MAHAPREIT 100 MW Rooftop Solar + BESS Tender 2026: RESCO Model for Maharashtra MSMEs

Key Takeaways

• Agency: Mahatma Phule Renewable Energy and Infrastructure Technology Limited (MAHAPREIT)
• Capacity: 100 MW rooftop solar PV, split into four 25 MW sub-categories
• Model: RESCO (Renewable Energy Service Company) — 25-year O&M
• Target consumers: MSMEs and eligible commercial consumers in Maharashtra
• System sizes: 20 kW to 250 kW per rooftop installation
• Technology options: With or without Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)
• Bid deadline: June 23, 2026
• EMD: Rs 2.25 lakh per MW per sub-category (MSMEs exempt)

What Is This Tender?

On June 8, 2026, Mahatma Phule Renewable Energy and Infrastructure Technology Limited (MAHAPREIT) — Maharashtra's state-owned renewable energy and infrastructure company — issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) inviting bids to set up 100 MW of Behind-the-Meter (BTM) rooftop solar photovoltaic projects across Maharashtra.

This tender is significant for three reasons: it specifically targets MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) as the primary consumer base, it includes both with-BESS and without-BESS configurations in a single competitive process, and it uses the RESCO model — allowing businesses to access solar power without any upfront capital investment.

The 100 MW capacity is divided into four equal sub-categories of 25 MW each, likely corresponding to with-BESS and without-BESS variants across different consumer segments. Competitive tariffs will be discovered separately for each sub-category through a reverse bidding process.

MAHAPREIT has previously issued a 100 MW floating solar tender and a 500 MW utility-scale solar procurement, positioning it as an increasingly active player in Maharashtra's renewable energy procurement beyond MSEDCL and MAHAURJA.

Target Consumers: MSMEs and Eligible Businesses

The tender's focus on MSMEs is strategically important. MSMEs are among the largest industrial electricity consumers in Maharashtra — typically running on high commercial/industrial tariffs — but historically have faced barriers to solar adoption:

Barriers MSMEs face in solar adoption:

• Capital constraints: Small and medium businesses often lack the upfront capital for rooftop solar systems (which can cost Rs 35–45 lakh for a 100 kW system)
• Roof ownership uncertainty: MSMEs often operate from leased industrial premises, making long-term capital investment in rooftop solar risky
• Complexity: Navigating MSEDCL net metering approvals, system sizing, and O&M can be daunting for smaller businesses

How the RESCO model solves these:

Under the RESCO model, the selected developer finances, builds, owns, and operates the rooftop solar system at the MSME's premises. The MSME pays only for the solar power it consumes, at a tariff competitive with the prevailing MSEDCL rate — with no upfront investment required. The 25-year agreement provides long-term electricity cost certainty for MSME consumers.

MSME-registered businesses also receive an additional benefit: they are exempt from the Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) requirement — a meaningful concession that could attract a large number of MSME co-applicants to this programme.

System Sizes and Technology

Each rooftop installation under this tender will range from 20 kW to 250 kW, covering the typical rooftop solar capacity range for MSMEs — from small manufacturing units and workshops to mid-sized factories and commercial premises.

Two technology configurations are available:

1. Solar only (without BESS): Standard grid-connected rooftop solar that offsets the consumer's daytime electricity consumption. Net energy not consumed is either exported to the grid (subject to MSEDCL net metering policy) or stored if the consumer has separate storage.

2. Solar with Battery Energy Storage System (BESS): Rooftop solar paired with a battery storage system that stores excess daytime generation for use during peak evening hours (typically 6–10 PM) or during grid outages. This configuration is particularly valuable for:

• MSMEs with evening or multi-shift production schedules
• Businesses in areas with unreliable grid supply
• Consumers trying to reduce peak-hour demand charges

The inclusion of BESS configurations in this tender reflects Maharashtra's broader storage mandate and MAHAPREIT's goal of developing solar solutions that extend beyond daytime generation.

Bidding Timeline and Financial Requirements

For a bidder seeking to win a full 25 MW sub-category, the EMD works out to approximately Rs 56.25 lakh — a relatively accessible financial threshold compared to utility-scale tenders, reflecting MAHAPREIT's intent to attract mid-sized rooftop solar developers and EPC companies.

Project Scope and Developer Obligations

Selected RESCO developers take on the complete project lifecycle:

• Design and engineering of rooftop solar and BESS systems (where applicable)
• Supply and installation of solar panels, inverters, mounting structures, and BESS
• Financing of the full capital investment (no consumer outlay required)
• Testing and commissioning of each installation
• 25 years of operation and maintenance from the commissioning date
• Tariff collection from consumers for the 25-year PPA period

The RESCO developer essentially becomes the energy service provider for each MSME consumer — installing and maintaining the asset, and recovering its investment through a long-term power supply tariff. This is the same model used in large-scale government building solar programmes like RRECL's 201 MW VNM tender in Rajasthan.

What This Means for Maharashtra MSMEs and Industrial Solar Buyers

For MSMEs in Maharashtra, this tender creates a concrete pathway to solar adoption without capital investment. MAHAPREIT's scale (100 MW across the state) means multiple RESCO developers will be awarded contracts across different regions, ensuring broad geographic coverage.

MSMEs that are interested in solar can contact empanelled RESCO developers once the auction is concluded and contracts are awarded — or proactively express interest with MAHAPREIT to be matched with a developer in their area.

The tariff advantage: MSMEs currently paying MSEDCL's commercial tariffs (typically Rs 7–10/kWh depending on voltage level and consumption slab) can access solar at RESCO tariffs that, once discovered through this competitive auction, are expected to be substantially below MSEDCL tariffs. The 25-year tariff lock provides protection against MSEDCL tariff hikes over the long term.

For rooftop solar EPC companies and RESCO developers, this 100 MW Maharashtra tender is one of the most important MSME-focused opportunities of 2026. Companies that have experience in rooftop solar RESCO programmes — particularly in Maharashtra — are well-positioned to bid and win across the four sub-categories.

For larger industrial consumers (above 250 kW), this specific tender may not be directly applicable due to the per-site cap. However, MAHAPREIT is likely to issue separate tenders for larger industrial consumers, and MSEDCL's open-access and net metering policies provide alternative procurement routes.

For a comprehensive overview of industrial solar options in Maharashtra — including open access, captive solar, and RESCO models — see our guide on industrial solar EPC in Maharashtra and our post on the Maharashtra solar storage mandate for commercial and industrial consumers.

About MAHAPREIT

Mahatma Phule Renewable Energy and Infrastructure Technology Limited (MAHAPREIT) is a Maharashtra government company established to accelerate renewable energy deployment and sustainable infrastructure development in the state. In 2026, MAHAPREIT has emerged as an active tender-issuing agency alongside MSEDCL and MAHAURJA — issuing tenders for floating solar, rooftop solar, and large-scale utility projects. Its MSME-focused rooftop solar RESCO programme reflects the state government's recognition that SME-sector solar adoption requires a no-upfront-cost model to achieve meaningful scale.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is MAHAPREIT and how is it different from MSEDCL?

MAHAPREIT (Mahatma Phule Renewable Energy and Infrastructure Technology Limited) is a state government company focused on developing renewable energy projects and infrastructure in Maharashtra. MSEDCL is the electricity distribution company. MAHAPREIT acts as a developer/procurement agency and can issue tenders for renewable energy projects that supply power to consumers — whereas MSEDCL is the grid operator and distributor. Both may issue solar tenders targeting different consumer segments and project types.

What does "Behind-the-Meter" (BTM) rooftop solar mean?

BTM refers to solar systems installed at the consumer's premises that generate power directly consumed by the consumer — essentially "behind" the electricity meter. The solar generation first meets the consumer's demand, and only the surplus (if any) is exported to the grid. This is the standard model for rooftop solar for businesses and homes.

Do MSMEs need to pay anything upfront under this RESCO model?

No. Under the RESCO model, the developer finances, builds, and owns the rooftop solar system. The MSME only pays for solar power consumed at the agreed RESCO tariff — with no upfront capital investment. This is MAHAPREIT's key incentive to drive MSME solar adoption.

What is the per-site system size range under this tender?

Each individual rooftop installation will be between 20 kW and 250 kW. MSMEs with rooftops suitable for this capacity range are eligible to participate. Larger industrial consumers (above 250 kW) would need to explore other procurement options such as open access or direct MSEDCL programmes.

When will the final tariffs be discovered under this tender?

The tender uses a competitive bidding process to discover tariffs for each sub-category (with BESS and without BESS). Financial bids will be opened after technical evaluation — the date for financial bid opening will be announced through MAHAPREIT's e-procurement portal following the June 24, 2026 technical bid opening.

Sources

• MAHAPREIT Invites Bids For 100 MW Rooftop Solar Projects With BESS Across Maharashtra — SolarQuarter (June 10, 2026)
• MAHAPREIT Floats Tender for 100 MW Rooftop Solar Projects — Mercom India
• MAHAPREIT Launches 100 MW BTM Rooftop Solar Tender With BESS Under RESCO Model — Saurenergy
• MAHAPREIT Floats Tender for 100 MW Rooftop Solar — Renewable Watch (June 12, 2026)
• Mahapreit Official Portal