LGD orders solar system for all haats, markets by 2027

The Local Government Division (LGD) has directed authorities to install solar power systems at every haat and market in each union of all upazilas across Bangladesh by 31 January 2027.
The directive came in a letter to upazila parishad administrators and upazila nirbahi officers (UNOs) on Thursday.
The LGD said the systems must be installed on permanent shed roofs at haats and markets and four to five storey buildings constructed by the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED).
The government has also ordered rooftop solar systems with batteries for LGD offices and other buildings at local, district and upazila levels, with surplus power to be supplied to the national grid after meeting their own demand.
The systems must have two hours of battery backup. Surplus power will be supplied under the net metering system. Under the Net Metering Guidelines, 2025, Tk10.50 will be received for each unit supplied, generating additional revenue for local government institutions.
The LGD said 10% of lease income from haats and markets is allocated for maintenance or development, while another 10% is earmarked for such work within the upazila under Rules 10(e) and 10(f) of the Haat and Market (Establishment and Management) Rules, 2025. These funds must be used to install and expand solar systems.
Companies installing the panels must sign 20-year repair and maintenance agreements on non-judicial stamps.