Rooftop solar in Kolkata
Calculator below is tuned to Kolkata's sunshine, not a generic national average.
- Peak sun
- ~4.4 hrs/day
- Generation
- ~3.5 units/kW/day
- Max subsidy
- ₹78,000
Where your money goes
Your 25-year money curve
What the planet gets
Based on India's grid emission factor (~0.82 kg CO₂/unit) and ~20 kg CO₂ absorbed per mature tree per year.
WBSEDCL and CESC (Kolkata) provide net metering for residential rooftop. Central PM Surya Ghar subsidy applies.
Enter a valid monthly bill greater than ₹0 to see your results.
Solar in Kolkata: what's different locally
Kolkata has India's weakest big-city sun (4.4 peak hours) but among its highest tariffs (~₹8/unit), the two roughly cancel, keeping payback respectable. Humidity and monsoon length argue for quality inverters with good service coverage.
DISCOM: CESC in the city, WBSEDCL in the wider region.
Typical residential areas going solar: Salt Lake, New Town, Behala, Tollygunge, anywhere with a shadow-free roof works the same way.
| Electricity provider | WBSEDCL / CESC |
|---|---|
| Avg peak sun hours | ~4.4 hours/day |
| 3kW generates | ~315 units/month |
| Benchmark install cost | ~₹60,000/kW (gross, before subsidy) |
| 3kW total subsidy | ₹78,000 |
| Application timeline | 30-45 days |
Sun-hour figures are annual averages from public irradiance data, rounded, your roof's orientation and shading move the real number. Generation assumes a ~0.8 performance ratio (inverter losses, temperature, soiling).
Official portals, apply & verify here
We are not affiliated with any government body. Applications and current scheme rules live on these official portals, never pay anyone to "arrange" the subsidy for you.
Sources for this page
- PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (MNRE), subsidy slabs and process
- WBSEDCL, tariff and net metering details
- Global Solar Atlas, city irradiance ballparks
Kolkata solar FAQs
How much does a 3kW solar system generate in Kolkata?
Roughly 315 units per month, based on Kolkata's ~4.4 peak sun hours per day (about 3.5 units per kW daily after real-world losses). High-sun months generate more, monsoon months less, this is the annual average.
What subsidy do I get for rooftop solar in Kolkata?
The same as everywhere in West Bengal: ₹30,000 (1kW), ₹60,000 (2kW), ₹78,000 (3kW+) under PM Surya Ghar. Applications go through pmsuryaghar.gov.in.
Who handles net metering in Kolkata?
CESC in the city, WBSEDCL in the wider region. Expect roughly 30-45 days for the full process.
Is solar worth it in Kolkata?
Kolkata has India's weakest big-city sun (4.4 peak hours) but among its highest tariffs (~₹8/unit), the two roughly cancel, keeping payback respectable. Humidity and monsoon length argue for quality inverters with good service coverage.