Domestic Rooftop Solar programme inaugurated in Bhaluka

The Domestic Rooftop Solar (DTRS) programme, being implemented by Infrastructure Development Company Limited (IDCOL) and Bangladesh Infrastructure Finance Fund Limited (BIFFL), was inaugurated at the Upazila Complex Hall Room in Bhaluka, Mymensingh, on Friday.

To mark the launch, rooftop solar systems have been installed at two homes: a 20kWp system at the residence of MP Fakhr Uddin Ahmed, and a 5kWp system at the residence of Md Sohel Rana, a resident of Bhaluka, according to a press release.

Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood attended the programme as the chief guest. Fakhr Uddin attended as the special guest. The programme was chaired by Power Division Secretary Mirana Mahrook.

While delivering the welcome address, IDCOL managing director (acting) SM Monirul Islam said, “We must turn our discussions into reality. We must transform rooftops into rooftop solar.” 

Md Enamul Karim Pavel, head of renewable energy, IDCOL, made a presentation on the Domestic Rooftop Solar programme. 

BIFFL Chief Executive Officer SM Anichuzzaman said, “Let renewable energy be our primary source of energy.”

The programme also featured remarks from Economic Relations Division Joint Secretary Md Ashfaqul Amin Mukut, Mymensingh Deputy Commissioner Md Saifur Rahman, and Bhaluka Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Firoz Hossain.

In his speech, Minister Iqbal Hassan said, “The government is taking steps to transform nearly 16.3 million concrete and semi-concrete rooftops across the country into power generation facilities. The Domestic Rooftop Solar programme is being strengthened to encourage people to adopt renewable energy. 

“To ensure uninterrupted power supply in Bhaluka during the coming summer and reduce public suffering, a plan has been taken to meet at least 50% of the area’s electricity demand through solar power,” he said.

Mirana Mahrook said, “Installing solar systems on rooftops can significantly reduce electricity bills. At a large establishment where the monthly electricity bill was around Tk35,000, the bill came down to Tk7,400 after installing a solar system. Ordinary people and farmers can also earn an additional Tk5,000 to Tk10,000 per month by selling surplus electricity after meeting their own needs. Therefore, we should make use of every inch of rooftop to save on electricity costs and increase income.”

Fakhr Uddin said, “I thank IDCOL for taking such a timely and people-oriented initiative like the Domestic Rooftop Solar programme. If we move forward according to the government’s calculations and plans, Insha’Allah, there will be no major concern or crisis in the country’s power and energy sector within the next five years. Such sustainable initiatives to address the electricity deficit through solar power will play an important role.”

As scheduled, Minister Iqbal Hassan inaugurated the Domestic Rooftop Solar system. The inauguration was conducted from the designated inauguration site through a video link with the guests attending the programme at the venue.

The Domestic Rooftop Solar (DTRS) programme is aimed at expanding the use of solar power at the residential level. Under the initiative, opportunities for using solar power on residential rooftops are being promoted and expanded, encouraging the use of renewable energy in the residential sector.

The initiative is also intended to facilitate greater use of solar power as part of efforts to promote environmentally friendly and sustainable energy use at the residential level. IDCOL and BIFFL are implementing the programme.