Solar Energy: alternative source of energy for Bangladesh

Bangladesh is suffering from acute shortage of electricity -to overcome the crisis, Government is mulling developing atomic energy and also utilising other sources.

Under the crisis, an alternative source of energy is expanding in Bangladesh specially in rural Bangladesh -the solar energy in the absence and inadequacy of continuous supply of electricity to the rural people.

Solar energy is a renewable energy without causing pollution to the environment.

In the last 4th January 2009, the Caretaker Government at its fag end, has formulated plans to spread solar facility to more villages, sub urban areas and cities.To support the spread it is suggested to lessen the tariff and taxes from the imported items.

The maximum electricity  that a solar panel can produce is 130 Watt(130 wup). By this panel, 11 CFL (compact florescent lamp) of 6 watt power and a 17-20 inches back and white TV can run. Fan conducted on DC current can also be run by this solar energy. To procure a solar panel one has to pay 15% down payment, the rest is covered by installments, total costs stand at Taka 68000. Direct purchase costs 2 thousand 720 less. The maintenance cost for the panel is very low. The companies also give 20-25 years of warranty.

Grameen Sakti and few other companies are working to provide solar energy to the villages in Bangladesh. The companies are also interested to extend the service to the city dwellers.

In this sector , there is scope for both local and foreign investment. There is also scope for both private and public entrepreneurship.

It is learnt that the amount of investment in this energy sector in rural area per year is more than 2500 crore. 60% of this invested in solar panel, total of which requires to be imported from outside. 25% is invested in battery and the rest 15% in small mechanical parts. Batteries and accessories are all produced in the country. In near future, the solar panel will also be produced locally.

According to the insiders of the serving companies- about 20 thousand workers including 5 thousand engineers work in this sector. They hope that 1 lac people will work in this sector by 2015.

Now, more than 3 lac houses (.3m) of 465 upazilla of all the districts and 16 islands are getting the light of solar energy. The beneficiaries of this system is about 30 lac( 3 m). 44 megawatt electricity is produced everyday from the solar projects in Bangladesh.

We hope that the present government will explore the potential of solar energy for Bangladesh and will provide necessary support to develop this industry in the country.

(Sourtce: Prothom Alo, 9 May, 2009)

An ordinary citizen

Links:

Solar Energy Programmes in Bangladesh

How to make solar panels

A Solar Dream : Daily Star Magazine

Grameen Shakti