SolarSavings
Karnataka DISCOM Tariffs & Solar ROI Calculation
Karnataka (specifically BESCOM) operates on a steep slab-based tariff structure. The more electricity you use, the higher the rate per unit you pay. This makes solar panels highly lucrative for households with multiple ACs or EVs.
Average Residential Slab Tariffs (2026)
| Monthly Consumption Slabs | Base Energy Charge | Effective Rate (incl. FAC & Tax) |
|---|---|---|
| 0 - 50 Units | ₹4.75 | ~ ₹5.50 / Unit |
| 51 - 100 Units | ₹6.25 | ~ ₹7.20 / Unit |
| 101 - 200 Units | ₹7.80 | ~ ₹8.90 / Unit |
| Above 200 Units | ₹8.90 | ~ ₹10.20 / Unit |
Calculating Your Payback Period
If your household consumes 400 units a month, you fall into the highest slab. Your blended effective rate is approximately ₹9.00 per unit, resulting in a monthly bill of around ₹3,600.
A standard 3 kW solar system generates about 360 units per month in Bangalore.
- Net Upfront Cost: ~₹67,000 (after ₹78,000 PM Surya Ghar subsidy).
- Annual Savings: You offset 360 units of high-slab power, saving ~₹3,200 monthly (₹38,400 annually).
- Payback Period: ₹67,000 / ₹38,400 = 1.75 Years!
Given that solar panels last for 25 years, a payback period of under 2 years means you will enjoy over two decades of practically free electricity.