From crisis to clean: Community of solar sharing leading the energy revolution

Energy powers modern society, yet much of it still comes from polluting fossil fuels like coal and gas. In Bangladesh, gas-powered plants dominate power generation, with coal and fuel oil also in use. However, declining gas production and the absence of new coal reserves have increased reliance on imported liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and coal, adding economic and environmental stress. This situation makes it crucial for Bangladesh to transition to renewable energy, with solar power, the most abundant source, playing a pivotal role.

Sunlight is abundant and pollution-free yet underutilized. Photovoltaic (PV) panels efficiently convert sunlight into electricity. Rooftop solar systems, especially with batteries, can power homes and store energy. The government has initiated large-scale solar projects, with growing interest from private investors. However, more community-driven efforts are needed to harness solar energy and ensure full broad energy access. Though solar home systems (SHS) can be costly in Bangladesh, community-driven approaches like "solar villages" and peer-to-peer (P2P) energy sharing help make solar power affordable and accessible to communities.

A study by Sayed et al. shows that peer-to-peer (P2P) solar energy sharing increases self-sufficiency and reduces waste by enabling households with excess energy to share it, especially where battery storage is limited. This boosts efficiency and accessibility through IoT and smart grid technologies. Homes are connected in a P2P network to share electricity, and if one system fails, it can temporarily draw power from others, forming an autonomous "nano grid".

Private companies set up these systems at subsidized costs, with ownership eventually transferred to the community. Countries like Kenya, Ethiopia, and Uganda have adopted this model, and Bangladesh is following suit.

Dhaka-based SOLshare has implemented a solar grid-sharing platform that allows households to sell excess energy, reducing costs by up to 25%. By 2030, SOLshare aims to establish over 20,000 nano grids, connecting more than 1 million people to clean energy.

Grameen Shakti has also launched a similar initiative, establishing 100 SMART grids for peer-to-peer energy trading, benefiting 15,000 people. Urban households in large cities can benefit from peer-to-peer (P2P) electricity sharing through solar home systems, maximizing energy generation and efficiency.

While still in the research phase, this system shows promise for large-scale implementation. Studies highlight the advantages of blockchain-based energy bidding methods for selling surplus energy to neighbouring buildings.

A pilot project in Uttar Pradesh, India, is testing P2P rooftop solar trading using smart contracts and blockchain technology, allowing households to set prices and track trades in real time.

In Bangladesh, rooftop solar systems mainly support net metering for new buildings. Companies like SOLshare, Rahimafrooz Solar, and Solar Electro Bangladesh Ltd. provide solutions for installing these systems.

To fully realize their potential, interconnected approaches like P2P sharing require further research and development, particularly in Bangladesh, where renewable energy adoption is vital.

To tackle the challenges of energy security and environmental sustainability, Bangladesh must accelerate the adoption of solar energy through both rural and urban initiatives. Peer-to-peer sharing and smart technologies can unlock the full potential of renewable energy, making it a vital solution for future energy needs.

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