The government has launched an initiative to expand rooftop solar across Bangladesh, create new entrepreneurs at the local level and develop an effective network of solar service providers as part of its National Renewable Energy Development Strategy 2026–2030.
Under the initiative, qualified service providers will be enlisted on a district and geographical-area basis. They will provide technical assistance for installing rooftop solar and other renewable-energy technologies, as well as investment and business packages, customer services, and operation and maintenance facilities, said an official release.
The relevant electricity distribution companies have already issued notices seeking applications for enlistment as service providers across the country.
The new framework is intended to create opportunities for local businesses, small and medium-sized enterprises, young entrepreneurs, women entrepreneurs and technology-based organisations to participate in the renewable-energy sector.
Local organisations will also be able to work with experienced national-level companies and investors to strengthen their technical, financial and business capabilities. Service providers will be selected through a transparent and competitive process.
The government will also allow joint ventures alongside individual institutional applications, creating opportunities for local and new entrepreneurs to build partnerships with experienced organisations.
One of the key objectives of the initiative is to expand the rooftop solar sector beyond a handful of large companies or urban-centred businesses and establish it across different parts of the country. This is expected to increase competition among service providers while encouraging the development of a wider range of financing and service packages for consumers.
The government is also taking measures to encourage investment in rooftop solar by offering incentives, tax and duty benefits, easier and low-cost financing, and greater access to start-up funding for new and innovative entrepreneurs.
Particular emphasis is being placed on consumers and entrepreneurs in rural and relatively remote areas, with the government seeking to ensure that they can also benefit from the programme.
According to the National Renewable Energy Development Strategy 2026–2030, the government aims to increase the share of renewable energy in the country’s electricity generation to 20% by 2030. The plan includes 5,500MW of electricity generation from rooftop solar.
The strategy aims to strengthen energy security, support economic growth, promote industrialisation and advance climate-resilient development through a safe, affordable, sustainable and low-carbon energy system. Developing a skilled workforce, local entrepreneurs, investors and an effective service-provider network across the country will be crucial to achieving these objectives.
The government expects the initiative to make rooftop solar an important component of Bangladesh’s energy transition while creating new opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses, local investment, skills development and employment.
Ensuring that businesses, young entrepreneurs and women entrepreneurs from Patuakhali to Kurigram and from all other parts of the country can participate in the expanding renewable-energy market is among the initiative’s key objectives.