In February 2024, the cabinet sanctioned a total subsidy of Rs. 75,021 crore for the ‘PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana’. This initiative by the Indian Government offers subsidies for the installation of new rooftop solar panels.
If you reside in West Bengal, it’s essential to acquaint yourself with all the pertinent information, including eligibility criteria, necessary documentation, and the application procedure, to facilitate the subsidy acquisition process. Refer to this blog for an in-depth understanding of solar subsidies in West Bengal.
West Bengal Solar Subsidy for On-grid Solar System 2024
In West Bengal, the electricity tariff is set at Rs. 5/kWh for WBSEDCL and Rs. 5.08/kWh for CESC for consumption of up to 100 units. Beyond this threshold, rates increase to Rs. 7.69/kWh for WBSEDCL and Rs. 9.26/kWh for CESC. Given the consistent rise in electricity charges in the region, there’s a compelling opportunity to transition to solar power generation, offering independence from escalating utility costs.
Residents of West Bengal have the chance to benefit from the rooftop solar system subsidy, with the government scheme providing assistance of up to Rs. 78,000. Through these subsidies, the government aims to support homeowners financially in installing rooftop solar panels.
It’s important to note that this subsidy program is exclusively applicable to individual residences and large apartment complexes. Industrial and commercial consumers, however, are not eligible for government subsidies under this scheme.
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Rooftop Solar System Subsidy Amount in West Bengal
Here is a table about how much will get as West Bengal solar subsidy amount:
| System Capacity (KW) | Solar Subsidy (Rs.)* |
| 1 KW | Rs.30,000 |
| 2 KW | Rs.60,000 |
| 3 KW or above | Rs.78,000 |
Eligibility Criteria for West Bengal Solar Panel Subsidy
Below are the eligibility criteria necessary to qualify for a solar subsidy in West Bengal in 2024:
On-Grid Solar System:
The subsidy provided by WB is exclusively applicable to rooftop on-grid solar systems. Installation of an off-grid solar plant disqualifies you from availing this subsidy.
DCR Solar Module:
As per the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), DCR modules refer to panels where both the solar module and solar cells are manufactured in India.
To be eligible for a solar panel subsidy in West Bengal, installation of DCR modules on your rooftop is mandatory. Non-DCR modules render you ineligible for any form of solar subsidy.
Installer Empanelment Status:
When selecting your solar installer, it’s imperative to verify their empanelment status on the official website of WBSEDCL (West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Limited).
Failure of your solar installer to be empanelled with WBSEDCL disqualifies you from applying for the solar rooftop subsidy in West Bengal.
General Requirements:
In addition to the specific criteria mentioned above, there are some general prerequisites to qualify for the solar subsidy:
a) The homeowner and the applicant must be the same individual, and the meter must be registered in the applicant’s name.
b) The applicant must be a resident of India.
List of DISCOMs in West Bengal
Here is a list of DISCOMs operating in West Bengal:
- West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (WBSEDCL)
- Durgapur Project Limited
- The Calcutta Electric Supply Corporation Limited (CESC)
Among these, only WBSEDCL is registered with MNRE. Therefore, eligibility for government solar subsidies in West Bengal is contingent upon having WBSEDCL as your electricity supplier.
Role of Solar System Installers in Claiming West Bengal Solar Subsidy
As per MNRE guidelines, it is mandatory to procure a solar installation solely from an empanelled solar installer who holds registration with the state DISCOM. Presently, WBSEDCL stands as the sole DISCOM registered with the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE).
Thus, to qualify for subsidies under the PM Solar Surya Ghar Yojana, your chosen solar installer must be empanelled with WBSEDCL. The installer will furnish you with all necessary documentation essential for subsidy acquisition into your bank account.