Direct answer: To install rooftop solar in Karnataka you need four things: your own BESCOM or GESCOM connection, about 10–12 sq m of shadow-free space per kW, a sanctioned load at least equal to the system size (up to 10 kW the DISCOM raises it for you), and a smart bidirectional meter. For the PM Surya Ghar subsidy, the home must be residential and use DCR panels. Call / WhatsApp +91 7975009078
The checklist at a glance
| Requirement | What you need | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Grid connection | A valid consumer account number with BESCOM, GESCOM or another ESCOM | MNRE PM Surya Ghar guidelines |
| Space | About 10–12 sq m (110–130 sq ft) of shadow-free area per kW | MNRE rooftop solar FAQ |
| Location | Roof, terrace, wall (façade) or an elevated structure with 8 ft ground clearance | KERC DSPV Regulations 2026, 4.7.2 |
| Sanctioned load | System size up to your sanctioned load; up to 10 kW it is enhanced automatically | KERC 2026, 4.1.2 and 15.1; ESCOM DSPV SOP |
| Documents | Electricity bill, registered mobile, bank proof (cancelled cheque or passbook) | MNRE guidelines; ESCOM DSPV SOP |
| Meter | Smart bidirectional meter, installed by the DISCOM at your cost | KERC 2026, 10.4 and 10.6 |
| Subsidy only | Residential connection and DCR panels | MNRE PM Surya Ghar guidelines |
1. Roof space: how much do you need?
MNRE’s rooftop solar FAQ puts the need at about 10–12 sq m of shadow-free area per kW. Shade from a water tank, a neighbour’s wall or a tree can cut output across a whole string of panels, so usable space matters more than total roof size.
| System size | Shadow-free area | Approx. sq ft |
|---|---|---|
| 1 kW | 10–12 sq m | 110–130 |
| 2 kW | 20–24 sq m | 215–260 |
| 3 kW | 30–36 sq m | 320–390 |
| 5 kW | 50–60 sq m | 540–650 |
| 10 kW | 100–120 sq m | 1,080–1,290 |
Short on roof? KERC now allows panels on an elevated structure inside your premises, at least 8 feet above the ground at its lowest point, and on building walls. Not sure what size you need? See how many solar panels a Bangalore home needs.
2. Roof condition and shadow analysis
MNRE’s model vendor agreement makes the installer responsible for a site survey that covers roof feasibility, roof strength and shadow-free area, and its technical specification asks for a shadow analysis report for every site. Eltron does this with a 3D shadow analysis before sizing. If your roof is more than a few years old, read what to check on an old roof first.
3. Sanctioned load vs system size
Your bill shows a sanctioned load in kW, kVA or HP. Under the KERC DSPV Regulations 2026, a net-metered system can be anything from 1 kW up to your sanctioned load (capped at 1,000 kW). Net billing and gross metering follow the same sanctioned-load ceiling.
- 10% panel tolerance: up to 10 kW sanctioned load, panel (DC) capacity can be up to 10% higher, as long as the inverter (AC) does not exceed the sanctioned load. KERC’s example: on a 5 kW load you can fit ten 540 W panels (5.4 kW DC) with a 5 kW inverter.
- Load lower than the system you want? Up to 10 kW, the ESCOM procedure says the DISCOM shall allow the solar capacity and enhance your sanctioned load automatically. You pay the applicable charges and extra security deposit and sign a power supply agreement for the added load before commissioning.
- Converting units: kVA × 0.85 for LT connections (0.90 for HT); HP × 0.746.
Above 10 kW, check the sanctioned load or contract demand first. That is common for shops, offices and factories.
4. Documents to keep ready
- Latest electricity bill showing the account ID or consumer number
- The mobile number registered with BESCOM or GESCOM, for OTP verification
- Bank account details with a cancelled cheque, passbook scan or bank statement in the connection holder’s name
- For PM Surya Ghar: the portal application, then system details and geo-tagged photos uploaded after installation
- The installer’s itemised quote with panel make, model and DCR status, and the agreement you sign with them
Portals change their forms. Confirm the live list on pmsuryaghar.gov.in or the BESCOM SRTPV portal when you apply. Step-by-step help: our BESCOM SRTPV application guide and PM Surya Ghar in Karnataka.
5. Fees
| Application | Registration + facilitation fee |
|---|---|
| PM Surya Ghar (subsidy) | Waived |
| Non-subsidy, 1–5 kWp | ₹1,500 + GST |
| Non-subsidy, above 5 up to 50 kWp | ₹3,000 + GST |
| Non-subsidy, above 50 up to 1,000 kWp | ₹7,000 + GST |
The meter, any load-enhancement charges and security deposit are separate. For the system price itself, see the rooftop solar cost guide, and for tax, GST on solar panels.
6. The bidirectional meter
KERC requires a smart bidirectional meter that records both the power you import and the power you export. The DISCOM installs it, at your cost. If you already have a smart meter, the DSPV procedure asks for one bidirectional smart meter. If you have an older electrostatic meter, it asks for two: a generation meter and a bidirectional meter. Under net metering, you look after the plant up to the bidirectional meter; from the meter onward, the DISCOM is responsible.
7. Extra conditions for the PM Surya Ghar subsidy
- A residential connection. Commercial, industrial and government connections get no subsidy, but they can still use net metering.
- DCR panels, made in India from Indian cells. Any non-DCR module makes the system ineligible. See DCR vs non-DCR panels.
- A vendor registered on the national portal.
- The subsidy is paid once per installation. Watch the PM Surya Ghar last date.
8. Timeline after you apply
For 1–150 kW systems, the ESCOM procedure gives you 150 days from application to upload the work-completion report. The DISCOM should commission the plant within 5 working days of that report, or pay ₹1,000 a day until it does. Solar billing starts within 30 days of commissioning. In Ballari or Kalaburagi? Read rooftop solar with GESCOM.
Check your home in one visit
Eltron’s free survey checks roof space, shade, roof strength and sanctioned load, then gives you an itemised quote with 5 years of free maintenance and 0% EMI.
Call / WhatsApp +91 7975009078 | Contact Eltron Energy
FAQ: rooftop solar requirements
How much roof space do I need for rooftop solar?
About 10 to 12 square metres (roughly 110 to 130 sq ft) of shadow-free area per kW, according to the MNRE rooftop solar FAQ. A 3 kW home system needs about 30 to 36 sq m; a 5 kW system about 50 to 60 sq m.
Can my solar system be bigger than my sanctioned load?
Under the KERC DSPV Regulations 2026, the system cannot exceed your sanctioned load or contracted demand (and 1,000 kW under net metering). Up to 10 kW, panel DC capacity may be up to 10% higher, but the inverter’s AC capacity must stay within the sanctioned load.
Do I have to apply separately to increase my sanctioned load for solar?
For systems up to and including 10 kW, the ESCOM DSPV procedure says the DISCOM shall allow the solar capacity even if your sanctioned load is lower and enhance the load automatically. You pay the applicable charges and additional security deposit and sign a power supply agreement for the extra load before commissioning.
What documents do I need to apply for rooftop solar in Karnataka?
Your electricity bill (for the account ID or consumer number), the mobile number registered with BESCOM or GESCOM for OTP, and bank details with a cancelled cheque, passbook scan or bank statement. Under PM Surya Ghar you also upload installation details and geo-tagged photos after the work is done. Confirm the live list on the portal when you apply.
Is there an application fee for rooftop solar with BESCOM?
Fees are waived for PM Surya Ghar subsidy applications. For non-subsidy applications, the DSPV procedure lists ₹1,500 plus GST up to 5 kWp, ₹3,000 plus GST above 5 and up to 50 kWp, and ₹7,000 plus GST above 50 and up to 1,000 kWp.
What meter do I need after installing rooftop solar?
A smart bidirectional meter that records both import and export, installed by the DISCOM at your cost. If you already have a smart meter, you need one bidirectional smart meter; if you have an older electrostatic meter, the procedure asks for two: a generation meter and a bidirectional meter.
Can I put solar panels on a structure instead of directly on the roof?
Yes. KERC allows panels on roofs, on building walls as façade-integrated panels, and on elevated structures within your premises, provided the structure has at least 8 feet of ground clearance at its lowest point and follows building bye-laws.
Sources
- Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission, Grid Interactive Distributed Solar Photovoltaic (DSPV) Plants Regulations, 2026, Notification No. KERC/F-34/V-38/2026-27/2395 dated 19 August 2026 (clauses 4.1, 4.7.2, 9.2, 10.4, 10.6, 15.1), published on srtpv.bescom.org
- ESCOM standard operating procedure for DSPV plants, Ref. BESCOM/BC-51/GM(DSM)/DSPV/SOP/CYS-48 dated 1 December 2025 (sanctioned load, fees, meters, timelines), published on gescomsrtpv.in
- KERC order dated 5 December 2024 on enhancement of sanctioned load up to 10 kW for SRTPV consumers (as listed in the SOP)
- MNRE, Guidelines for PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, CFA to residential consumers (eligibility, DCR, documents, vendor site survey, shadow analysis)
- MNRE / PIB, Frequently Asked Questions on grid-connected rooftop solar (10–12 sq m per kWp)
Status as of 30 October 2026. Rules and portal forms change; confirm on the official portal when you apply.