Under PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, Karnataka homeowners can get up to ₹78,000 as a central government subsidy for rooftop solar. The money is credited directly to your bank account — no middlemen. In Bengaluru, applications go through BESCOM via the national portal pmsuryaghar.gov.in. The full process from registration to subsidy credit takes 6–12 weeks. This guide covers every step.
Quick summary: Register → BESCOM feasibility → choose empanelled vendor → installation → net meter → subsidy in account. We handle steps 2–6 for every customer. Get a free survey →
What is PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana?
PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana is India's central government scheme for residential rooftop solar, launched in February 2024 with a target of 1 crore (10 million) households. The scheme offers two things: a direct subsidy of up to ₹78,000 on system cost, and the promise of up to 300 units of free electricity per month from solar generation.
In Karnataka, the scheme is implemented through BESCOM (Bangalore Electricity Supply Company) for Bengaluru and surrounding areas, and through GESCOM, MESCOM, CESC, and HESCOM for the rest of the state. This guide focuses on the BESCOM area — Bengaluru, Bengaluru Rural, Ramanagara, Tumkur, Kolar, Chikkaballapura, and Davanagere districts.
How much subsidy will you get?
The central government subsidy under PM Surya Ghar is structured as follows:
| System size | Central subsidy | System cost (before subsidy) | You pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 kW | ₹30,000 | ~₹65,000 | ~₹35,000 |
| 2 kW | ₹60,000 | ~₹1,20,000 | ~₹60,000 |
| 3 kW | ₹78,000 | ~₹1,65,000 | ~₹87,000 |
| 4 kW | ₹78,000 (capped) | ~₹2,10,000 | ~₹1,32,000 |
| 5 kW | ₹78,000 (capped) | ~₹2,55,000 | ~₹1,77,000 |
The subsidy is capped at ₹78,000 for systems above 3 kW. For most Bengaluru homes, a 3 kW system is the sweet spot — it covers the majority of a typical monthly BESCOM bill of ₹2,500–₹4,500, and attracts the maximum subsidy.
Karnataka state currently does not offer an additional state-level subsidy on top of the central subsidy, unlike some other states. The ₹78,000 is the full benefit.
Who is eligible for PM Surya Ghar in Karnataka?
To apply for PM Surya Ghar through BESCOM, you need:
- An active BESCOM residential electricity connection in your name
- Ownership of the property — or written consent from the owner if you are a tenant
- An Aadhaar card linked to your bank account (subsidy is DBT — direct bank transfer)
- Not having previously claimed PM Surya Ghar subsidy on any other property
Apartment residents can apply if they have roof access rights and housing society approval. Independent house owners have no restrictions. Commercial consumers on LT-3 tariff are not eligible — PM Surya Ghar is residential only.
What documents do you need?
Keep these ready before you begin:
- BESCOM consumer number — on your electricity bill, top right corner
- Aadhaar card — for identity verification and bank account linking
- Bank account linked to Aadhaar — for subsidy direct transfer (DBT)
- Property documents — sale deed, khata, or property tax receipt
- Recent passport photo — for portal registration
- Mobile number linked to Aadhaar — for OTP verification
If your bank account is not yet Aadhaar-linked, do this first — the subsidy cannot be processed otherwise. Visit your bank branch with your Aadhaar and account details.
Step-by-step: How to apply for PM Surya Ghar in Karnataka
Register on pmsuryaghar.gov.in
Go to the national portal, click "Register Here," enter your state (Karnataka), DISCOM (BESCOM), BESCOM consumer number, and mobile number. Complete OTP verification. You'll receive a login ID and password.
Apply for feasibility
Log in and submit a feasibility application. BESCOM reviews your connection details and property location. This takes 2–3 weeks. You'll be notified via SMS when approved. No visit to BESCOM office is needed.
Choose an empanelled vendor
The portal shows BESCOM-empanelled vendors in your area. Only empanelled vendors can install under PM Surya Ghar. Bengaluru Solar is empanelled — we appear in the BESCOM vendor list. Select us and confirm the order through the portal.
Installation
We arrange your installation within 7–14 days of vendor confirmation. Certified installers complete the job in 1–2 days. Every step is photo-documented and confirmed on WhatsApp. We submit all commissioning documents to BESCOM on your behalf.
Net meter commissioning
BESCOM inspects the installation and installs a net meter. This takes 1–2 weeks after we submit commissioning documents. Once done, your BESCOM bill starts reducing immediately as you generate and export solar power.
Subsidy credited to your bank
After net meter commissioning, BESCOM processes your subsidy claim. The central government credits ₹30,000–₹78,000 directly to your Aadhaar-linked bank account. This typically takes 4–6 weeks after commissioning. We track it and confirm with you when it lands.
How long does PM Surya Ghar take in Bengaluru?
Here's a realistic timeline for BESCOM area applications:
| Stage | Typical time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Portal registration | 1 day | Instant if documents are ready |
| BESCOM feasibility approval | 2–3 weeks | Sometimes faster in HSR Layout, Koramangala areas |
| Vendor selection to installation | 1–2 weeks | We schedule within 7 days of confirmation |
| Net meter commissioning | 1–2 weeks | BESCOM inspection + meter installation |
| Subsidy credit | 4–6 weeks | After commissioning. Direct to bank via DBT |
| Total | 6–12 weeks | Survey to money in account |
Common mistakes that delay PM Surya Ghar applications
Based on our experience helping Bengaluru homeowners, these are the most common reasons for delays:
- Bank account not linked to Aadhaar — the single most common issue. Subsidy cannot be disbursed without DBT-enabled Aadhaar-linked account. Fix this before you register.
- Wrong BESCOM consumer number — use the number on your current bill, not from an old bill. Consumer numbers sometimes change after meter replacement.
- Using a non-empanelled vendor — only BESCOM-empanelled vendors can install under PM Surya Ghar. Installations by non-empanelled vendors do not qualify for subsidy.
- Property ownership mismatch — the BESCOM connection must be in your name, or you must have written consent from the owner. Tenants need a property owner NOC.
- Not following up with BESCOM — feasibility approvals sometimes stall without follow-up. We track this daily for our customers.
PM Surya Ghar vs Kusum Yojana — what's the difference?
Both are government solar schemes but for different segments. PM Surya Ghar is for residential rooftop systems (home connections). PM-KUSUM is for agricultural connections and irrigation pump sets. If you have a home BESCOM connection, PM Surya Ghar is the correct scheme. If you have an agricultural pump connection, ask about PM-KUSUM separately.
Can you get PM Surya Ghar in an apartment in Bengaluru?
Yes, with conditions. The apartment housing society must approve rooftop solar installation and grant roof access. Individual flat owners cannot apply independently — the application must reflect a single BESCOM connection with roof access. For apartments, we help with the society NOC letter and have assisted several Bengaluru apartment complexes through this process. Common Bengaluru apartment complexes where we have experience include Prestige, Sobha, Brigade, and Embassy properties.
Why use Bengaluru Solar for PM Surya Ghar?
You can apply yourself on the portal — it's designed to be accessible. But here's what we handle that the portal doesn't:
- Daily follow-up with BESCOM on feasibility approval status
- Coordination with the BESCOM sub-division office for your neighbourhood
- All commissioning documentation submitted correctly first time
- Net meter scheduling and inspection date confirmation
- Subsidy tracking — we follow up until the money reaches your account
- WhatsApp updates at every stage so you always know what's happening
Our customers in HSR Layout, Koramangala, Whitefield, and across Bengaluru have received their subsidies within 6–10 weeks of starting the process with us.
Ready to start?
Get your free site survey in 48 hours.
We'll assess your roof, calculate your savings, and walk you through the PM Surya Ghar process — in Kannada or English. No obligation.
How to check your PM Surya Ghar subsidy status
Log in to pmsuryaghar.gov.in with your registered mobile number. Go to "Track Application Status" and enter your BESCOM consumer number. The portal shows your current stage in real time.
| Status on portal | What it means |
|---|---|
| Application submitted | Registered — BESCOM reviewing feasibility |
| Feasibility approved | BESCOM cleared your roof — select vendor now |
| Installation completed | System up — BESCOM inspection pending |
| Net meter commissioned | Meter installed — subsidy claim submitted |
| Subsidy credited | ₹78,000 in your Aadhaar-linked bank account ✓ |
If your status has been stuck for more than 3 weeks at any stage, the most common fixes are: confirm your bank account is Aadhaar-linked (DBT requirement), check that your vendor submitted commissioning documents correctly, and follow up with BESCOM's helpline (1800-425-9004). If you installed with us, we track this automatically and WhatsApp you at every stage change.