Bangladesh Launches Rooftop Solar Incentives to Tackle Power Shortages.

Consumers can earn incentives for surplus solar power, while battery storage aims to reduce peak-grid demand and fuel dependence.

Bangladesh has introduced an incentive programme for rooftop solar systems with battery storage to address worsening power shortages and reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels. Under the scheme, consumers installing eligible systems by February 28, 2027, will receive 10.50 taka per kWh for surplus electricity supplied to the national grid for three years. The government has capped the generation cost of rooftop solar, including battery storage, at 8 taka per unit. The incentive includes a 20% profit margin and an additional premium, while consumers installing systems below the benchmark cost can retain the savings. Bangladesh aims to generate 20% of its electricity, or around 5,500 MW, from renewable sources by 2030, increasing the target to 30% by 2040. The country currently has around 1,559 MW of renewable energy capacity, largely solar. With power shortages peaking near 4,000 MW in August, authorities see rooftop solar and battery storage as a faster, land-efficient solution to strengthen energy security.