Govt opens rooftop solar mkt to local entrepreneurs
The government has launched a nationwide programme to expand rooftop solar power and create a new network of entrepreneurs and service providers, seeking to accelerate implementation of the National Renewable Energy Development Strategy 2026-2030.
Electricity distribution companies issued notices on Thursday to enlist qualified service providers across districts and geographical areas, said in a press release issued by Power Division.
Under the new framework, enlisted service providers will offer technical assistance, investment and business packages, customer services, and operation and maintenance facilities for rooftop solar and other renewable energy technologies at the local level.
The initiative is designed to bring a wider range of businesses into the renewable energy sector, including local firms, small and medium entrepreneurs, young people, women entrepreneurs and technology-based companies. Service providers will be selected through a transparent and competitive process.
The Power Division said local companies would have an opportunity to strengthen their technical, financial and business capabilities by partnering with experienced national-level companies and investors.
“Both individual companies and joint ventures will be eligible to apply and participate, creating opportunities for local and emerging entrepreneurs to establish partnerships with experienced firms,” it said.
A major objective is to expand the rooftop solar sector across every region of the country while encouraging healthy competition among service providers.
The government is also working to expand special incentives, tax and customs benefits, easy and low-interest financing, and startup funding for new and innovative entrepreneurs involved in rooftop solar.
The initiative comes under the National Renewable Energy Development Strategy 2026-2030, which sets a target of raising renewable energy’s share of the country’s electricity generation to 20 per cent by 2030.
The strategy also targets 5,500MW of electricity from rooftop solar by 2030.
It aims to establish a secure, affordable, sustainable and low-carbon energy system while strengthening energy security and supporting economic growth, industrialisation and climate-resilient development.
The new programme is intended to expand participation beyond major urban centres by engaging entrepreneurs from every region of the country.
The government expects the emerging renewable energy market to create opportunities stretching from Panchagarh to Patuakhali and Kurigram to Cox’s Bazar.
Through district-based service providers, the programme seeks to bring investment, technical expertise and customer services closer to consumers while building a broader local business ecosystem around rooftop solar and renewable energy.
