Solar panel prices in Karnataka in 2026 range from approximately ₹45,000 to ₹85,000 per kW for a complete rooftop solar installation, depending on system size, equipment quality, installation complexity and location. A 3kW residential system may cost around ₹1.35 lakh–₹2.25 lakh before subsidy, while a 5kW system can cost approximately ₹2.25 lakh–₹3.80 lakh.

Eligible residential consumers can reduce their initial investment through the central PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana subsidy. The maximum central subsidy for an eligible residential system is ₹78,000 under the standard subsidy structure. These are indicative market ranges, not fixed government prices. Source: 2026 Bengaluru installation estimates.

This guide explains solar panel prices per watt, 1kW to 10kW system costs, subsidy calculations, installation expenses and how to choose the right solar system for a home in Karnataka.

Table of Contents

Quick Answer: Solar Panel Price in Karnataka in 2026

System size	Estimated installed cost before subsidy	Central residential subsidy*	Illustrative cost after subsidy
1kW	₹45,000–₹85,000	₹30,000	₹15,000–₹55,000
2kW	₹90,000–₹1,70,000	₹60,000	₹30,000–₹1,10,000
3kW	₹1,35,000–₹2,25,000	₹78,000	₹57,000–₹1,47,000
4kW	₹1,80,000–₹2,90,000	₹78,000	₹1,02,000–₹2,12,000
5kW	₹2,25,000–₹3,80,000	₹78,000	₹1,47,000–₹3,02,000
7kW	₹3,15,000–₹4,90,000	₹78,000	₹2,37,000–₹4,12,000
10kW	₹4,50,000–₹6,50,000	₹78,000	₹3,72,000–₹5,72,000

*Prices are indicative estimates for complete systems, not solar panels alone. The post-subsidy column is a simple calculation assuming full central subsidy eligibility. Actual prices vary by installer, location, equipment and site conditions. Subsidy is subject to applicable scheme rules and approval. The standard central subsidy is capped at ₹78,000 for eligible residential systems of 3kW and above. PM India: official scheme approval and subsidy structure.

1. What Is the Solar Panel Price Per Watt in Karnataka?

The term “solar panel price” can mean two different things: the price of the photovoltaic modules alone or the total price of a working solar power system.

Purchase type	Indicative pricing approach
Solar panels only	Quoted per watt or per module; depends on technology, brand, wattage and purchase quantity
Complete on-grid system	Includes panels, inverter, mounting structure, wiring, protection equipment and installation
Hybrid solar system	Includes hybrid inverter and provisions for battery storage; batteries may be an additional cost
Off-grid solar system	Includes batteries and equipment designed for operation without a grid connection

For a complete rooftop system, a useful preliminary budgeting range is approximately ₹45–₹85 per watt, equivalent to ₹45,000–₹85,000 per kW. Larger installations may have a lower per-watt price, while premium equipment and complex roofs can increase it. 2026 Bengaluru pricing reference.

Do not use the complete-system rate as the price of the panels alone. Request a separate panel price, inverter price, structure cost, installation charge and total installed price when comparing suppliers.

2. 1kW Solar System Price in Karnataka

A 1kW rooftop solar system is a small installation suited to limited electricity consumption or as part of a larger planned system.

Estimated installed price: ₹45,000–₹85,000.
Indicative monthly generation: approximately 90–120 units, depending on sunlight, orientation, shading and system performance.
Potential subsidy: ₹30,000 for an eligible residential installation under the standard central subsidy structure.

A 1kW system may suit a household with low daytime electricity consumption. However, it will not necessarily eliminate the electricity bill because fixed charges, taxes and electricity consumed outside solar generation hours can remain payable.

3. 2kW Solar System Price in Karnataka

A 2kW system is worth considering for a small household with moderate electricity use.

Estimated installed price: ₹90,000–₹1.70 lakh.
Indicative monthly generation: approximately 180–240 units.
Potential central subsidy: ₹60,000.
Illustrative cost after full subsidy: ₹30,000–₹1.10 lakh.

The final cost depends on the inverter, panel technology, mounting structure and installation conditions. Before selecting 2kW, compare the system’s expected generation with your electricity consumption over the previous 12 months.

4. 3kW Solar System Price in Karnataka

A 3kW system is a common option for households with moderate to relatively high electricity use.

Estimated installed price: ₹1.35 lakh–₹2.25 lakh.
Indicative monthly generation: approximately 270–360 units.
Potential central subsidy: ₹78,000.
Illustrative cost after full subsidy: ₹57,000–₹1.47 lakh.

The central subsidy reaches its standard maximum at 3kW. A 3kW installation can be a practical starting point for a household that wants to reduce daytime grid consumption, provided the roof has sufficient unshaded area.

Actual bill savings depend on when electricity is consumed, the applicable tariff and the rules governing exported power.

5. 4kW Solar System Price in Karnataka

A 4kW system may suit a larger home or a household with substantial daytime consumption.

Estimated installed price: ₹1.80 lakh–₹2.90 lakh.
Indicative monthly generation: approximately 360–480 units.
Potential central subsidy: ₹78,000.
Illustrative cost after full subsidy: ₹1.02 lakh–₹2.12 lakh.

Because the central residential subsidy is capped at ₹78,000, a 4kW system does not receive more central subsidy than an otherwise eligible 3kW system under the standard structure. The additional capacity should therefore be justified by actual electricity consumption or future demand.

6. 5kW Solar System Price in Karnataka

A 5kW system may suit larger homes, homes with multiple air conditioners or households with substantial daytime appliance use.

Estimated installed price: ₹2.25 lakh–₹3.80 lakh.
Indicative monthly generation: approximately 450–600 units.
Potential central subsidy: ₹78,000.
Illustrative cost after full subsidy: ₹1.47 lakh–₹3.02 lakh.

For a 5kW system, compare the inverter’s capacity, panel specifications, warranty conditions and the installation company’s service coverage. Check whether the quote includes all electrical protection equipment, earthing, installation and commissioning.

7. 7kW Solar System Price in Karnataka

A 7kW system may be appropriate for a large home or a property with substantial electricity consumption.

Estimated installed price: approximately ₹3.15 lakh–₹4.90 lakh.
Indicative monthly generation: approximately 630–840 units.
Potential central subsidy: ₹78,000 for an eligible residential installation.
Illustrative cost after full subsidy: ₹2.37 lakh–₹4.12 lakh.

The generation estimate is a planning range, not a guaranteed output. A site assessment should account for roof direction, shading, inverter sizing and local weather.

8. 10kW Solar System Price in Karnataka

A 10kW system may be suitable for a large residential property or a building with high electricity consumption. Commercial properties also install systems of this size, but their applicable subsidy and metering arrangements differ from those for residential consumers.

Estimated installed price: ₹4.50 lakh–₹6.50 lakh.
Indicative monthly generation: approximately 900–1,200 units.
Potential central subsidy: ₹78,000 for an eligible residential consumer under the standard structure.
Illustrative cost after full subsidy: ₹3.72 lakh–₹5.72 lakh.

A 10kW installation needs careful assessment of roof space, structural strength, electrical connection capacity and the applicable distribution-company approval process.

Important: The central residential subsidy does not increase beyond ₹78,000 simply because the system grows from 3kW to 10kW. Confirm the applicable rules before treating a commercial or mixed-use installation as eligible.

9. PM Surya Ghar Solar Subsidy in Karnataka

The central government provides financial assistance for eligible residential rooftop solar installations through the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana.

The standard subsidy structure is:

Eligible residential system capacity	Central subsidy
1kW	₹30,000
2kW	₹60,000
3kW	₹78,000
4kW	₹78,000
5kW	₹78,000
10kW	₹78,000

The calculation is ₹30,000 per kW for the first 2kW, plus ₹18,000 for the next 1kW. No additional central residential subsidy is provided for capacity above 3kW under the standard structure. Official PM Surya Ghar scheme details.

Who can receive the subsidy?

Eligibility and approval depend on the current programme rules. Generally, the scheme supports eligible residential consumers with grid-connected rooftop solar systems installed through the prescribed process.

Before installation:

Register on the PM Surya Ghar National Portal.
Select the correct state and electricity distribution company.
Follow the application and technical approval procedure.
Select a vendor registered under the applicable scheme.
Complete installation and the required inspection or commissioning steps.
Submit the required bank details and documents for subsidy processing.

For BESCOM consumers, also check the BESCOM rooftop solar portal. Its instructions state that consumers should submit the relevant BESCOM application after registering on the national portal. Consumers served by other distribution companies should follow their own DISCOM’s procedure.

Do not assume that a subsidy is approved merely because an application has been submitted.

10. What Is Included in a Rooftop Solar Installation Price?

A complete quotation should clearly state whether it includes:

Solar photovoltaic modules.
Grid-connected or hybrid inverter.
Mounting structure and fasteners.
DC and AC cables.
Junction boxes, isolators and surge protection.
Earthing and lightning protection where required.
Labour, transport and installation.
Testing, commissioning and required documentation.
Metering-related charges, if applicable.
Warranty and after-sales service.

Some quotations exclude civil work, elevated structures, roof waterproofing, long cable runs, electrical-panel upgrades or certain utility charges. Ask for these exclusions in writing before paying an advance.

11. What Makes Solar Prices Different Across Karnataka?

A quote for the same system capacity can differ significantly between Bengaluru, Mysuru, Hubballi-Dharwad, Mangaluru, Belagavi and smaller towns.

The main reasons include:

Panel technology: Module efficiency, rated wattage, manufacturer and product warranty affect the equipment cost.

Inverter choice: Inverter capacity, brand, monitoring features and system design affect the total price.

Roof type: A flat concrete roof, tiled roof, metal roof or elevated mounting arrangement may require different installation work.

System configuration: An on-grid system is generally cheaper than a comparable hybrid system with battery storage.

Installation complexity: Roof height, shading, cable distance, structural requirements and electrical upgrades can increase the final cost.

After-sales support: Warranty administration, maintenance arrangements and the installer’s service network can influence the quotation.

For an accurate local price, compare at least three itemised quotations using the same system capacity and similar equipment specifications.

12. On-Grid vs Hybrid vs Off-Grid Solar: Which Is Cheaper?

System type	Main equipment	Relative initial cost	Suitable for
On-grid	Panels, grid-connected inverter and protection equipment	Usually lowest	Homes connected to the electricity grid
Hybrid	Panels, hybrid inverter and battery where included	Higher	Homes that need selected backup loads
Off-grid	Panels, charge controller/inverter and batteries	Depends on battery and load design	Locations requiring operation without a grid connection

An ordinary on-grid solar system normally shuts down during a grid outage for safety, even when sunlight is available. A hybrid system with suitable backup configuration can power selected loads during an outage.

Do not pay for batteries unless backup is an actual requirement. Battery capacity, usable energy, expected cycle life and replacement cost should be considered separately.

13. How Much Electricity Can a Solar System Generate?

The following are broad planning estimates for Karnataka, not guaranteed generation figures.

System capacity	Indicative monthly generation
1kW	90–120 units
2kW	180–240 units
3kW	270–360 units
5kW	450–600 units
7kW	630–840 units
10kW	900–1,200 units

One unit of electricity equals one kilowatt-hour (kWh). Actual output depends on sunlight, roof orientation, shading, system losses, module temperature, maintenance and seasonal weather.

A larger system does not automatically deliver proportionately larger bill savings. The financial result depends on self-consumption, exported energy credits and the tariff and metering arrangement applicable to the consumer.

14. How to Calculate Solar Savings and Payback

Use this simple framework:

Annual bill savings depend on the solar electricity that offsets grid purchases and the value of any eligible exported electricity, less continuing charges and operating costs.

Simple payback period is the net upfront investment divided by annual net savings.

For example, assume a 3kW system costs ₹1,80,000 before subsidy and the eligible consumer receives the full ₹78,000 central subsidy.

Gross installed cost: ₹1,80,000.
Assumed subsidy: ₹78,000.
Net upfront cost: ₹1,02,000.
If annual net savings are ₹24,000, simple payback is about 4.25 years.

This is an illustration, not a prediction for every household. Your actual savings can be higher or lower depending on electricity consumption, tariff, exported power treatment, maintenance and system performance. The example also assumes that the full subsidy is approved and received.

15. Checklist Before Buying Solar Panels in Karnataka

Before accepting a quotation, ask the installer:

What is the total installed price, including taxes and commissioning?
What are the panel brand, model, wattage and applicable certifications?
What are the inverter brand, capacity and warranty?
Is the system on-grid, hybrid or off-grid?
Is battery storage included?
What generation estimate is being provided, and what assumptions support it?
Does the quote include earthing, surge protection, wiring and installation?
Are utility approvals and metering-related requirements included?
Is the vendor registered under the applicable PM Surya Ghar process?
Which items or charges are excluded?
What after-sales service and workmanship warranty are included?

Compare the complete bill of materials rather than choosing the lowest headline price.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the solar panel price per watt in Karnataka in 2026?

A preliminary budgeting range for a complete rooftop solar installation is approximately ₹45–₹85 per watt. The price of solar modules alone is different and depends on the manufacturer, technology, module wattage and purchase quantity.

What is the price of a 1kW solar system in Karnataka?

A 1kW rooftop installation may cost approximately ₹45,000–₹85,000 before subsidy. Eligible residential consumers may receive ₹30,000 in central subsidy, subject to approval and scheme rules.

What is the price of a 3kW solar system in Karnataka after subsidy?

Using an indicative gross cost of ₹1.35 lakh–₹2.25 lakh and assuming the full ₹78,000 central subsidy, the arithmetic net cost is ₹57,000–₹1.47 lakh. Obtain a current quotation to determine the actual installed cost.

What is the price of a 5kW solar system in Karnataka?

A 5kW installation may cost approximately ₹2.25 lakh–₹3.80 lakh before subsidy. Eligible residential consumers may receive the standard maximum central subsidy of ₹78,000, making the illustrative net cost ₹1.47 lakh–₹3.02 lakh.

What is the price of a 10kW solar system in Karnataka?

A 10kW installation may cost approximately ₹4.50 lakh–₹6.50 lakh before subsidy. The standard central residential subsidy remains capped at ₹78,000, subject to eligibility and approval.

Does PM Surya Ghar provide a subsidy for a 5kW or 10kW home system?

Under the standard central residential subsidy structure, the maximum subsidy is ₹78,000 for systems of 3kW and above. A larger system does not receive additional central subsidy beyond that cap.

Is a battery included in the solar panel price?

Not necessarily. Many advertised prices refer to grid-connected on-grid systems without batteries. Ask for the battery model, usable capacity, warranty and additional cost if you require backup power.

Can solar eliminate my electricity bill completely?

Not in every case. Solar can significantly reduce grid consumption, but fixed charges, taxes, electricity consumed outside solar production hours and the applicable export-credit rules can leave a balance payable.

How do I check the latest solar subsidy process in Karnataka?

Start at the PM Surya Ghar National Portal and follow the procedure of your electricity distribution company. BESCOM consumers can also use the BESCOM rooftop solar portal.

Conclusion: How Much Should You Budget for Solar in Karnataka?

For initial planning, use approximately ₹45,000–₹85,000 per kW for a complete rooftop installation, then obtain a site-specific quotation. A 3kW system can be a starting point for a household with moderate electricity consumption, while a 5kW or 10kW system should be sized according to actual demand, roof conditions and applicable utility rules.

The best purchase is not necessarily the cheapest system. Choose a properly designed installation with clear equipment specifications, complete pricing, appropriate warranties and verified subsidy eligibility.

Related guides on SolarKarnataka.com:

Prices are indicative market estimates for 2026 and can change. Confirm the final price, subsidy eligibility and electricity-distribution requirements before making a purchase.

Solar Panel Price Karnataka 2026: Per Watt, 1kW–10kW System Cost