Solar Energy in Kolkata: Complete 2026 Guide
Kolkata, the City of Joy, has lower irradiance (4.5 hrs) due to monsoon humidity, but its high CESC tariff (₹7.50/unit) still ensures a solid 5–6 year solar payback. Several Salt Lake and New Town housing societies have already gone solar. With electricity tariffs charged by CESC at ₹7.50/unit and rising every year, switching to rooftop solar is now the single best financial decision a Kolkata household can make in 2026.
Solar Potential: How Much Can You Generate in Kolkata?
Kolkata receives approximately 4.5 peak sun hours per day (based on MNRE solar radiation data for this region). This means every 1 kW of rooftop solar installed here generates about 1,387 units of electricity per year.
For a typical 3 kW system — the most popular size for a 2–3 BHK home — you can expect:
- ~11.4 units per day on average (higher in summer, lower in monsoon)
- 4,161 units per year
- ₹2,565/month savings on your CESC electricity bill
- Payback period: ~3.3 years after PM Surya Ghar subsidy
PM Surya Ghar Subsidy for Kolkata Residents
Residents of Kolkata in West Bengal are fully eligible for the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. The central government provides a Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) subsidy directly to your bank account:
- Up to 2 kW system: ₹30,000/kW (total ₹60,000 for 2 kW)
- 2 kW to 3 kW: ₹18,000/kW for the additional capacity
- Above 3 kW: No additional central subsidy — but net metering earnings continue
- Maximum central subsidy: ₹78,000 for a 3 kW system
State subsidy note: No West Bengal state top-up. Central PM Surya Ghar applies.
Cost & Savings Table — Kolkata (2026)
| System Size | Gross Cost | Subsidy | Net Cost | Annual Generation | Monthly Savings | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 kW | ₹60,000 | ₹30,000 | ₹30,000 | ~1,387 units | ₹855/month | 2.9 yrs |
| 2 kW | ₹120,000 | ₹60,000 | ₹60,000 | ~2,774 units | ₹1,710/month | 2.9 yrs |
| 3 kW | ₹180,000 | ₹78,000 | ₹102,000 | ~4,161 units | ₹2,565/month | 3.3 yrs |
| 5 kW | ₹300,000 | ₹78,000 | ₹222,000 | ~6,935 units | ₹4,275/month | 4.3 yrs |
| 10 kW | ₹600,000 | ₹78,000 | ₹522,000 | ~13,870 units | ₹8,550/month | 5.1 yrs |
* Costs are indicative estimates for Kolkata as of 2026. Actual prices vary by brand (Waaree, Adani, Tata, Vikram). Savings calculated at ₹7.50/unit tariff. Use our cost calculator for personalised estimates.
Your DISCOM: CESC
In Kolkata, electricity distribution and net metering for rooftop solar is managed by CESC (Calcutta Electric Supply Corporation) for Kolkata/Howrah/Hooghly; WBSEDCL for outer areas. Here's what you need to know about solar net metering under CESC:
- Net metering limit: up to 500 kW per consumer connection
- Meter type: Bi-directional smart meter (provided and installed by CESC)
- Billing cycle: Monthly — excess units exported to grid are credited against your consumption
- Annual settlement: Any remaining credit units are carried forward; some DISCOMs pay a feed-in tariff for net annual export
- Application portal: cesc.co.in
Step-by-Step: How to Get Solar in Kolkata
- Check your eligibility: Use our Subsidy Calculator to see the exact PM Surya Ghar amount for your home's load and West Bengal location.
- Size your system: Use the Panel Requirement Calculator — enter your monthly bill in units. Most Kolkata households need a 2–4 kW system.
- Register on the National Portal: Go to pmsuryaghar.gov.in, register with your Aadhaar and CESC consumer number.
- Choose an MNRE-empanelled installer from the portal's vendor list — do not use non-empanelled vendors as your subsidy will be blocked.
- Get installation done: Typical completion time in Kolkata: 2–4 days for a residential system.
- Submit inspection documents to CESC for net meter installation (usually within 15–30 days).
- Receive subsidy: DBT credit directly to your bank account within 30 days of net meter commissioning.
Solar ROI Analysis for Kolkata
Here's a quick back-of-envelope calculation for a typical Kolkata household:
- Monthly electricity bill before solar: ~₹1,875 (250 units/month)
- 3 kW solar system generates ~342 units/month
- Monthly bill after solar: near ₹0 (net metering covers remaining consumption)
- Monthly savings: ₹2,565
- Annual savings: ₹30,780
- 25-year savings (at 5% tariff escalation): ₹808,000+
Want the exact numbers for your home? Use our Solar ROI Calculator and Solar Loan EMI Calculator if you're considering financing.
Nearby Cities Also Exploring Solar
If you found this guide useful, also check our guides for nearby cities: Asansol, Maheshtala, Patna — each with city-specific DISCOM, tariff, and cost data.
For state-level subsidy policy in West Bengal, see our West Bengal Solar Calculator.