Solar panels to be installed in government buildings, educational institutions, hospitals within six months

Highlights:

• Government targets 3,000MW solar power from rooftops by December
• Solar initiative projected to save Tk4,200cr yearly
• Programme aims to cut fossil fuel use by 18 lakh tonnes annually
• New solar initiative also expected to create 100,000 jobs
• Carbon emissions expected to drop by 25 lakh tonnes per year

Over the next three to six months, solar panels will be installed in all government offices, schools, colleges, madrasahs, and hospitals across the country, under the government's National Rooftop Solar Programme.

The Power Division announced the initiative in a circular issued today (7 July), stating that the programme aims to add around 3,000 megawatts of electricity to the national grid by December through rooftop solar installations on public buildings.

The government will implement the scheme under two investment models: the capital expenditure (CapEx) model for government offices and the operating expenditure (OpEx) model for educational and healthcare institutions.

Under the OpEx model, schools, colleges, madrasahs, and hospitals will not have to bear any costs.

The solar systems will be connected to the grid without batteries in most cases. However, batteries may be installed at some educational and healthcare institutions depending on demand.

Net metering will be used to adjust the electricity bills, balancing electricity sent to the grid and electricity consumed from it, with settlements made every three months.

According to the circular, the solar systems will vary in size from 10 kilowatts to several megawatts depending on the available roof area of the respective buildings.

The Power Division noted that Bangladesh currently generates only 5.6% (1,563.7 megawatts) of its electricity from solar power, significantly lower than neighbouring countries.

To address this, the government has set targets to meet 20% of its electricity demand from renewable sources by 2030 and 30% by 2040, as outlined in the Renewable Energy Policy 2025.

With 56% of the country's electricity still coming from natural gas, whose reserves are depleting, the Power Division emphasised the urgency of transitioning to renewables to ensure long-term energy security. The National Rooftop Solar Programme is a part of this strategic shift.

As part of the implementation process, a web-based application has been launched, allowing institutions to assess their rooftop capacity, view necessary equipment requirements, and estimate installation costs.

The circular also states that the panels will be installed only on buildings owned by the government, excluding rented premises.

The government expects this initiative to produce electricity worth Tk25,200 crore annually.

It is also projected to result in yearly financial savings of approximately Tk4,200 crore and reduce fossil fuel use by about 18 lakh tonnes.

Carbon dioxide emissions are expected to fall by an estimated 25 lakh tonnes each year.

Additionally, the programme is expected to open new economic opportunities.

According to the Power Division, around 100,000 new jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities will be created, helping to develop a market for renewable energy and involving the country's skilled and young workforce in the transition.

In the national budget for the 2025–26 fiscal year, the government reduced the tax on solar panels, inverters, and batteries to 1%, alongside offering a 10-year income tax exemption for institutions generating electricity from solar power.

The Power Division stated that by reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels and creating the potential to earn around $20 million annually from carbon credit sales, the initiative would contribute to Bangladesh's climate goals and strengthen its position in global efforts to combat climate change.

The circular concludes that the National Rooftop Solar Programme will not only bolster the electricity supply but also make a significant contribution to the economy, environment, and employment. It is seen as a key step towards achieving the country's renewable energy targets within a short timeframe.