Solar Power Could Be the Solution to the Electricity Crisis
The primary source of energy on Earth is the Sun. Without sunlight, the entire world would be covered in darkness. We receive light and heat from the Sun, and by utilizing this solar energy, electricity can be generated. Through direct use of solar power, we can produce an unlimited amount of electricity.
The Sun is approximately 1.3 million times larger than the Earth in size. Its mass is about 330,000 times heavier than that of Earth. The surface temperature of the Sun is around 6,500 degrees Celsius, while the temperature at its core is nearly 30 million degrees Celsius. On average, the Sun is about 148.8 million kilometers away from Earth, and sunlight takes around eight minutes to reach our planet. The Sun itself is an enormous source of energy. It has been supplying energy to the Earth for nearly 5 billion years and will undoubtedly continue to do so for billions of years to come. With the advancement of technology, humans are now utilizing solar energy in various ways according to their needs. One of the most significant examples is solar panels or solar electricity systems.
A solar panel is a device that captures the Sun’s energy for later use. These panels can convert solar radiation into heat or photovoltaic energy. Through solar panels, energy can be supplied to agriculture, businesses, offices, homes, vehicles, calculators, wristwatches, electric lights, satellites in space, and countless other applications.
There is no alternative to power development. The countries that are more advanced in electricity and energy are also ahead in overall development and leadership. Based on practical experience and realization in a developing country like Bangladesh, I would like to highlight an important issue. Bangladesh is still heavily dependent on imported fuel oil. Every year, a huge amount of foreign currency leaves the country to meet the demand for fuel used in electricity generation, irrigation, transportation, and other sectors. Yet we live in a country that receives abundant sunlight for most of the year. If this natural advantage is utilized properly and solar energy is expanded across the country in a planned way, it will not only increase electricity generation but also significantly reduce the outflow of foreign currency.
Many European countries, despite having long winters and snow-covered conditions, are placing the highest priority on green energy because they understand that the future belongs to sustainable energy. Bangladesh, by nature, is far more suitable for solar power generation. If we can widely adopt solar energy, there will be three major benefits:
1. Dependence on imported fuel oil will decrease.
2. Foreign currency reserves will be protected.
3. The country will move toward environmentally friendly energy solutions.
Considering the realities of our country, solar energy is no longer a luxury—it is a necessity for the future.
There is no alternative to power development. The more a nation progresses in electricity and energy, the more advanced it becomes in development and leadership. Looking at our country’s practical realities, almost every village, town, factory, and building has rooftops that can be utilized for solar installations. In rural areas, open spaces are even more available, and solar panels can easily be installed on tin-roofed houses. By utilizing this existing infrastructure, we can support both on-grid and off-grid electricity systems through solar energy.
A solar system mainly requires three components: solar panels, an inverter, and batteries. Solar panels generally have a lifespan of 20 to 30 years, making them highly effective in the long term. Inverters are relatively affordable and usable for several years. However, the most expensive and critical component is the battery, which usually needs replacement every two to four years.
This is where the main challenge exists. In Bangladesh, high import duties are imposed on solar batteries, which ultimately increases the cost burden on ordinary users. As a result, the initial capital investment becomes significantly higher. For low-income and rural families, this becomes a major obstacle.
In reality, an average rural family may currently spend only 500 to 600 taka per month on electricity. Naturally, they question why they should invest 10,000 to 15,000 taka or even more to install a solar system. When they evaluate the cost-benefit ratio, many decide against making the investment.
Therefore, I would humbly request the government to reconsider policies related to the solar sector. In particular, reducing taxes on solar batteries would encourage wider public adoption. In addition, introducing easy installment facilities or financial support programs could greatly reduce the pressure of initial investment.
If solar systems can be expanded from remote villages to urban households and industries, the pressure on the national power grid would decrease significantly. At the same time, electricity shortages would be reduced, dependence on expensive alternative energy sources would decline, and the country would gradually move toward energy self-sufficiency.
Solar energy is an inexhaustible gift of nature. Producing electricity from sunlight is not merely a technological solution—it is a sustainable path for the future. With proper policy support, this sector can play a vital role in the country’s overall development.
Encouragingly, the government has recently taken initiatives to install solar panels in homes across the capital to reduce pressure on the electricity grid. On May 7, at the inauguration ceremony of the three-day BIID Expo on power, energy, and construction equipment held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Iqbal Hasan Mahmud announced this initiative.
The minister stated that solar power would be made more accessible to create backup electricity systems. A new policy framework is expected to be introduced through a government order by next June. He further added that due to lack of leadership and proper direction, the country had not yet been able to move extensively toward solar energy systems. However, the present government intends to place special emphasis on solar and wind energy among renewable energy sources.
The government is also moving forward with major plans to increase the use of renewable energy. As part of this initiative, a target has been set to add an additional 809.5 megawatts of solar electricity to the national grid by 2028. Currently, Bangladesh produces around 1,451 megawatts of solar electricity, which accounts for approximately 5.01 percent of the country’s total power generation capacity.
Electricity is essential for development. Ensuring the supply of this necessary electricity is undoubtedly a difficult challenge. Bangladesh cannot meet its entire long-term electricity demand solely through gas-, oil-, or coal-based power projects. Even if temporary solutions are achieved, they may lead to serious long-term consequences. Therefore, solar power could become the pathway to solving the electricity crisis.
Writer: Market Analyst and Financial Management Consultant; Managing Director, Gold Bell Corporation.
