Bombay High Court Directs MSEDCL to Fast-Track Rooftop Solar Approvals for Systems Up to 10 kW
Bombay High Court Directs MSEDCL to Fast-Track Rooftop Solar Approvals for Systems Up to 10 kW
The Bombay High Court has directed the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) to grant automatic approvals for rooftop solar installations up to 10 kW, simplifying the process for homeowners and businesses adopting renewable energy. The order aims to remove unnecessary hurdles and ensure timely approvals in line with central government regulations.
According to reports from the Times of India, this ruling comes after concerns were raised by solar vendors and consumer groups about MSEDCL capping rooftop solar capacities, which had caused delays and frustration among applicants.
The decision followed a writ petition filed by the All India Renewable Energy Association and other stakeholders, challenging MSEDCL’s earlier practice of limiting rooftop solar capacity based on past electricity consumption. The petition argued that such restrictions violated the Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, which provide for deemed approvals of rooftop solar projects up to 10 kW without requiring technical feasibility studies.
A division bench of Justices BP Colabawalla and Firdosh Pooniwalla recorded MSEDCL’s undertaking to approve all complete applications once the required fees are paid. The utility also assured the court that applications requesting capacity beyond the sanctioned load would be processed simultaneously for load enhancement.
MSEDCL has set approval timelines of three days in metropolitan areas, seven days in other municipal regions, and 15 days in rural areas. Projects requiring infrastructure augmentation may take up to 90 days. Following this undertaking, the petitioners chose not to press several key requests, and the court disposed of the case, directing MSEDCL to strictly adhere to its assurance.
Solar expert Sudhir Budhay welcomed the court’s directive, noting that it would restore consumer confidence and encourage wider rooftop solar adoption in line with regulations. He cautioned, however, that previous software-driven restrictions on MSEDCL’s portal could reappear, highlighting the need for ongoing oversight by consumers, industry stakeholders, and regulators.
