Padakhep Takes Initiative to Expand Rooftop Solar Power

Drawing on more than two decades of experience in the renewable energy sector, Padakhep Manabik Unnayan Kendra has undertaken a new initiative to expand access to rooftop solar power among households across Bangladesh. As part of this effort, the organization is showcasing its experience in implementing solar power projects and the technologies it has used at the two-day Bangladesh Solar Expo 2026 in the capital. Simultaneously, Padakhep is preparing to work as a Demand Aggregator (DA) under the Infrastructure Development Company Limited (IDCOL)'s Domestic Rooftop Solar (DRS) Programme.

The exhibition was inaugurated on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in Agargaon, Dhaka. Jointly organized by the Power Division, the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, and IDCOL, the expo is being held for the first time in the country under the theme “Utilize Every Inch of Your Rooftop and Increase Income Through Solar Energy”. One of the key objectives of the event is to support the implementation of the National Renewable Energy Development Strategy (2026–2030) and familiarize stakeholders with government policies and incentives for expanding solar power generation.

At Stall No. 93, Padakhep is showcasing solar panels, off-grid inverters, batteries, and related equipment. The displayed products include a 1.7 kW inverter, 12V 100Ah and 64V 150Ah batteries, and 200W and 350W solar panels. Through these exhibits, the organization is highlighting its practical experience gained from previously implemented and ongoing solar power and Energy Storage System (ESS) projects.

Padakhep began its journey in the solar energy sector in 2005. Working in collaboration with IDCOL and government rural infrastructure initiatives, the organization has extended Solar Home Systems (SHS) to households in remote and electricity-deprived areas. According to Padakhep's records, between 2006 and 2018, the organization installed a total of 36,843 solar energy systems across 10 districts including Khagrachhari, Rangpur, Dinajpur, Barishal, Lalmonirhat, Kurigram, Bandarban, Sylhet, Brahmanbaria, and Habiganj. These included 33,823 Solar Home Systems and 3,020 solar streetlights. The availability of installment-based payment facilities also enabled low-income households to own solar power systems.

Subsequently, Padakhep expanded the use of solar energy across its own operations. In 2022, a 24.09 kWp grid-connected rooftop solar system was installed at the organization’s head office in Dhaka, with an estimated annual electricity generation capacity of 33,000 units. Solar power and lithium battery-based Energy Storage Systems (ESS) are also being used at its branch offices. In April 2026, four integrated solar power and ESS installations with a combined solar capacity of 8.8 kWp were implemented in Shibpur and Gaila, serving two residential households, a livestock farm, and a mosque-cum-madrasa facility.

Building on this experience, Padakhep plans to work as a Demand Aggregator under IDCOL's Domestic Rooftop Solar (DRS) Programme, with field-level activities expected to commence soon. The planned initiative will focus on raising awareness of rooftop solar opportunities among the organization’s members and beneficiaries, identifying suitable rooftops and electricity demand, and connecting prospective customers with technical services and financing opportunities in accordance with applicable policies and guidelines.

Mohammad Rakibul Hasan, Joint Director of Padakhep, stated that the participation of households, small entrepreneurs, and local communities is crucial to achieving the country's national solar energy expansion targets. He noted that their primary objective in participating in this expo is to leverage their experience from previous projects and their extensive member network to bring the opportunities of affordable and environmentally friendly energy to a wider population.

It is worth noting that the special tariff of Tk. 10.50 per unit for surplus electricity supplied to the national grid from rooftop solar systems was also highlighted at the inauguration ceremony. The relevant notification issued by the Power Division came into effect on September 1, 2026. Under the provision, eligible consumers who install qualifying solar systems and begin supplying surplus electricity to the grid by February 28, 2027, in compliance with the Net Metering Guidelines 2025, will be entitled to receive Tk. 10.50 per unit of electricity supplied to the grid until February 28, 2030. According to a government clarification issued on September 18, this incentive applies to both eligible battery-integrated and battery-free solar power systems.

 //DBTech/PIH/SME/MIST//