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.