PM orders solar panels at major govt buildings tackle energy crisis

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today (3 August) ordered the phased installation of solar panels on major government buildings, support for local solar inverter manufacturing, and the development of a financial model to make solar power more affordable, as the government seeks to ease the country's energy crisis.

The directives were issued at a meeting on solar power chaired by the prime minister at his Cabinet Division office at the Bangladesh Secretariat, according to Prime Minister's Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Shiplu.

The first phase of the programme will cover Bangabhaban, the Prime Minister's Office in Tejgaon, the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, the Finance Ministry buildings at the Secretariat, the Planning Commission building and other key government establishments.

The prime minister also directed the authorities concerned to facilitate the import of raw materials used in manufacturing solar inverters to encourage local production.

He further instructed officials to develop a practical economic model that would make solar power affordable, accessible and financially attractive for households.

Tarique Rahman said introducing solar power in government buildings would encourage wider public adoption of the technology and support the expansion of Bangladesh's renewable energy sector.

During the meeting, Pran-RFL Group and Walton Group separately presented proposals on rooftop solar systems for residential buildings and the integration of surplus electricity into the national grid.

According to the presentations, wider use of rooftop solar could reduce dependence on conventional energy sources, improve energy efficiency and create new employment opportunities.

The meeting also highlighted the need to increase public awareness of the economic and practical benefits of solar energy, noting that it can be used to power air conditioners, fans, lifts and other electrical appliances.