Low-cost rooftop solar power cuts dependence on grid

For uninterrupted production, factories rely on alternative sources of electricity in cases of load shedding. But power from generators generated by burning petroleum is harmful to the environment and costly too. Considering this, industrialists now-a-days are shifting to rooftop solar projects as an effective solution to keep factories running.

Md Rezaul Karim, Company Secretary, Hatil Complex Limited, said this about the rooftop solar project of 2.67 MW peak capacity installed on the rooftop at its Savar factory. Solar power is being produced from February 2023 from this project installed at a total cost of Tk 142.3 million (14.23 crore), according to a media release.

“A large area of the rooftop of Hatil's factory was lying unused. We thought of using it. We learned that Infrastructure Development Company Limited (IDCOL) provides technical and financial facilities for the implementation of solar power projects. The financing of IDCOL is profitable for us. Then we took the initiative to install this project with a loan from IDCOL,” replied Rezaul.

Electricity is the lifeline of any industry. When the power supply is interrupted, the production of the factory stops completely, which causes huge losses. Solar power projects can generate large amounts of electricity and are much cheaper than other alternative sources, such as generators. At the same time, it is environment-friendly. Taking everything into account, Hatil Complex Limited authorities set up a solar power project on the roof of the factory.

"The electricity we get from solar projects will last as long as the earth exists. This source of electricity is renewable and clean, which keeps the environment safe," he said. On one hand, the dependence on the national grid is reduced, and on the other hand, the cost of electricity is significantly lower. We can play a role in protecting the environment, he advocated.

Solar power is becoming one of the most popular sources of renewable energy around the world. Since no fossil fuels are used, solar power generation does not emit carbon, thus causing no harm to the environment, said the entrepreneur.

Sources said, like many countries in the world, rooftop solar systems are being installed in various factories in Bangladesh. Rooftop solar systems convert sunlight into electricity through various physical and electrical processes through solar panels.

IDCOL, a state-owned non-bank financial institution in Bangladesh, is at the forefront of financing energy and infrastructure development, the release adds.