Rooftop solar capacity surpasses 1,000 megawatts in Bangladesh

Bangladesh’s rooftop solar capacity has likely surpassed 1,000 megawatts, cutting daytime electricity demand by as much as 6%, according to a study released Tuesday.

The Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis found that 239 large industrial facilities had installed 667 megawatts, compared with the 418 megawatts officially recorded through June. Smaller installations pushed the estimated total above 1,000 megawatts.

Rising grid electricity prices encouraged businesses to adopt cheaper rooftop systems, the report said. It estimated that solar irrigation could add about 4,000 megawatts and save Tk3,000 crore, approximately $244 million, annually by reducing diesel imports.

Bangladesh aims to add 5,500 megawatts of rooftop solar by 2030. The report recommended removing equipment taxes, speeding up net-metering approvals, expanding affordable financing and introducing battery storage and smart meters.