Solar & energy in Kolkata

Slightly lower sun than other Indian cities but still good. PM Surya Ghar subsidy available. Payback 4-6 years with subsidy.

Avg electricity rate
R0.08/kWh
India average
Peak sun hours
4.8
Annual average
Net metering
fair
Net metering (West Bengal policy)
Solar friendliness
★★★★☆
Out of 5

Key facts

  • RegionWest Bengal
  • CountryIndia
  • CityKolkata
  • Average rateR0.08/kWh
  • Peak rate (TOU)R0.12/kWh
  • Off-peak rate (TOU)R0.05/kWh
  • Peak sun hours4.8 hrs/day
  • Net metering policyNet metering (West Bengal policy)
  • NM qualityFair
  • Solar friendliness rating★★★★/5

Available incentives

  • PM Surya Ghar subsidy

Net metering quality

Quality of net metering policy (higher = better for solar economics):

Fair — Net metering (West Bengal policy)

What this means

Fair net metering policies pay less than retail for exports. Consider self-consumption or a battery.

Example: 900 kWh/month household in Kolkata

At 4.8 peak sun hours and a 400W panel, you'd need approximately 18 panels (7.2 kW system) to cover your usage. That produces ~10,848 kWh/year, saving about R868/year at the 0.08/kWh local rate.

Run the full calculator

Going solar in Kolkata

Kolkata, in West Bengal, India, has 4.8 average peak sun hours per day — good for solar. The local electricity rate is R0.08/kWh, below the India average.

Net metering in Kolkata is rated fair. Net metering (West Bengal policy). This significantly affects solar payback: with excellent net metering, every excess kWh you produce is credited at full retail value; with poor net metering, exports may be worth only 10-30% of retail, making battery storage much more attractive.

Available incentives include: PM Surya Ghar subsidy. These can substantially reduce the upfront cost of solar and battery installations. Note: the US federal solar tax credit expired December 31, 2025. State and local incentives still vary by region. South African taxpayers can claim accelerated depreciation under SARS section 12B.

Next steps

Use the Solar Panel Sizing Calculator with 4.8 peak sun hours to find out exactly how many panels you need. Then check the Solar Savings Calculator for a 25-year projection using the local R0.08/kWh rate. If net metering is poor in Kolkata, also run the Battery ROI Calculator — batteries may be essential rather than optional.