Integrating solar power into Bangladesh's distribution grid: Customer benefits, necessity, process, and technology

Bangladesh, a nation burgeoning with potential and economic growth, faces a critical challenge—balancing its energy needs with environmental sustainability. With a growing population and increasing demand for electricity, the country’s reliance on traditional fossil fuels has led to heightened carbon emissions and environmental degradation. In response, integrating solar power into the distribution grid emerges not as a mere option, but as a crucial necessity. Solar power, particularly rooftop solar systems, offers a sustainable, clean, and decentralized energy solution that can significantly contribute to the country's energy mix.   In this article we will focus on how the Roof Top solar can be integrated into the country’s Distribution Network.

Current issues with residential roof top solar

Issue No 1: No Net Metering system in place (policy is in place but it is of no use without the system being operational).

Issue No 2: No incentives are given to the consumers if the excess solar sold back to the Grid.

Issue No 3: No existing plans to integrate these solar capacities into the distribution grid

Issue No 4: No residential rooftop solar panel quality standards established by the Government to ensure quality solar panels sold in the marketplace. Resulting in residential building owners to purchase cheap solar panels to satisfy the BPDB requirements for the electric connections.

Missed Opportunity: As of December 2024, only within the City of Dhaka, there are approximately over  375 megawatts (MW) of solar almost 100% being unutilized due to lack of Net Metering System being utilized and no plans to integrate the these solar power into the Distribution Grid. No reliable data being captured by any government organizations for these Rooftop Solar in the residential areas. Total existing residential capacity throughout the country could reach over 1000 MW.

Background

In 2012, Bangladesh introduced a policy requiring new buildings to install solar panels to obtain utility connections without any Net-Metering policy or procedures in place.

Bangladesh introduced its Net Metering Guidelines in 2018, allowing consumers to install renewable energy systems and connect them to the national grid (Source Asia Pacific Energy Policy). Once again no residential Net Metering system in place, consumers are not getting any benefit out of the cost investments, except using the solar only for roof top lights or building security light at best.  A complete waste of consumer’s investment and inability to leverage the green energy as it is intended.

These guidelines were revised in 2019 to expand eligibility to industries and buildings with three-phase connections, enabling installations of up to 70% of their sanctioned loads.

However, this initiative faced challenges, including the installation of low-quality solar panels, leading to many systems becoming non-operational. In August 2023, the government revised the regulations, mandating that new buildings with rooftop spaces exceeding 92.2 square meters must install net-metered solar power systems as a prerequisite for grid connection. The Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) has implemented policies to promote rooftop solar installations.

Solutions and benefits: based on NKSoft Engineering experiences from around the world

Solution to Issue No 1: Implement a Net Metering system in each building.

Solution to Issue No 2: Give incentives to the consumers if the excess solar sold back to the Grid, specially during the peak hours.

Solution to Issue No 3: Utilize international experts to execute the project to integrate these solar capacities into the distribution grid (not the National Grid).

Solution to Issue No 4: Establish residential rooftop solar panel and inverters quality standards.

Bangladesh’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and enhancing energy security underscores the need for solar power integration. The nation’s geographic location offers abundant solar radiation, making it an ideal candidate for harnessing solar energy. Integrating solar power into the national grid can:

• Reduce Dependency on Fossil Fuels: Solar power can decrease the reliance on imported fossil fuels, thereby enhancing energy security and reducing the economic burden of fuel imports.
• Mitigate Environmental Impact: Solar energy is a clean, renewable resource that produces no greenhouse gas emissions during operation, contributing to improved air quality and public health.
• Promote Energy Access: Decentralized energy solutions like rooftop solar systems can bring electricity to remote and underserved areas, fostering inclusive economic development.
• Support Economic Growth: The solar industry can create jobs, stimulate technological innovation, and attract investment, driving economic growth and development.

Process of Integrating Rooftop Solar into the Distribution Grid

The integration of rooftop solar systems into the distribution grid of Bangladesh involves several key steps, each requiring meticulous planning and execution:

1. Technical Planning

Technical planning entails designing the solar power system connections to the Distribution Grid SCADA system to it’s DMS system, selecting appropriate technology, and ensuring compatibility with the existing grid.

2. Installation and Commissioning

The installation of FRTU’s which can connect both to the Distribution Grid in a real-time to provide available solar power production and through Net Metering actual capacity which can be sold to the Distribution Companies. This is important to ensure the frequency management of the distribution grid, and for the Distribution Companies to communicate the demand requirements by its substations.

3. Customer Awareness Development

Continuous customer awareness development and communicating the benefits received by the customer are essential for active participation by the customer. The government can also implement “peak” time energy curtailment benefits to increase additional participation and energy efficiencies by the residential customers.

4. Monitoring and Maintenance

Continuous monitoring and maintenance are critical to ensure the system’s optimal performance. This involves regular inspections, cleaning of solar panels, and timely repairs and upgrades.

The diagram below shows an existing implementation completed by the NKSoft Power Engineers.

Technology for integrating rooftop solar into the distribution grid

Advancements in technology play a pivotal role in the successful integration of rooftop solar systems into the distribution grid. Key technologies include:

1. Solar panels

Photovoltaic (PV) solar panels are the primary technology for converting sunlight into electricity. Advances in PV technology have led to higher efficiency and lower costs, making solar power more accessible and economically viable.

2. Inverters

Inverters are crucial for converting the direct current (DC) generated by solar panels into alternating current (AC) compatible with the grid. Modern inverters also incorporate smart technology, enabling remote monitoring and grid synchronization.

3. Energy storage

Energy storage systems, such as batteries, are vital for managing the intermittent nature of solar power. They store excess energy generated during peak sunlight hours and supply it during periods of low sunlight or high demand, ensuring a stable and reliable power supply.

4. Smart grid technology

Smart grid technology enhances the integration of solar power by enabling real-time monitoring, control, and optimization of the electricity network. It facilitates efficient energy distribution, demand response, and fault detection, improving grid stability and reliability.

5. Net metering systems

Net metering systems allow consumers to feed excess solar power back into the grid, earning credits that offset their electricity bills. This incentivizes the adoption of rooftop solar systems and promotes decentralized energy generation.

6. Advanced analytics

Advanced analytics and data management tools are essential for optimizing solar power integration. They provide insights into energy generation patterns, system performance, and grid impact, enabling informed decision-making and proactive maintenance.

Conclusion

Integrating solar power, particularly rooftop solar systems, into Bangladesh’s distribution grid is imperative for achieving sustainable energy goals, reducing environmental impact, and fostering economic development. The process requires a comprehensive approach, encompassing feasibility assessments, regulatory frameworks, technical planning, installation, and ongoing maintenance. Leveraging advanced technology further enhances the efficiency and reliability of solar power integration. As Bangladesh continues to embrace renewable energy, solar power stands as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path toward a greener, more sustainable future.

- The writer is the founder and Managing Director of NKSoft Power Engineering Corporation USA and NKSoft Limited BD. He is a director of America Real Estate Company, North Atlantic Investment Company, and Chairman of Texas-based Frisco Green Energy Corporation. John has a bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering (EEE) with Summa Cum Laude distinction from Tulsa University, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA, and received his Master of Business Administration (MBA), from the University of Texas, Dallas, Texas. He also received post graduate degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).  John started the Smart Grid journey with CenterPoint Energy in Houston in 2005, and since then completed over 150 projects around the world.