The government has taken the initiative to enlist district- and geographical area-based service providers to expand rooftop solar power across different parts of the country.
This move is part of the implementation of targets outlined in the National Renewable Energy Development Strategy 2026-2030. The respective power distribution companies simultaneously published advertisements nationwide on Thursday to initiate the enlisting of these service providers.
These enlisted organisations will provide technical assistance, investment and business packages, customer service, and operation and maintenance facilities for installing various renewable energy technologies, including rooftop solar, at the local level.
According to the government’s plan, this initiative is designed to spread the rooftop solar sector across various regions of Bangladesh instead of restricting it to a few large companies or city-centric businesses.
At the same time, it aims to foster new entrepreneurs at the local level and establish an effective network for providing solar services.
A press release issued by the Power Division stated that a transparent and competitive selection process will be followed for selecting the service providers.
Applications can be submitted by individual organisations as well as joint ventures, which will allow local and new entrepreneurs to partner with experienced national-level companies and investors.
Under this initiative, local businessmen, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), youth, women entrepreneurs, and technology-based firms will have the opportunity to participate in rooftop solar business and service operations.
These partnerships will also enable local firms to enhance their technical, financial, and business capacities.
The government believes that developing local service providers across the country will make it easier to access solar installation and subsequent maintenance services locally.
Moreover, the entry of multiple organisations into the market is expected to foster competition in service and investment packages.
This, in turn, will increase opportunities to create affordable and innovative investment and service packages for consumers. Local organisations are expected to play a critical role, particularly in bringing customers from rural and relatively remote areas under the coverage of rooftop solar.
To boost investment in rooftop solar, the government is also working to expand special incentives, tax and customs duty benefits, and easy, low-interest financing opportunities.
Additionally, the expansion of startup funding opportunities for new and innovative entrepreneurs is currently under consideration.
Under the National Renewable Energy Development Strategy 2026–2030, a target has been set to increase the share of renewable energy in the country’s total electricity generation to 20 per cent by 2030.
This includes a plan to generate 5,500 megawatts (MW) of electricity specifically from rooftop solar.
The development strategy paper sets out to advance energy security, economic growth, industrialisation, and climate-resilient development by establishing a safe, affordable, sustainable, and low-carbon energy system.
To achieve this goal, the government considers it essential to build a skilled workforce, entrepreneurs, investors, and service networks at the local level alongside large-scale projects.
The initiative to enlist service providers is expected to enhance opportunities for building that local capacity.
Ultimately, the government expects that alongside expanding the rooftop solar market, this initiative will generate new opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses, local investment, skill development, and employment.
One of the primary aims of the initiative is to connect businesses, youth, and women entrepreneurs from all regions of the country – spanning from Panchagarh to Patuakhali and Kurigram to Cox’s Bazar – with the rapidly growing renewable energy market.
