Private investment could unlock an estimated 132.61 megawatt-peak (MWp) of rooftop solar power generation capacity across public universities, colleges, city corporations and municipalities in Bangladesh, according to a policy dialogue organised by the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) in collaboration with the University Grants Commission of Bangladesh (UGC).
Participants at the dialogue called for stronger investment protection, predictable tariffs, streamlined administrative procedures and coordinated government support to attract private capital and accelerate rooftop solar development.
The proposals were presented at a citizens’ dialogue titled “Developing Solar Power on Rooftops and Other Suitable Sites in City Corporations and Municipal Areas through Private Investment” at the Dhaka Reporters Unity’s Shafiqul Kabir Hall on Thursday.
The event brought together policymakers, energy experts, engineers, academics, entrepreneurs and prospective investors to discuss the potential of rooftop solar to reduce electricity generation costs, strengthen energy security and expand renewable energy without requiring additional land.
Four categories of sites offer 132.61 MWp potential
A presentation at the dialogue identified substantial solar generation potential across educational institutions and municipal areas.
The estimated capacity includes 52.50 MWp across 31 public universities, 51.12 MWp across 150 colleges, 24.63 MWp in Rajshahi City Corporation and 4.36 MWp in Shailkupa Municipality.
Speakers said rooftops of educational institutions, government and private buildings, commercial premises and markets could be used more extensively to increase renewable electricity generation amid rising demand and limited land availability.
Engineer Shihab Uddin, a professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering at Daffodil International University, delivered the main presentation. Shuv Kabir Roy, research and coordination engineer at CAB, delivered the opening remarks.
Professor M. Samsul Alam, energy adviser to CAB, presented the keynote address, while Nabila Shirana Mahruq, secretary of the Power Division, attended as chief guest.
Average generation cost estimated at Tk 4.10 per unit
The cost estimates presented at the dialogue put the levelised cost of electricity (LCOE) at Tk 4.04 per unit for public university projects and Tk 4.15 for college installations.
For Shailkupa Municipality, the estimated cost was Tk 4.00 per unit for rooftop solar systems and Tk 4.75 for ground-mounted installations. The corresponding estimate for the Rajshahi metropolitan area was Tk 4.04 per unit.
The average generation cost across the proposed projects was estimated at approximately Tk 4.10 per unit.
Under the proposed operating expenditure (OPEX) model, private investors would finance installation, supply equipment and manage operations, recovering their investment and earning returns through electricity sales. The arrangement could reduce the need for participating institutions and other customers to make substantial upfront capital investments.
The projects are estimated to generate around 193 million units of electricity in the first year and approximately 3.703 billion units over 20 years.
The estimated engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) cost stands at Tk 7.31 billion. At a proposed selling price of Tk 7.50 per unit, total electricity sales over 20 years could reach approximately Tk 27.77 billion, according to the estimates presented.
Investors seek predictable returns and stronger safeguards
During the open discussion, participants identified investment security, long-term financial predictability, stable tariff arrangements and effective coordination among government agencies as key conditions for attracting private capital.
Professor Alam stressed the need for stronger monitoring and enforcement, improved institutional capacity among participating organisations and greater coordination between public institutions and private investors.
He also proposed forming a committee or task force to coordinate investors and resolve implementation challenges.
Participants said a transparent and predictable regulatory framework would be essential to ensure financial viability, maintain investor confidence and support the long-term operation of rooftop solar projects.
Government highlights renewable energy policy measures
Addressing the dialogue as chief guest, Power Division Secretary Nabila Shirana Mahruq said expanding renewable energy was important to addressing electricity shortages and reducing dependence on imported energy.
She stressed that private-sector participation would be necessary to achieve these objectives.
Mahruq said the Renewable Energy Strategy had been approved at a Cabinet meeting on July 12. The government was pursuing tax benefits, incentives and other measures to improve the investment environment, she added.
According to her remarks, 8,336 new investors had joined the sector over the preceding four months.
The dialogue also highlighted targets to reduce demand for grid electricity by 20 per cent by 2027 and by 10 per cent by 2030.
The proposed solar projects could avoid an estimated 119,502 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions in the first year and around 2.3 million tonnes over 20 years, according to the figures presented.
Universities proposed as solar training and service centres
Participants also called for greater investment in skills development to support the expansion of rooftop solar systems across the country.
One proposal recommended establishing a Solar Map and Service Centre at every public university to facilitate project planning, provide technical services and build local capacity.
Universities and colleges could also serve as training and service centres to develop a skilled workforce for the renewable energy sector, participants said.
In the concluding session, the chair called for effective action against irregularities in the power sector and electricity theft. The chair also stressed that investor interests must be balanced with consumer protection and access to electricity at affordable prices.
CAB separately sought government assistance in allocating a dedicated building and plot for the organisation.
Implementation remains key to realising solar potential
Participants agreed that expanding renewable energy could contribute to energy security, economic stability and environmental protection. However, they stressed that turning the identified potential into operational projects would require effective implementation, rational tariffs, regular maintenance, stronger institutional capacity and independent monitoring.
They said investment protection and clear policy support would be essential to bring unused rooftops and other suitable sites into productive use.