Rooftop solar in Karnataka
The short answer
A 3 kW system in Karnataka costs about ₹1,74,000 before subsidy and ₹96,000 after the ₹78,000 PM Surya Ghar subsidy. Against BESCOM / MESCOM’s average of ₹6.2/unit, it saves around ₹2,232 a month and breaks even in roughly 3.6 years.
- avg tariff, ₹/unit
- ₹6.2
- avg tariff, ₹/unit
- units per kW monthly
- 120
- units per kW monthly
- max central subsidy
- ₹78,000
- max central subsidy
Karnataka: Bengaluru's BESCOM has one of the smoothest online rooftop-solar application processes in the country.
System prices in Karnataka, after subsidy
At the live ₹58,000/kW benchmark. Your signed quote should be within about 15% of these figures — ask for the difference line by line.
| System | Before subsidy | Subsidy | Net cost | Saves/month | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 kW | ₹58,000 | −₹30,000 | ₹28,000 | ₹744 | 3 yrs |
| 2 kW | ₹1,16,000 | −₹60,000 | ₹56,000 | ₹1,488 | 3 yrs |
| 3 kW | ₹1,74,000 | −₹78,000 | ₹96,000 | ₹2,232 | 4 yrs |
| 5 kW | ₹2,90,000 | −₹78,000 | ₹2,12,000 | ₹3,720 | 5 yrs |
| 10 kW | ₹5,80,000 | −₹78,000 | ₹5,02,000 | ₹7,440 | 6 yrs |
Savings assume the system offsets your consumption via BESCOM / MESCOM net metering.
Karnataka solar FAQ
What is the solar subsidy in Karnataka?
Karnataka homes get the central PM Surya Ghar subsidy: ₹30,000/kW up to 2 kW, capped at ₹78,000 for 3 kW and larger systems. It is credited to your bank account after BESCOM / MESCOM commissions the system — not adjusted by the installer.
How many units does 1 kW generate in Karnataka?
About 120 units a month — roughly 4 units a day — varying with season, orientation and shading.
Which DISCOM handles rooftop solar in Karnataka?
BESCOM / MESCOM processes the net-metering application, the feasibility check and the bidirectional meter for residential systems.
Is rooftop solar worth it in Karnataka?
At ₹6.2/unit and 120 units per kW monthly, households with bills above ₹2,000–3,000 usually break even in 3–5 years — then draw near-free power for the remaining 20-plus years of panel life.