Buet installs 3.5MW solar project on rooftops of 19 buildings

Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet) has inaugurated a significant solar initiative, featuring a 3.5MW rooftop solar system installed across 19 buildings.

Buet Vice Chancellor Satya Prasad Majumder inaugurated the commercial operation of the project at the Jamilur Reza Choudhury Civil Engineering Building on Thursday (13 June). 

Authorities of Buet expect that 10% of the university's electricity needs will be met through the project. At present, 2.4MW of electricity is being generated through solar panels.

Through the solar power project, Buet will save Tk50 lakh in its electricity consumption expenses every year, said people related to the project at the launching event.

They said through the project Buet will save around Tk12 crore over the next 25 years. If it manages the project with its own manpower in 25 years, this amount will increase to Tk25 crore.

Additionally, the solar project is expected to significantly contribute to reducing Buet's carbon footprint by an estimated 56,507 tonnes.

PSL Environment and Green Energy Ltd, Genex Infrastructure Ltd and Pacific Solar and Renewable Energy Ltd are the partners of the project. The project started on 10 November 2022.

Alamgir Morshed, executive director of the Infrastructure Development Company Ltd (IDCOL), which financed the project, said, "Buet's adoption of renewable energy sources aligns with broader efforts to reduce operational costs and environmental impact."

He said Buet and Edcol could work in more technical areas to expand the work on rooftop solar.

Vice Chancellor Satya Prasad Majumder termed the implementation of the solar project as a groundbreaking initiative, and said Buet is the first educational institution in the country to install solar panels across all rooftops.