Karnataka Expands Rooftop Solar Drive with 14,151 Installations under PM Surya Ghar

Karnataka is stepping up its renewable energy push with 14,151 rooftop solar installations under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, benefitting 22,313 households across the state.

Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi shared these updates in the Rajya Sabha. He further revealed that as of 31 October 2025, Karnataka’s total renewable energy capacity stands at 25,675.39 MW, accounting for 10.24 percent of the country’s installed renewable capacity of 2,50,643.45 MW.

Nationally, the scheme has recorded 18.72 lakh rooftop solar systems, powering 23.47 lakh households. Karnataka continues to contribute steadily to this growth, though Belagavi district shows slower uptake, of 25,778 applications, only 681 systems have been commissioned so far.

To push the mission toward its ambitious one-crore rooftop solar target by 2026–27, the Ministry has rolled out several enablers. These include a fully online application and subsidy process, collateral-free loans at a concessional 6 percent interest rate, simplified regulatory approvals, auto load enhancement up to 10 kW, and vendor registration reforms. More than 20,000 vendors are now empanelled, and nearly 1.5 lakh people have been trained to strengthen the workforce.

Awareness campaigns through print, TV, and radio, as well as frequent reviews with states and DISCOMs, are being conducted to fast-track progress. A multilingual call centre (15555) has also been set up to support consumers and resolve grievances.

Separately, the Centre has released INR 351.94 crore for the development of the 2,000 MW Pavagada Solar Park, which has been fully operational since December 2019. Karnataka has clarified that it currently has no plans to establish new solar or wind parks in the northern region, including Belagavi district.