At the REconnect Summit 2026 in Nagpur, industry leaders emphasized the need for policy clarity, faster approvals, and energy storage adoption to accelerate Maharashtra’s commercial, industrial, and residential rooftop solar growth. As of December 2025, India’s installed solar capacity reached 132.8 GW, with Maharashtra contributing 17.2 GW. To further propel solar growth, leaders called for policy consistency, faster regulatory approvals, and large-scale deployment of energy storage solutions.
The panel discussion, moderated by Pranab Jayaswal, highlighted the impact of frequent policy changes on the C&I rooftop segment, particularly around banking and settlement mechanisms. The residential segment, however, remains stable due to government assurances and schemes like the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. Panellists agreed that Maharashtra has significant untapped potential for distributed solar but lags behind leading states due to procedural delays and inconsistent implementation.
The integration of energy storage with rooftop solar was identified as a major enabler for the C&I segment, particularly in the context of rising time-of-day tariffs. Industry experts explained that increasing penalties during non-solar hours and lower tariffs during daytime are improving the economics of battery energy storage systems. Storage-backed rooftop solar projects are increasingly being considered for peak shaving and demand management by industrial and commercial consumers.
Speakers also highlighted the importance of technology advancements, such as hybrid inverters and proper system integration, to ensure system performance and reliability. They stressed the need for higher installation standards and skilled manpower to maintain consumer trust as rooftop solar adoption accelerates. Financial structuring and risk mitigation were also discussed, with experts emphasizing the role of CAPEX and RESCO models in driving adoption and the need for specialized insurance products to cover equipment warranties and operational liabilities.
In conclusion, experts emphasized that Maharashtra’s distributed renewable energy growth will depend on long-term policy visibility, seamless coordination among stakeholders, and faster adoption of advanced technologies like energy storage. With stable regulations, improved execution, and robust risk management, Maharashtra can emerge as a leading market for C&I and residential rooftop solar in India. The state’s significant untapped potential, combined with the growing demand for clean energy, makes it an attractive market for investors and developers. By addressing the challenges and leveraging the opportunities, Maharashtra can accelerate its transition to a sustainable and renewable energy-based economy.