The Government of Bangladesh (GoB) has targeted to install 1.7 GW of solar capacity by 2021 through the off grid and on-grid solar power systems. Solar rooftop systems are a major intervention to reach that goal due to its high potential in Bangladesh. To have an uninterrupted power supply in the production, many industries are establishing rooftop solar systems. This self-consumption model has become increasingly popular among large consumers, especially in the industrial & commercial sector. In order to achieve the target 10% of power generation from renewable by 2020 and to meet the NDC target of Bangladesh, GoB has introduced the solar rooftop net metering guideline in 2018. Under this scheme, the electricity consumer will now be able to export the additional electricity generated from the solar system installed in his premise to the distribution grid after self-consumption. It is an innovative policy since it allows solar rooftop prosumers to benefit from excess energy produced. The electricity bill of the consumer for such exported electricity will be adjusted with the electricity bill from the Utility. As a result, the consumers’ electricity expenditure will be reduced.

For greater replication of solar rooftop system with net metering in Bangladesh, awareness through one -stop service desk is very crucial, where the consumers can easily get all sorts of information on solar rooftop net metering system. Keeping this in mind, a Solar Help Desk is being established within Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority (SREDA). This Solar Help Desk will act as the single source of information for stakeholders: the Government, utilities, private sectors, investors, and end users.

Along with a physical help desk in the SREDA premise, in line with the Government’s vision of a Digital Bangladesh, an online portal will also be developed. This user-oriented online portal will be developed to ensure that users can access all relevant information, guidelines, forms and other necessary content to install a rooftop solar PV project.

REEEP II is supporting the development of a structure and operational mechanism for the SHD to facilitate sustainable and effective running, and to support Bangladesh to capitalize on the great opportunity of large-scale replication of Solar Rooftop programme with net-metering.