Solar Energy in West Bengal: Complete 2026 State Guide
West Bengal's CESC and WBSEDCL both now offer online net metering applications. New Town and Salt Lake in Kolkata have become model solar zones with several housing societies achieving near-zero electricity bills.
Solar Potential in West Bengal
West Bengal receives approximately 4.5 peak sun hours per day on average. A 3 kW rooftop solar system in West Bengal generates approximately 4,188 units per year and can save ₹2,582/month on your electricity bill at the current CESC tariff of ₹7.50/unit.
Estimated payback period: ~3.3 years after PM Surya Ghar subsidy. After payback, you get 20+ years of virtually free electricity.
PM Surya Ghar Subsidy in West Bengal (2026)
Residents of West Bengal are fully eligible for the central PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana:
- Up to 2 kW: ₹30,000/kW (total ₹60,000)
- 2–3 kW: ₹18,000/kW for the extra capacity (total ₹78,000 for 3 kW)
- Above 3 kW: No additional central subsidy, but net metering still applies
State subsidy: No WB state top-up. Central PM Surya Ghar applies.
Your DISCOM & Net Metering in West Bengal
Electricity distribution and solar net metering in West Bengal is handled by CESC (Kolkata/Howrah/Hooghly/South 24 Parganas) / WBSEDCL (rest of state).
- Net metering limit: 500 kW
- Application portal: cesc.co.in / wbsedcl.in
- Solar target for West Bengal: 5 GW solar by 2027 under WB Solar Policy
How to Apply for Solar in West Bengal
- Register at pmsuryaghar.gov.in with your Aadhaar and consumer number
- Select your DISCOM (CESC) in the portal
- Choose an MNRE-empanelled installer from the portal's vendor list
- Get the system installed (typically 2–4 days for 1–5 kW)
- Submit commissioning certificate to CESC for net meter installation
- Subsidy credited to your bank account within 30 days of net meter commissioning
Why Go Solar in West Bengal in 2026?
- 💰 Save ₹2,582/month on your electricity bill
- 🏛️ PM Surya Ghar subsidy up to ₹78,000 — no repayment needed
- ⚡ Net metering — export surplus solar to grid for credits
- 📈 Property value increases 3–5% with solar installation
- 🌿 Reduce CO₂ by ~1.5 tonnes/year per kW installed
- 🔧 25-year warranty on quality solar panels (Waaree, Adani, Tata, Vikram)
See city-specific guides for West Bengal: Kolkata, Asansol
Use our Solar Cost Calculator and ROI Calculator to get personalised estimates for your home in West Bengal.