Rooftop Solar in Karnataka
Karnataka was India's first state with true net metering (2014). Combine BESCOM/HESCOM net metering with PM-Surya Ghar ₹78,000 subsidy and high evening tariffs for Bangalore's fastest solar payback.
Why Karnataka Leads India's Rooftop Solar Adoption
Karnataka has Asia's largest solar park (Pavagada, 2 GW) and was the first Indian state to implement net metering in 2014. Three factors make it strong for residential and commercial solar:
Highest Evening Tariffs
BESCOM peak tariff (6-10pm) crosses ₹8-10/unit. Solar pushed to grid during day offsets this expensive evening usage = faster ROI than other states.
Mature Net Metering
BESCOM, HESCOM (Hubli), MESCOM (Mangalore), CESC (Chamundeshwari), GESCOM (Gulbarga) all support residential net metering up to 10kW. 10+ years of operational experience = smooth process.
Tech-Savvy Installer Ecosystem
Bangalore alone has 100+ MNRE-empanelled solar companies. From bootstrap startups (FreyrEnergy, Loom) to enterprise integrators (Tata Power Solar, Mahindra Susten).
BESCOM Net Metering — How It Works in Bangalore
Net metering is the killer feature. Your meter literally runs backwards when you export solar to the grid:
Day Generation
Solar produces 4-5 kWh/kW/day. Excess (after self-consumption) flows to grid. Your meter records export.
Evening Consumption
You draw from grid during 6-10pm peak hours. Meter records import. Your bill = (import) − (export) units, all at retail tariff.
Annual Settlement
Excess credits carry forward each month. At fiscal year-end (March), residual balance settled at retail rate for residential. Most home solar = ₹0 annual bill.
PM-Surya Ghar Subsidy in Karnataka
All Karnataka residents (with own roof) qualify. Subsidies pre-approved before installation:
| System Size | Subsidy | Typical Cost (Bangalore) | Net Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 kW | ₹30,000 | ₹65,000 | ₹35,000 |
| 2 kW | ₹60,000 | ₹1,30,000 | ₹70,000 |
| 3 kW (Recommended) | ₹78,000 | ₹1,90,000 | ₹1,12,000 |
| 5 kW | ₹78,000 | ₹3,15,000 | ₹2,37,000 |
| 10 kW (Section 32) | 40% Depreciation | ₹6,00,000 | ~₹4,20,000 effective |
Get Free Quote from BESCOM-Empanelled Installer
We'll connect you with verified Karnataka solar dealers. They handle PM-Surya Ghar paperwork, BESCOM net metering application, structural drawings, and installation.
- BESCOM/HESCOM-empanelled installers only
- Tier-1 panels with 25-year warranty
- End-to-end PM-Surya Ghar paperwork
- Net metering application included
- 5-year free AMC standard
Solar Dealers Across Karnataka Cities
Browse verified solar installers in your city. Each city page shows multiple dealers with ratings.
Karnataka was India's First EV Policy State (2017)
Karnataka has the most mature EV ecosystem in India — Bangalore alone has 500+ public chargers. Pair solar with an EV for free daily driving. Both EVs and solar enjoy state-level support in Karnataka.
Frequently Asked Questions — Solar in Karnataka
How much subsidy can I get for solar in Karnataka?
Karnataka residents can claim up to ₹78,000 PM-Surya Ghar central subsidy for residential rooftop solar (3kW). KA does not currently offer a state-level top-up, but BESCOM/HESCOM net metering with high evening tariff makes Bangalore solar especially profitable.
What is BESCOM net metering for solar?
BESCOM provides net metering for residential rooftop solar up to 10 kW. Excess generation is credited at retail tariff (~₹6-8/unit) on a kWh basis. Karnataka was India's first state to implement true net metering in 2014.
Why is Bangalore good for rooftop solar?
Bangalore receives 5.0-5.5 hours of peak sun daily — slightly less than Tamil Nadu but compensated by very high evening tariff peaks (₹8-10/unit during 6-10pm). Strong tech-savvy installer ecosystem makes it efficient.
What is the cost of 3kW solar in Karnataka?
A 3kW grid-connected residential solar system in Karnataka costs ₹1.85L–₹2.4L installed. After ₹78,000 PM-Surya Ghar subsidy, your net cost is ₹1.07L–₹1.62L.
Can businesses claim Section 32 depreciation in Karnataka?
Yes. Karnataka commercial solar is highly attractive due to high industrial tariff (₹7-10/unit). Under Section 32, businesses claim 40% accelerated depreciation in year 1 — equivalent to a 12% tax shield.
Karnataka solar installer recommendations?
Karnataka has 100+ verified solar dealers. Top-rated brands include FreyrEnergy, Loom Solar, Tata Power Solar, and various BESCOM-empanelled installers. Use the form on this page for free quotes.