Sangsad Bhaban, Sept 2 (V7N) – Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today announced a series of government initiatives, including financial incentives and preferential tariffs, to encourage rooftop solar power generation as part of efforts to expand renewable energy use and address the country's persistent energy crisis .

"The government will purchase electricity supplied to the national grid from rooftop solar systems installed within the next six months at Taka 10.15 per unit. This means, the government will provide an incentive in addition to the bulk rate," he said while responding to a supplementary question from lawmaker Nilufar Chowdhury Moni during Parliament's question-answer session.

The Prime Minister explained that essential solar power equipment, including solar panels, inverters and batteries, has been conditionally exempted from customs duty, regulatory duty, supplementary duty, advance tax and an additional 2 percent advance income tax . With the average cost of generating one unit of electricity estimated at Taka 6-7, the initiative could potentially create an opportunity for up to 45 percent profit, including a 40 percent profit margin and a 5 percent premium. "This incentive will remain effective for up to three years," he added .

The government has also launched a National Rooftop Solar Initiative to install rooftop solar systems at government buildings, educational institutions, hospitals and other important establishments . Implementation guidelines have already been prepared, with special allocations made for different ministries, divisions and agencies . Rooftop solar systems have already been installed at the offices of all deputy commissioners and divisional commissioners across the country .

The initiative is part of the government's broader National Renewable Energy Development Strategy 2026-2030, which aims to increase renewable energy's share in the country's electricity generation to 20 percent by 2030, including 5,500 megawatts from rooftop solar . The campaign is designed to create opportunities for local businesses, small and medium enterprises, youth, women entrepreneurs, and technology firms, with service providers to be selected through a transparent competitive process .

"Steps have also been taken to generate electricity from hydropower, wind and waste. I hope that once these initiatives are implemented, it will be possible to address the energy crisis and increase the use of renewable energy," the Prime Minister said.

The Parliament session, chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram, included a half-hour question-answer session where the Prime Minister answered four written questions and six supplementary questions directly from lawmakers.

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