Solar Energy in Karnataka: Complete 2026 State Guide
Karnataka leads South India in solar installations — BESCOM alone processes 5,000+ solar applications per month. Bengaluru tops India's city-wise rooftop solar rankings every year since 2022.
Solar Potential in Karnataka
Karnataka receives approximately 5.4 peak sun hours per day on average. A 3 kW rooftop solar system in Karnataka generates approximately 5,026 units per year and can save ₹3,057/month on your electricity bill at the current BESCOM tariff of ₹7.40/unit.
Estimated payback period: ~2.8 years after PM Surya Ghar subsidy. After payback, you get 20+ years of virtually free electricity.
PM Surya Ghar Subsidy in Karnataka (2026)
Residents of Karnataka are fully eligible for the central PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana:
- Up to 2 kW: ₹30,000/kW (total ₹60,000)
- 2–3 kW: ₹18,000/kW for the extra capacity (total ₹78,000 for 3 kW)
- Above 3 kW: No additional central subsidy, but net metering still applies
State subsidy: No Karnataka state top-up. Central PM Surya Ghar applies. Karnataka Solar Rooftop Policy mandates DISCOM approval within 30 working days.
Your DISCOM & Net Metering in Karnataka
Electricity distribution and solar net metering in Karnataka is handled by BESCOM (Bangalore) / HESCOM (Hubli) / GESCOM (Gulbarga) / CESC (Mangalore/Mysore) / MESCOM.
- Net metering limit: 500 kW
- Application portal: bescom.org
- Solar target for Karnataka: 10 GW solar by 2027 under Karnataka RE Policy
How to Apply for Solar in Karnataka
- Register at pmsuryaghar.gov.in with your Aadhaar and consumer number
- Select your DISCOM (BESCOM) in the portal
- Choose an MNRE-empanelled installer from the portal's vendor list
- Get the system installed (typically 2–4 days for 1–5 kW)
- Submit commissioning certificate to BESCOM for net meter installation
- Subsidy credited to your bank account within 30 days of net meter commissioning
Why Go Solar in Karnataka in 2026?
- 💰 Save ₹3,057/month on your electricity bill
- 🏛️ PM Surya Ghar subsidy up to ₹78,000 — no repayment needed
- ⚡ Net metering — export surplus solar to grid for credits
- 📈 Property value increases 3–5% with solar installation
- 🌿 Reduce CO₂ by ~1.5 tonnes/year per kW installed
- 🔧 25-year warranty on quality solar panels (Waaree, Adani, Tata, Vikram)
See city-specific guides for Karnataka: Bangalore, Mysore, Hubli Dharwad, Mangalore
Use our Solar Cost Calculator and ROI Calculator to get personalised estimates for your home in Karnataka, or open the free solar calculator for every tool in one place.
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