Karnataka & central schemes for home solar: what Bangalore homeowners should know (2025)
TL;DR: Karnataka and central government schemes may reduce your upfront solar cost or offer favourable net-metering terms. Eligibility and benefits change often - here's how Bangalore homeowners can check and apply.
Quick answer
As of 2025, Bangalore homeowners installing rooftop solar can benefit from:
- 🏛️Central Government Subsidy: PM Surya Ghar Yojana offers direct subsidy - ₹18,000 per kW for up to 3 kW capacity, and ₹9,000 per kW for additional capacity from 3-10 kW. The subsidy is credited directly to your bank account after commissioning.
- ⚡Net Metering with BESCOM: Export excess solar energy to the grid and receive credits on your electricity bill. BESCOM follows KERC (Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission) net metering guidelines.
- 📋Streamlined Approvals: Recent policy updates have simplified the approval process, with online portals for application and tracking.
💡Important: Subsidy amounts and eligibility criteria are subject to change. Always verify current schemes through official government portals or with your solar installer.
Central schemes that may apply
PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (Free Electricity Scheme)
This flagship central government scheme aims to provide solar rooftop systems to 1 crore households across India. Under this scheme:
| System Capacity | Subsidy Amount |
|---|---|
| Up to 3 kW | ₹18,000 per kW |
| Above 3 kW up to 10 kW | ₹54,000 (for first 3 kW) + ₹9,000 per kW for additional capacity |
| Example: 5 kW system | ₹54,000 + (2 × ₹9,000) = ₹72,000 total |
Key Features:
- •Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) - subsidy credited to your bank account
- •Online application through official portal
- •Subsidy released after system commissioning and DISCOM approval
- •Available for residential consumers only
📎 Official Portal: pmsuryaghar.gov.in
How to check your eligibility:
- 1.Visit the official PM Surya Ghar portal and check if your electricity distribution company (BESCOM for Bangalore) is empaneled
- 2.Verify you are a residential consumer (not commercial or industrial)
- 3.Check your sanctioned load - typically households with existing connections qualify
- 4.Contact your solar installer (like Arkahub) to verify latest eligibility criteria and assist with application
Karnataka state / BESCOM rules - net metering and application steps
Net Metering with BESCOM
The Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) has established net metering regulations that allow Bangalore homeowners to:
- ⚡Export excess energy: Send unused solar power back to the BESCOM grid
- 💰Receive credits: Get credit on your electricity bill for the energy exported
- 📊Bi-directional metering: BESCOM installs a meter that tracks both consumption and export
- 🔄Annual settlement: Credits are typically settled on an annual billing cycle
Key KERC Guidelines:
- •System capacity should not exceed sanctioned load or 10 kW (whichever is lower) for LT residential consumers
- •Energy exported is credited at the applicable tariff rate
- •Single-phase connection for systems up to 5 kW; three-phase above 5 kW
- •Technical standards must comply with CEA (Central Electricity Authority) regulations
📎 Official Resources:
- • BESCOM Rooftop Solar Portal: bescom.karnataka.gov.in
- • KERC Regulations: kerc.karnataka.gov.in
BESCOM Application Steps:
Technical Feasibility
Submit application to BESCOM for technical feasibility approval. Include system capacity, site location, and preliminary design.
Installation
After approval, install the solar system with empaneled vendors/installers. Ensure compliance with CEA safety and technical standards.
Inspection & Commissioning
BESCOM officials inspect the installation for safety and compliance. After successful inspection, they commission the system and install bi-directional meter.
Subsidy Application
After commissioning, apply for central government subsidy through the PM Surya Ghar portal. Subsidy is credited to your bank account within 2-4 weeks after approval.
Eligibility checklist (documents & forms)
To apply for both BESCOM net metering and central government subsidy, you'll typically need:
📄Property Documents
- • Property ownership proof (sale deed / title deed)
- • OR Rent agreement with owner's consent (if rented)
⚡Electricity Connection Details
- • Latest electricity bill (showing consumer number)
- • Sanctioned load details
- • Connection type (single-phase or three-phase)
🪪Identity & Bank Details
- • Aadhar card (consumer)
- • PAN card
- • Bank account details with cancelled cheque (for subsidy DBT)
🏗️Technical Documents
- • Building plan / approval (if required by local authority)
- • Roof layout showing panel placement
- • Structural stability certificate (for larger systems)
- • Single-line diagram (prepared by installer)
Note: Your solar installer will help compile the complete documentation package and submit forms on your behalf. Requirements may vary slightly based on property type and local regulations.
How we help customers apply - steps our team handles
At Arkahub, we understand that navigating government schemes and DISCOM approvals can be overwhelming. Our team handles the entire process for you:
✅Eligibility Check
We verify your eligibility for all applicable schemes and estimate subsidy amount before you commit.
📋Documentation
We prepare all necessary documents, forms, and technical drawings required for BESCOM and subsidy portal.
🏛️Application Filing
We submit applications to BESCOM for technical feasibility, net metering approval, and to the PM Surya Ghar portal for subsidy.
🔄Follow-up & Tracking
We coordinate with BESCOM for inspection, commissioning, and track your subsidy application until credit is received.
🤝Single Point of Contact
You deal with one dedicated Arkahub team member - we handle all interactions with BESCOM and government portals.
💰Subsidy Guarantee
If you're eligible and we install your system, we guarantee to process your subsidy claim successfully.
⏱️ Timeline: From application to subsidy credit typically takes 4-6 weeks after system commissioning
Get started on your Solar journey today.
Request a call back from one of our experts to learn more about how you can achieve your saving goals with ArkaHub.
Frequently Asked Questions
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