Maharashtra’s Renewable Energy and Energy Storage Policy 2025–26 to 2035–36 reflects this shift. By linking storage requirements to certain new rooftop renewable energy projects, the state is signalling that renewable energy planning must increasingly consider both generation and flexibility.
The implications could extend beyond Maharashtra, particularly as other states look for ways to accommodate growing renewable capacity without compromising grid reliability.
What Maharashtra’s policy proposes
Under the policy framework, new grid-interactive rooftop renewable energy projects above 100 kW seeking connectivity from April 2026, or another date notified by the state government, are required to install a minimum storage capacity. The initial requirement is storage equivalent to 50% of the renewable energy project’s capacity for two hours. The policy states that this requirement will be reviewed every two years and applies to new projects. Existing rooftop solar installations are encouraged to supplement their systems with storage.
For example, a qualifying 1 MW rooftop solar project would need a minimum battery power capacity equivalent to 500 kW and two hours of storage duration, translating to 1 MWh of energy storage under the stated requirement.
The distinction between power and energy capacity is important: a battery’s power rating determines how much electricity it can deliver at a particular moment, while its energy capacity determines how long it can sustain that output.
The provision should be understood within its specified regulatory scope, rather than as a universal storage requirement for all solar installations or all industrial consumers.
Why storage is becoming a policy priority
Solar power generation is concentrated during daylight hours, while electricity demand continues into the evening. As renewable penetration increases, the challenge is to match generation with consumption and maintain a reliable power system.
Storage can help bridge this gap by absorbing surplus renewable electricity and releasing it when demand rises or generation falls. It can also provide services such as peak shifting and grid balancing, depending on how the system is configured and operated.
India’s projected storage requirement highlights the scale of the challenge. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, citing the Central Electricity Authority’s National Electricity Plan, estimates that the country will require 411.4 GWh of energy storage by 2031–32, including 236.22 GWh from battery energy storage and 175.18 GWh from pumped-storage projects.
Against this backdrop, Maharashtra’s approach illustrates how state-level policies can help connect renewable energy expansion with the infrastructure needed to use it effectively.
Will other states follow?
Maharashtra’s framework could influence policy discussions in states with substantial rooftop solar potential, growing industrial demand or pressure on distribution networks. However, adoption elsewhere will depend on local conditions.
States differ in their electricity tariffs, distribution utility finances, renewable energy penetration, grid infrastructure and industrial consumption patterns. A requirement that is appropriate for one market may need to be modified in another.
Policymakers will therefore need to assess battery costs, financing options, safety standards, performance guarantees and the ability of consumers to recover their investments. Clear rules on metering, grid connectivity, charging sources and the treatment of stored electricity will also be essential.
A phased approach, supported by pilot projects and transparent performance data, could help states determine whether storage obligations are the most effective instrument or whether incentives, procurement programmes and time-of-day tariffs would deliver better outcomes.
What it means for industry
For commercial and industrial consumers, the direction of policy makes early energy planning increasingly important. Businesses considering new solar installations should assess whether battery storage could improve renewable energy utilisation, manage demand peaks or provide backup to critical operations.
The opportunity is not limited to regulatory compliance. Solar-plus-storage systems, supported by intelligent energy management, can help align electricity consumption with operational requirements.
Maharashtra’s policy does not guarantee that other states will adopt identical rules. Its broader significance lies in establishing a stronger link between renewable generation and energy storage. As India’s clean energy capacity grows, the ability to deliver electricity when it is needed—not simply generate it when conditions are favourable—will become a central consideration in state energy planning.
