Why Solar No Longer a Choice, But a Necessity?

Every day we talk about energy crises due to climate chance, ongoing Middle East conflict, and electricity bills that keep rising.

However, the answer has always been right above our heads: the sun. Then why do we still treat solar energy as an option, when it has become a necessity?

The sun belongs to no one. It cannot be monopolized or exploited by a few. It is there, for everyone.

Unlike fossil fuels, it does not depend on volatile markets or fragile geopolitical balances. Installing a solar system means choosing independence, stepping away from energy blackmail, and investing in autonomy.

A national daily yesterday reported that energy experts from home and abroad at a panel discussion in the city have said that generating 10,000MW of solar power by 2030 is no longer just an ambitious target but a critical necessity for Bangladesh to cope with the global energy crunch.

They also remarked that the escalating Middle East conflict exposed the country’s vulnerability to volatile global fuel markets.

They also told the discussion that the country’s dependence on imported primary energy has risen to 62.5 percent from 47.7 percent in 2021.

They warned that rising crude oil and spot LNG prices could lead to severe summer load-shedding, higher inflation, and an unsustainable subsidy burden.

To address the crisis, they urged the government to prioritise local gas exploration and expedite the start of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant.

A solar system is not only about cutting electricity bills, it is a true financial asset.

Surplus energy can be sold. With storage batteries, self-consumption becomes almost complete.

With energy communities, production turns into shared value. A roof is no longer just protection: it becomes a generator of wealth.

Imagine a neighborhood where people share the energy they produce, creating a local, supportive, and efficient network.

The future will be powered by the sun. The only real question is: will we be part of it now, or will we stand by and watch?

However, it is possible to generate 4,000MM by using 40 million square feet of roof space in the ready-made garment sector. Here too, the cost of the factory can be reduced through ‘net metering.

Yet the country is still far from the mathematical target of achieving self-reliance in renewable energy production.

Policymakers must pay close attention to this right now for the sake of the country’s economic survival.