Solar Streetlights Save Tk9.74 Million in Eight Years

Solar energy collected during the day is helping illuminate several roads in Dhaka’s Uttara neighbourhood at night. According to Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), solar-powered streetlights have saved around 850,000 units of grid electricity over eight years. The estimated financial savings stand at Tk9.741 million, while carbon dioxide emissions have fallen by approximately 527 tonnes over the same period.

Following the experience in Uttara, DNCC has installed solar streetlights in Bhashantek as well. The city corporation is now considering expanding the system to more roads across the capital.

260 Solar Streetlights on Three Uttara Roads

According to DNCC records, a total of 260 solar streetlights have been installed on 130 poles along Shahjalal Avenue, Goribe Newaz Avenue and Gausul Azam Avenue in Uttara.

Each light has a capacity of 90 watts and is supported by a 250-watt solar panel. The combined installed capacity of the solar panels is 65 kilowatts.

DNCC’s calculation covers the period from July 2018 to 15 October 2026. The estimate assumes that the lights operate for an average of 12 hours a day. Based on this calculation, the system has saved approximately 850,000 units of grid electricity and reduced carbon dioxide emissions by an estimated 527 tonnes.

Plans to Expand Solar Streetlights

Relevant DNCC officials said solar-powered streetlights can deliver good results on roads that receive sufficient sunlight. Following the experience on three roads in Uttara, the city corporation introduced the system in Bhashantek. Authorities are now working on plans to install solar streetlights on additional roads across Dhaka.

Officials identified dust in Dhaka as a challenge for solar panels. However, they believe the technology has considerable potential if regular cleaning and maintenance are ensured.

Wider use of solar streetlights could reduce dependence on conventional grid electricity and ease environmental pressure. It could also support the development of more environmentally friendly urban infrastructure at comparatively low cost.

Lighting Roads While Saving Electricity

A field visit found that illumination from the solar-powered lights on the three Uttara roads was comparable to that provided by conventional streetlights or LED lights.

According to DNCC officials, the system could be expanded more widely across Dhaka if installations are planned carefully on roads with sufficient sunlight and regular maintenance is ensured.

Following the Uttara initiative, DNCC inaugurated 450 solar-powered LED streetlights in Bhashantek slum on 19 April this year. The project aims to make narrow roads and alleys easier to navigate at night and improve residents’ safety. According to the city corporation, approximately 150,000 people are expected to benefit.

Meanwhile, Dhaka South City Corporation also undertook a solar-powered streetlight project around the same period. However, the initiative did not succeed because of shortcomings in planning and regular maintenance, according to relevant sources.

DNCC’s experience suggests that solar-powered streetlights can play an effective role in urban services when locations are selected appropriately and proper planning and maintenance are ensured. The system offers an opportunity to keep roads illuminated while reducing grid electricity consumption and carbon emissions.
//DBTech/DNCCPR/SME/FOED//