The government has mandated the installation of solar power systems in local markets (haats and bazars) across all unions in every upazila of the country by January 31 next year.
A letter containing this directive was sent on Thursday (September 24) by the Local Government Division to all Upazila Parishad Administrators and Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNOs) across the country.
According to the instructions, solar power systems must be installed based on the roof area of permanent sheds in each market and the four- to five-story buildings constructed by the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) in various markets. The electricity generated must first meet the internal demand of the respective institutions, with any surplus fed into the national grid.
The letter further stated that the government has undertaken various initiatives to promote renewable energy to ensure sustainable energy security. As part of these efforts, directives have been issued to install rooftop solar power systems with battery storage across existing office buildings and facilities under the Local Government Division at the local, district, and upazila levels.
These solar power installations must include a minimum of two hours of battery backup. Excess electricity generated after meeting self-consumption must be supplied to the national grid through net metering.
According to the Local Government Division, under the “Net Metering Guidelines 2025,” institutions will receive BDT 10.50 per unit of electricity supplied to the national grid, thereby increasing the revenue earnings of the concerned local government entities.
In accordance with Rules 10(e) and 10(f) of the “Haat and Bazar (Establishment and Management) Rules 2025,” 10 percent of the lease revenue from markets is earmarked for the maintenance or development of the respective market, and an additional 10 percent is allocated for the maintenance or development of markets across the upazila. Authorities have been directed to utilize these funds to install and commercially expand solar power systems in local markets in every union.
Additionally, the relevant market authorities must enter into a contract on non-judicial stamps with the solar panel installation companies for a 20-year operation and maintenance agreement.
