Tk370cr allocated for rooftop solar projects
The government has allocated Tk370 crore for rooftop solar projects at local government institutions across the country, targeting around 300 megawatts (MW) of electricity generation.
Local Government State Minister Mir Shahe Alam announced the plan at a press briefing at the Secretariat on Wednesday.
The initiative will cover city corporations, municipalities, upazila and district-level institutions, union parishads and other facilities under the local government system.
Solar power generated by the systems will first be used to meet the institutions’ own electricity needs, while surplus power may be supplied to the national grid.
The minister said the investment is expected to be recovered within three to four years, mainly through savings on electricity costs.
As part of the programme, rooftop solar systems will be installed at 6,544 haat-bazars across the country, with around 150MW of electricity targeted from these markets alone.
The initiative will use existing rooftops instead of requiring additional land for solar installations. The remaining capacity under the 300MW target is expected to come from local government buildings and other eligible public facilities.
Of the total allocation, around Tk120 crore has been earmarked for union-level institutions, Tk75 crore for city corporations, Tk99 crore for upazila-level institutions and Tk12 crore for district councils. Funds have also been allocated for municipalities and other local government bodies.
According to a preliminary estimate, installing a 5.5-kilowatt rooftop solar system will cost around Tk3.26 lakh.
The government expects the programme to reduce electricity expenses and increase the use of renewable energy. However, its success will depend on proper installation, maintenance, rooftop suitability, equipment quality, actual power generation and arrangements for supplying surplus electricity to the grid.
Meanwhile, Shahe Alam said around Tk6,000 crore could be required to hold elections to the country’s five tiers of local government.
Of the estimated cost, Tk2,700-2,800 crore could be needed for union parishad elections alone.
He said local government elections could begin next year, although no final decision has yet been made on the election schedule or the order in which the polls will be held. The matter will be coordinated with the Election Commission.
Asked whether the recent increase in fuel prices could affect election costs, the minister said its impact would become clearer when the elections are held.
