In This Article
If you own a home in Karnataka and are thinking about rooftop solar, the subsidy is probably the first thing you want to understand. How much is it? Does the state add anything on top? What do you have to do, and in what order, so you don’t lose it?
This guide explains the solar panel subsidy in Karnataka as it stands in 2026, including the central slabs, how BESCOM and other electricity companies fit into the process, realistic timelines, and the mistakes that cost homeowners money. Subsidy rules can change, so treat this as a planning guide and confirm current terms on the official portal before you commit.
At a Glance
₹78,000
Maximum central subsidy, 3 kW up to 10 kW
10 kW
No subsidy above this system size
45–90 days
Registration to subsidy credit
₹1.7–2.2L
Indicative 3 kW cost before subsidy
The Short Answer
Homeowners in Karnataka can claim a central government subsidy of up to ₹78,000 for a rooftop solar system from 3 kW up to 10 kW under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. Smaller systems get proportionally less, and there is no subsidy above 10 kW. The scheme applies equally across states, so Karnataka residents are fully eligible.
Most current sources report that Karnataka does not add a separate state top-up for residential rooftop solar, but because state schemes can change, ask your electricity company to confirm in writing before you count on any extra amount.
PM Surya Ghar Subsidy Slabs
| System Size | Central Subsidy | Typical Household |
|---|---|---|
| 1 kW | ₹30,000 | Low-consumption homes |
| 2 kW | ₹60,000 | Average middle-class homes |
| 3 kW up to 10 kW | ₹78,000 (capped) | Higher-consumption homes |
| Above 10 kW | No subsidy | Larger installations, not covered by the central subsidy |
The subsidy works out to ₹30,000 per kW for the first two kW and ₹18,000 for the third kW, with a ceiling of ₹78,000 per household. A system larger than 3 kW (up to 10 kW) does not raise the subsidy, though it can still make sense if your consumption is high, and above 10 kW no subsidy applies. The subsidy is calculated on the sanctioned system capacity, so the amount you finally receive depends on what is approved and commissioned.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligibility conditions are set nationally, and the main ones are:
- You must be an Indian resident homeowner with a roof suitable for solar.
- You need a valid electricity connection from the local distribution company, such as BESCOM, MESCOM, HESCOM, GESCOM or CESC.
- The system must be grid-connected with net metering. Off-grid systems do not qualify for the central subsidy.
- Panels and inverters generally need to meet government quality listing requirements, and the installation should be done by an authorised vendor.
- You should not have taken a central solar subsidy for the same roof before.
Housing societies and apartment communities can also benefit through group arrangements. Rules for these differ from individual homes, so ask your installer about shared systems.
How the Karnataka Process Works, Step by Step
Step 1: Check Your Consumption and Roof
Your recent electricity bills and shade-free roof area decide the right system size.
Step 2: Register on the Official Portal
Apply at pmsuryaghar.gov.in using your consumer number and mobile number, and choose your electricity company.
Step 3: Wait for Feasibility Approval
Your DISCOM checks whether your connection can take a rooftop system. Approval commonly takes from about one to a few weeks, depending on the company and workload.
Step 4: Choose an Authorised Vendor and Install
Registration should come before installation. Installing first can put your subsidy at risk. A typical home system is installed in a few days.
Step 5: Net Meter Installation and Inspection
The DISCOM installs a bi-directional meter and inspects the system.
Step 6: Commissioning
Once the system is commissioned, the details are uploaded to the portal.
Step 7: Subsidy Credit
The subsidy is paid directly to your bank account after verification.
How Long Does It Really Take?
From registration to subsidy credit, plan on roughly 45 to 90 days in most cases. The physical installation is the shortest part. Most of the waiting sits in DISCOM feasibility, net metering and portal verification, which no installer fully controls. Be careful with anyone who promises the subsidy in a few days.
Net Metering in Karnataka: What You Need to Know
Net metering is what makes the subsidy valuable, because it lets you export surplus power and offset your bill. In Karnataka, rooftop solar is billed under rules set by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC), where units you export are netted against units you import. Residential consumers can generally install up to their sanctioned load, and simplified approvals apply for smaller systems. KERC has also been updating its distributed solar rules, including provisions for group and virtual net metering, which matter for apartments. Rules and tariffs are revised from time to time, so ask your installer which version applies on your application date.
What Does Solar Cost After Subsidy, and What Can You Save?
Costs vary with brand, system size and roof conditions, so any figure here is indicative. As a rough guide, a 3 kW home system often costs somewhere in the region of ₹1.7 to ₹2.2 lakh before subsidy, which falls by up to ₹78,000 after it. Many homeowners also use solar loans and EMI options to spread the net cost. Your real quote should itemise system cost, subsidy and installation separately, so you can see exactly what you pay.
Illustrative arithmetic: ₹1.7–2.2 lakh less the full ₹78,000 subsidy comes to roughly ₹92,000–₹1.42 lakh. Your actual quote will differ.
Savings depend on system size, consumption and your tariff, so there is no single figure. Many households see a large reduction in their monthly bill, and typical payback after subsidy is often a few years. Panels usually carry long performance warranties, so most of a system’s life is spent generating savings. A free site assessment is the only reliable way to get a number for your home.
Common Mistakes That Cost Homeowners Their Subsidy
- Installing before registering on the portal
- Choosing an off-grid system and expecting a central subsidy
- Planning a system above 10 kW and expecting any central subsidy
- Using an unauthorised vendor or non-compliant components
- Giving incorrect consumer details, which delays DISCOM approval
- Counting on a state top-up without confirming it in writing
- Sizing the system by roof space instead of actual consumption
- Not tracking the application, so delays go unnoticed
Documents You Will Typically Need
- A recent electricity bill with your consumer number
- Proof of ownership or authority to install on the roof
- An ID proof and a registered mobile number
- Bank account details for the subsidy credit
- Roof or site details provided during the installer’s assessment
How Aditya Green Energies Can Help
Applying for the subsidy involves portal registration, DISCOM coordination, installation and commissioning, and a small slip at any stage can cause delay. Aditya Green Energies is a Bangalore-based solar company that handles site assessment, design, installation and after-sales support and manages subsidy paperwork and DISCOM coordination on the homeowner’s behalf, with financing options for those who prefer EMIs.
You can see completed rooftops in the project gallery, read more guidance on the blog, or check common questions on the FAQ page.
Want to know exactly what subsidy you can claim? Contact Aditya Green Energies for a free site assessment and an itemised quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the
solar subsidy in Karnataka in
2026?
Up to ₹78,000 for systems from 3 kW up to 10 kW under PM Surya Ghar, with ₹30,000 for 1 kW and ₹60,000 for 2 kW. There is no subsidy above 10 kW. The amount depends on the capacity approved and commissioned.
Is there any
subsidy for systems above 10
kW?
No. The central subsidy covers residential systems up to 10 kW, and it is capped at ₹78,000 from 3 kW onwards, so a larger system does not earn more. Above 10 kW there is no central subsidy at all.
Does Karnataka
give an extra state
subsidy?
Most current sources report no separate state top-up for residential rooftop solar. Because this can change, ask your DISCOM to confirm in writing before counting on any additional amount.
Can I get the
subsidy for an off-grid
system?
No. The central subsidy applies only to grid-connected systems with net metering.
Do I need to
apply before
installing?
Yes. Registration on the official portal should come before installation, since installing first can jeopardise eligibility.
How long does it
take to receive the
subsidy?
Often around 45 to 90 days from registration, depending on feasibility approval, net metering and verification times.
Does the subsidy
apply in Bangalore and other
Karnataka cities?
Yes. It applies across the state, handled through the local electricity company, such as BESCOM in Bangalore.
Can apartments or
housing societies get a
subsidy?
Housing societies can benefit under group arrangements, though rules differ from individual homes. Ask your installer for the current requirements.
