First ‘Made in Bangladesh’ solar modules shipped to US
Staff Reporter :
Bangladesh has officially entered the global photovoltaic (PV) solar module export market, marking a significant milestone with the first shipment to US-based CleanGrid Incorporation.
The shipment, facilitated by Dhaka-based Radiant Alliance Ltd, consists of 64.6 megawatts (MW) of solar modules – marking a shift from Bangladesh’s historical reliance on imports to becoming an exporter in the renewable energy sector.
Radiant Alliance, which operates a 600 MW solar module manufacturing facility in Ashulia, near Dhaka, produced passivated emitter rear cell (PERC) and tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) modules for the shipment. The modules-ranging from 100 W PERC to 200 W TOPCon units – were assembled using solar cells imported from Indonesia and Laos.
This marks the company’s first consignment to CleanGrid, which has placed an order for a total of 64.6 MW. Radiant Alliance is also in advanced discussions with two other US-based clients for the potential export of 600 MW to 700 MW of modules by 2026.
“We are actively exploring new markets, including Africa,” said Masudar Rahim, CEO of Radiant Alliance Ltd. “As global demand for sustainable energy grows, Radiant Alliance is proud to introduce ‘Made in Bangladesh’ solar technology to the international market.”
This development reflects Bangladesh’s growing manufacturing capacity and hints at its increasing competitiveness in the global renewable energy supply chain. The shift is notable in a country that, until recently, depended almost entirely on imports for its solar module requirements – primarily from China.
Former Bangladesh Sustainable and Renewable Energy Association (BSREA) president Dipal C Barua acknowledged the historic reliance on imports but welcomed the new export initiative as a sign of progress.
According to the International Trade Administration, Bangladesh has made gradual progress in expanding renewable energy capacity over the past two decades, though much of its potential remains untapped.
As of 2024, renewable energy accounts for just 4.5 per cent of the country’s total installed power capacity of 22,215 MW. Of this, solar contributes around 80 per cent of the 1,183 MW renewable share.
The government has set ambitious targets to scale up its clean energy footprint-aiming for renewables to make up 15 per cent of the energy mix by 2030, 40 per cent by 2041, and 100 per cent by 2050.
Meanwhile, the solar module export breakthrough also contributes to Bangladesh’s broader trade relationship with the United States.
In 2024, total goods trade between the two nations stood at USD 10.6 billion. US exports to Bangladesh fell by 1.5 per cent to USD 2.2 billion, while imports from Bangladesh rose by 1.1 per cent to USD 8.4 billion, according to the Office of the United States Trade Representative.
As Bangladesh begins to scale up production and explore new international markets, this move into solar module exports could serve as a springboard for the country’s broader ambitions in clean energy manufacturing and global trade integration.