West Bengal residents can now apply for PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana after the state BJP government rolled out the central scheme for WBSEDCL consumers. This is a big deal because domestic consumers under West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company (WBSEDCL) were left out of the scheme earlier, even though CESC consumers in Kolkata had been getting the subsidy since the scheme launched nationally in 2024. Now with the rollout, eligible homeowners across the state can get up to ₹78,000 in subsidy for installing a rooftop solar system and enjoy up to 300 units of free electricity every month.
PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana was launched by PM Narendra Modi on 13 February 2024 with a total investment of over ₹75,000 crore, with the aim of installing rooftop solar systems in 1 crore households across India. For West Bengal, the scheme is now being formally integrated with WBSEDCL's system, and consumers who had applied under the state's own Aloshree subsidy scheme will have their pending applications automatically moved to PM Surya Ghar once the setup is complete.
Also Check: New Schemes Coming to West Bengal
How to Apply Online for PM Surya Ghar Scheme in West Bengal
The application process for PM Surya Ghar is fully online and managed through the central portal at pmsuryaghar.gov.in. West Bengal residents with a WBSEDCL or CESC electricity connection can follow the steps below to register and apply for the rooftop solar subsidy.
STEP 1 - Open the official website at pmsuryaghar.gov.in and click on the "Apply for Rooftop Solar" button on the homepage. This will take you to the consumer registration page.
STEP 2 - On the registration page, select your State as "West Bengal" and choose your electricity distribution company from the dropdown. WBSEDCL consumers should select WBSEDCL, while Kolkata consumers should select CESC. Enter your Consumer Account Number (found on your electricity bill), mobile number, and email ID, then click Login.
STEP 3 - Fill in the application form with your personal details including your name, Aadhaar number, address, and bank account information. You will also need to enter details about your rooftop, like the available area and type of roof.
STEP 4 - Upload all required documents (listed in the Documents section below) including your electricity bill and a photograph of your rooftop area where the solar panels will be installed. Enter the captcha code and click Submit to complete the application.
STEP 5 - Once submitted, you will receive a reference/application number. Save this for future tracking. A DISCOM official or registered vendor will then visit your site to check if solar installation is feasible.
STEP 6 - After getting feasibility approval, select a registered vendor from the list available on the portal. Only WBSEDCL-empanelled vendors approved under the MNRE guidelines qualify for the subsidy. Get the solar panels installed through the approved vendor.
STEP 7 - After installation, a net meter will be set up and the system will be inspected. Once verified, the subsidy amount will be transferred directly to your bank account via DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer).
PM Surya Ghar Scheme Highlights
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana |
| Launched By | Government of India |
| Launch Date | 13 February 2024 |
| Implementing Agency | Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) |
| Beneficiaries | Domestic consumers with rooftop suitable for solar panels |
| West Bengal DISCOMs | WBSEDCL and CESC |
| Maximum Subsidy | ₹78,000 for 3 kW and above systems |
| Free Electricity | Up to 300 units per month |
| Total Investment | Over ₹75,000 crore |
| Target Households | 1 crore across India |
| Application Mode | Online only |
| Official Website | pmsuryaghar.gov.in |
Eligibility for PM Surya Ghar Scheme in West Bengal
To apply for the PM Surya Ghar scheme in West Bengal, applicants need to meet the basic eligibility conditions set by the central government and MNRE. Here is who can apply:
- Indian citizen with a valid electricity connection - You must be a residential electricity consumer under WBSEDCL or CESC in West Bengal. The connection should be a domestic/household connection, not commercial or industrial.
- House ownership with a suitable rooftop - You need to own the house and have a rooftop that can support solar panel installation. The roof should have around 80 to 100 sq ft of clear space per kW of solar capacity and good sunlight exposure with minimal shading.
- No prior solar subsidy taken - Applicants who have already received a government subsidy for solar panels under any other central or state scheme are generally not eligible again. However, those with pending Aloshree applications in West Bengal will be shifted to PM Surya Ghar automatically.
Documents Required for PM Surya Ghar in West Bengal
Keep the following documents ready before starting the online application. Uploading clear and legible scans or photos of these documents will help avoid delays in processing.
- Aadhaar Card - For identity and address verification of the applicant
- Recent Electricity Bill - Your latest WBSEDCL or CESC electricity bill showing your consumer number and address
- Bank Account Details - Passbook copy or cancelled cheque for the account where the subsidy will be transferred via DBT
- Rooftop Photograph - A clear photo of the rooftop area where you plan to install the solar panels
- Property Ownership Proof - Document showing you own the house, such as a property tax receipt, registry document, or similar
Subsidy Amount Under PM Surya Ghar Scheme
The subsidy under PM Surya Ghar is linked to the size of the rooftop solar system you install. This is the same subsidy structure that was followed under West Bengal's own Aloshree scheme, so the rates will be familiar to anyone who had applied earlier. Here is how it breaks down:
For a 1 kW rooftop solar system, consumers receive a subsidy of ₹30,000. If you go for a 2 kW system, the total subsidy goes up to ₹60,000. For a 3 kW or larger system, the maximum subsidy is capped at ₹78,000. This works out to ₹30,000 per kW for the first 2 kW, and ₹18,000 per kW for the capacity between 2 kW and 3 kW. Systems larger than 3 kW do not get additional subsidy beyond the ₹78,000 cap.
Once your system is installed and running, you can also sell surplus electricity generated to WBSEDCL through net metering, which means you can actually earn money from your rooftop solar setup in the long run.
What Happens to Aloshree Scheme Applicants
West Bengal's previous TMC government had launched its own solar subsidy scheme called Aloshree with a fund of ₹20 crore allocated for it. A little over a thousand domestic consumers had applied under Aloshree before fresh applications were stopped after the 2026 election results. WBSEDCL officials have confirmed that all pending Aloshree applications will be automatically shifted to PM Surya Ghar once the formal integration of WBSEDCL's system with the central scheme portal is complete. So if you applied under Aloshree and your application is still pending, you do not need to apply again.
If you are in West Bengal and want to know more about the solar rooftop benefits available nationwide, check the PM Surya Ghar Solar Rooftop Subsidy Yojana overview article as well.
FAQ's
Is PM Surya Ghar available for WBSEDCL consumers in West Bengal?
Yes, the West Bengal BJP government recently rolled out PM Surya Ghar for WBSEDCL consumers. Earlier only CESC consumers in Kolkata were covered. Now both WBSEDCL and CESC consumers can apply for the subsidy.
How much free electricity will I get under PM Surya Ghar in West Bengal?
Up to 300 units of free electricity per month, depending on the size of your rooftop solar system and your actual electricity consumption.
What is the maximum subsidy under PM Surya Ghar in West Bengal?
The maximum subsidy is ₹78,000 for systems of 3 kW and above. For a 1 kW system it is ₹30,000 and for a 2 kW system it is ₹60,000.
Where do I apply for PM Surya Ghar in West Bengal?
You apply online at the official portal pmsuryaghar.gov.in. There is no offline application process. You can also visit your nearest Common Service Centre (CSC) or DISCOM office for help with the application.
I had applied under the Aloshree scheme. Do I need to apply again for PM Surya Ghar?
No. WBSEDCL has confirmed that all pending Aloshree applications will automatically be transferred to the PM Surya Ghar scheme once the system integration is complete. No fresh application is required from you.
Can I sell surplus solar power to the grid in West Bengal?
Yes. After installation of the net meter, you can sell any surplus electricity your solar panels generate back to WBSEDCL or CESC at the applicable rate. This can help you earn additional income on top of the savings on your electricity bill.