lakh units.
- Savings: ~₹16–17 lakhs/year (considering grid adjustment during daytime).
However, as per the new MERC MYT Order, solar generation between 6 PM to 12 AM is not adjusted. This means businesses must still purchase evening power from MSEDCL at TOD rates.
Comparative Table: 100 kW Commercial Solar Consumer
| Parameter | Without Solar | With 100 kW Rooftop Solar |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Consumption | 1.5 lakh units | 1.5 lakh units |
| Units Offset by Solar | 0 | ~1.5 lakh units (daytime only) |
| Grid Units Payable | 1.5 lakh | ~40,000 (evening TOD) |
| Annual Bill | ₹13–14 lakhs | ₹3.5–4 lakhs |
| CAPEX (No Subsidy) | 0 | ₹35–40 lakhs |
| Annual Savings | 0 | ₹10–11 lakhs |
| Payback Period | NA | 3.5–4 years |
Key Takeaways
- The MERC MYT Order 2024 reduces solar credit adjustment after 6 PM, making TOD consumption a critical factor.
- Despite this, 100 kW rooftop solar for commercial establishments still delivers fast ROI (3–4 years).
- Businesses benefit from reduced operational costs, energy independence, and long-term savings.
Conclusion
For commercial properties in Maharashtra, the MERC MYT Order does not eliminate the financial viability of solar but slightly affects savings during evening hours. With proper solar + storage integration, businesses can further cut TOD expenses and achieve higher ROI.
👉 Thinking about installing a 100 kW rooftop solar system? Calculate your savings using our Solar ROI Calculator.
