PM Surya Ghar Yojana in Bengaluru: Just 3,453 rooftop solar installations since 2022

The implementation of the PM Surya Ghar Yojana in Bengaluru has seen sluggish progress, with only 3,453 rooftop solar photovoltaic (SRTPV) systems installed since its launch in 2022 under the jurisdiction of the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (Bescom). The scheme offers subsidies of up to 60% for residential consumers, significantly reducing installation costs.

Under the current subsidy structure, consumers receive ₹30,000 for 1 kW capacity systems, ₹60,000 for 2 kW, and ₹78,000 for 3 kW units. Despite these financial incentives, uptake remains low. Bescom’s Demand Side Management (DSM) department has received over 70,000 applications, but less than 5% have led to installations.

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Officials attribute the gap to disinterest or lack of clarity among applicants, with only 6,122 advancing to the vendor selection stage. Some applicants reside in rental properties or face confusion in choosing certified vendors, which deters further progress.

Consumer-side challenges paint a different picture, citing poor response from sub-division offices, alleged favouritism in vendor recommendations, and experiences of harassment and bribery during other electrical approvals.

Bescom, however, maintains that the digital application process under the scheme ensures transparency and denies corruption claims.

Meanwhile, the state’s Gruha Jyothi scheme, offering free electricity up to 200 units, is believed to reduce the motivation for consumers to adopt rooftop solar solutions, further limiting the scheme’s impact.