West Bengal's domestic electricity tariff is ₹7.5/kWh and the net-metering buyback rate is ₹2.75/kWh, via WBSEDCL / CESC. Here's what that means for a home going solar. Data updated January 2026.
A 3 kWp on-grid system in West Bengal generates roughly 3,843 units per year at local irradiance. At ₹7.5/kWh, if you use most of it yourself, that's around ₹28,823 saved annually. After the ₹78,000 PM Surya Ghar subsidy, payback lands near 4.1 years — before counting any export income.
| Item | Estimate for West Bengal |
|---|---|
| System size | 3 kWp (typical home) |
| Gross cost | ~₹1,95,000 |
| PM Surya Ghar subsidy | − ₹78,000 |
| Net cost | ~₹1,17,000 |
| Annual generation | ~3,843 units |
| Annual saving (self-use) | ~₹28,823 |
| Estimated payback | ~4.1 years |
Your distribution company is WBSEDCL / CESC. To go solar with net metering, you apply for feasibility approval, install through a registered vendor, and get a bi-directional meter. Surplus units you export earn ₹2.75/kWh — lower than the ₹7.5 you pay, which is why self-consuming your generation is always worth more than exporting it.
With one of India's higher tariffs at ₹7.5/kWh, West Bengal offers some of the fastest solar payback in the country. Every unit you generate offsets an expensive grid unit. Combined with 4.5 peak sun hours a day, the numbers are workable, though generation is more seasonal. Use the solar panel cost calculator for West Bengal to size a system against your own bill.
Tariffs and buyback rates change at state borders, which is why payback can differ a lot between neighbours. Here is how West Bengal (₹7.5/kWh) compares, or see all state electricity tariffs.
This link opens the calculator with West Bengal's tariff, buyback rate and sunshine already filled in — enter your appliances or bill for a precise number.
Open the West Bengal solar calculator →