BGMEA offers incentives for rooftop solar adoption in factories

The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has announced a set of financial support and service incentives to encourage member factories to install rooftop solar systems, as the country grapples with rising fuel costs and supply uncertainties.

In a notice issued on Sunday (19 April), the association said Bangladesh's heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels has become an increasing concern, particularly in the wake of global disruptions linked to the Iran-Israel conflict. 

For the export-oriented garment sector, this dependence is now seen as both a financial burden and a strategic vulnerability, it noted. 

The BGMEA said transitioning to renewable energy is no longer optional but necessary to ensure long-term competitiveness. Rooftop solar, in particular, is being positioned as a practical solution that can reduce electricity costs while supporting environmental sustainability.

The association pointed out that factories adopting solar systems would be better placed to manage energy risks and maintain stable operations amid fluctuating global fuel prices.

To accelerate adoption, BGMEA said it is offering a soft loan at 5.5% interest rate to install rooftop solar systems. This is intended to ease the investment burden, which has been a key barrier for many factory owners.

At the same time, the association is providing a 50% waiver on its service fees for member factories that commit to installing solar systems within the next three months, creating an additional incentive for early adoption.

The BGMEA has called on all member factories to take advantage of the support measures, stressing that the shift to renewable energy will strengthen resilience and improve competitiveness in global markets.

It also assured members of continued guidance and cooperation throughout the transition process, signalling a more active role in helping the industry move toward cleaner energy.