Introduction
Electricity bills in Bengaluru have been rising steadily, and many homeowners are looking for sustainable, long-term solutions. The Government of India's PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana — commonly known as Surya Ghar Yojana — is a landmark scheme that offers free rooftop solar installation with a hefty government subsidy. If you own a home in Bengaluru and pay your BESCOM electricity bills, this scheme is designed specifically for you.
What is Surya Ghar Yojana?
Launched in February 2024 by the Prime Minister, Surya Ghar Yojana is a central government initiative aimed at providing free electricity to 1 crore households across India by installing rooftop solar panels. Under this scheme, eligible households can receive up to 300 units of free electricity every month, significantly reducing or completely eliminating their electricity bills. The government provides a direct subsidy of up to ₹78,000 depending on the capacity of the solar system installed.
To apply or check your eligibility, visit the official portal at pmsuryaghar.gov.in.
Key Benefits of the Scheme
- Subsidy up to ₹78,000 directly credited to your bank account
- Up to 300 units of free electricity every month
- Net metering facility through BESCOM — sell surplus power back to the grid
- Reduction in carbon footprint and contribution to clean energy
- Increase in property value with solar installation
- Low-interest bank loans available under the scheme for remaining costs
Who is Eligible in Bengaluru?
To be eligible for Surya Ghar Yojana in Bengaluru, you must meet the following criteria:
- Must be a residential household (not commercial property)
- Must have a valid BESCOM electricity connection
- The applicant's name must match on both the electricity bill and Aadhaar card
- Property must have sufficient rooftop space for panel installation
- Must not have previously availed any solar subsidy under any government scheme
- A valid bank account linked with Aadhaar for subsidy disbursement
Subsidy Structure — How Much Will You Get?
The subsidy is calculated based on the system capacity you install. For most Bengaluru households with 3–5 member families consuming 200–400 units per month, a 3 kW system is ideal.
| System Capacity | Subsidy Amount |
|---|---|
| 1 kW system | ₹30,000 subsidy |
| 2 kW system | ₹60,000 subsidy |
| 3 kW system (and above) | ₹78,000 subsidy (maximum cap) |
How Does BESCOM Net Metering Work?
One of the biggest advantages of Surya Ghar Yojana in Bengaluru is the BESCOM net metering facility. Once your solar system is installed and connected to the BESCOM grid, your solar energy is first used for your own home's consumption. Any surplus electricity your panels generate beyond what you consume is then exported to the BESCOM grid.
This exported energy is compensated at a fixed rate determined by KERC and adjusted directly against your electricity bill — meaningfully reducing what you owe BESCOM each month. On days when your panels generate more than you use — which is common during Bengaluru's sunny March to May season — these adjustments accumulate, helping offset your bills during cloudier monsoon months when solar generation naturally dips. For full details on BESCOM's net metering process and guidelines, refer to the official BESCOM Solar Rooftop page.
Why Bengaluru is Perfect for Solar
Bengaluru receives an average of 5.5 to 6 peak sun hours per day, which is among the highest in Karnataka. The city's relatively mild climate means solar panels face less heat stress compared to cities like Rajasthan or Gujarat, resulting in longer panel life and consistent generation throughout the year.
Areas like Whitefield, Jayanagar, HSR Layout, Koramangala, and Yelahanka Sadashivanagar, Visveshwaraiah Layout, Nagarbhavi, Vijayanagar, Malleshwaram, Magadi Road, Hesaraghatta, Nelamangala, and Peenya have already seen hundreds of rooftop solar installations under this scheme, with many residents reporting near-zero electricity bills.
Conclusion
Surya Ghar Yojana is one of the most financially rewarding government schemes available to Bengaluru homeowners right now. With subsidies covering a significant portion of the installation cost and the potential to earn back through net metering, the ROI on solar installation is faster than ever before.
In the following blogs, we will walk you through the step-by-step application process, help you choose the right system size, and guide you in selecting the right solar installer in Bengaluru. To get started today, visit pmsuryaghar.gov.in and register with your BESCOM consumer number.
Ready to take the next step?
Calculate your exact solar requirements and potential savings using our advanced engineering tools, or reach out to us for bulk B2B requirements.