Why it matters
With electricity bills rising and climate change pressing, installing rooftop solar is a smart, long-term investment. In West Bengal the government + WBSEDCL are promoting rooftop solar systems for households — making it easier and cheaper than ever. If you’re a homeowner in the state, this is your step-by-step guide to getting subsidy, installing solar, and benefiting for years to come.
✅ What is the subsidy scheme?
- The scheme for rooftop solar in West Bengal is part of the national rooftop programme (via PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana) and is implemented in the state by WBSEDCL. Solar Products Information+3Solar Energy, Solar Company+3WBSEDCL+3
- WBSEDCL says for existing consumers two types of connections apply: subsidy category and non-subsidy category. WBSEDCL
- Households can apply online via the portal. WBSEDCL+1
- Key benefit: Lower cost of installation, grid-connected solar, net metering (so you can feed extra power back into grid). Solar Products Information+1
🧮 What subsidy can you expect?
While exact numbers depend on size of system and other factors, here’s what you’ll commonly see:
- For residential rooftop solar: for example capacity 1 kW to 3 kW may get ~40% subsidy on benchmark cost, above that maybe lower percentage. Solar Products Information+1
- Use WBSEDCL’s “Amount calculator for Domestic Subsidy Scheme” to see subsidy amount. WBSEDCL Portal
- Documents and eligibility criteria apply (consumer must be existing domestic connection under WBSEDCL, etc). WBSEDCL
📋 Who is eligible?
- Domestic/residential consumers of WBSEDCL are eligible under the subsidy scheme. WBSEDCL+1
- You must have a valid electricity connection under WBSEDCL, your property must allow rooftop installation, etc.
- If you’re installing in a group housing society (GHS) or residential welfare association (RWA), special rules apply. Solar Products Information
🛠 Step-by-Step: How to apply
Follow these main steps:
- Check your consumer connection: Ensure you are a WBSEDCL consumer and your load/sanctioned connection is clear.
- Choose your system size & vendor: Decide capacity based on your energy use, roof area etc. Also pick a vendor registered by WBSEDCL/empanelled.
- Online application: Go to WBSEDCL’s “How To Apply” page. WBSEDCL – choose “Solar PV Application → Apply Online”.
- Alternatively you can apply offline at your billing office.
- Submit documents: Typical documents: Electricity bill, consumer ID, Aadhaar, address proof, bank details, vendor quote, etc. Freyr Energy
- Approval & installation: After your application is approved, your vendor installs the rooftop solar system and net meter arrangement.
- Inspection & commissioning: WBSEDCL will inspect; once system is commissioned you proceed to final steps.
- Subsidy disbursement: Subsidy amount is adjusted (often credited or reduction in vendor cost) and your system starts feeding into grid.
- Net-metering & savings begin: You generate your own solar electricity; excess gets fed back to grid and you benefit via credits or lower bills.
📞 Contact & Helpline Numbers
For any queries you can contact WBSEDCL at:
- 24×7 Helpline: 19121 WBSEDCL+2BankBazaar+2
- WhatsApp for defect/danger in network: 89007 93100 WBSEDCL+1
- Regional Grievance Redressal (example): Bidhannagar Regional Office: (033) 2337-1490 WBSEDCL
- Solar PV Application / Billing Office Contact: The Chief Engineer, Solar Power Generation Dept., WBSEDCL, New Town AA-1, Kolkata 700156. Email: cesolar@wbsedcl.in WBSEDCL
🔍 Things to keep in mind / pitfalls
- Make sure your rooftop is structurally safe and oriented well (south or west-southwest is preferable).
- Get multiple vendor quotes and check that vendor is empanelled with WBSEDCL.
- Confirm net‐metering rules: your solar system size shouldn’t exceed your sanctioned load (else you may face issues). WBSEDCL+1
- Installation & paperwork delays sometimes happen — track your application status regularly.
- After installation make sure meter readings (export/import) are correctly done to ensure you get full benefit.
- Keep all documents, vendor quotes, subsidy approval letters safely — you may need them later.
🌟 Final word
If you’re a homeowner in West Bengal looking to reduce your electricity bills and do your bit for the environment, the rooftop solar subsidy via WBSEDCL is one of the best steps you can take.
With the right vendor, proper application and approved system, you’ll generate your own power, take advantage of net-metering, and benefit from subsidy support.
Act now — the earlier you install, the sooner you start saving and moving toward energy independence..