International Journal of Emerging Technology and Advanced Engineering

Website: www.ijetae.com (ISSN 2250-2459, ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal, Volume 3, Issue 4, April 2013)

PV Technology Status and Prospects n Bangladesh

Md.Habibullah1, A.S.M. Monjurul Hasan2, Mohammad Samir Ahmed3, Sohel Ahmad4
1,2

Department of EEE, Islamic University of Technology (IUT), Gazipur -1704, Bangladesh

Department of MCE, Islamic University of Technology (IUT), Gazipur -1704, Bangladesh
4
Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Dokuz Eyll University, Izmir, Turkey
3

At the current rate of increase in consumption (10%

annually), the national proven reserve of natural gas may
not last more than 15-20 years [12,5]. Only limited amount
of coal resource is available to generate electricity,
although it has adverse environmental impact. In order to
address this target only fossil fuel based power plant would
not be able to satisfy the demand. It needs to look for the
alternative sources of energy for power generation.
Renewable energy technologies would be one of the
important emerging options. Bangladesh is situated
between 200 34' and 260 38' north latitude and between 880
01'and 920 41' east longitude. with an area of 147,500 Sq.
Km[4], which is an ideal location for solar energy
utilization. Daily solar radiation varies between4
and6.5kWh/m2. Solar PV technology is an important
emerging option for electricity generation. So, densely
populated tropical country like Bangladesh could be
electrified by PV grid system using the inexhaustible and
pollution free solar energy without using any novel
technologies. Compensation of electricity shortage and
reduction CO2 emission would be done by introducing
solar energy sources for electricity generation in mass
scale. Bangladesh is known to have a good potential for
solar energy, but so far no systematic study has been done
to quantify this potential for power generation [5].

Abstract A lot of Energy sources in the world among

them one type of energy source is solar energy. It can be one
of the most available and enormous sources of energy in
Bangladesh. The tropical county like Bangladesh can be a
good example of proper utilization of solar energy. The aims
of this paper are to demonstrate a critical review of the
multitude progress in solar PV research, development and
demonstration and to increase the awareness of their potential
and value and thereby provide advice to decision makers from
government, utilities and international organizations.
Keywords Bangladesh, Photovoltaic, Electricity.

I. INTRODUCTION
Time of enhanced growth in PV activity in Bangladesh
are coming. This is a forecast derived from the PV arena
dynamics observed during last year both inside the country
and internationally. Nationally, several factors can be
listed. The government has set the goal of providing
electricity to all citizens by 2021[1]. In particular
Goverment with private company is working out plans and
projects to introduce PV technology as an alternative for
distributed generation[2]. Since the ever awaited Taka per
watt-peak reached its historical low record and still a higher
reduction for the near term is anticipated[3]. Inverter
Battery and some other associated equipments price trends
can also be mentioned as a positive factor due to a net
reduction[3]. With a population reaching 152.51 million
Bangladesh electricity production and consumption based
on primary energy resources are continuing to increase[4].
Bangladesh is known to have a good potential for solar
energy, but so far no systematic study has been done to
quantify this potential for power generation [5].Recent
national energy scenarios and studies have confirmed an
important contribution expected from photovoltaics in a
future sustainable electricity supply[2]. CO2- emissions
related to electricity production are relatively low, since
hydro, nuclear bio and wind energy are the main
contrinutors. Strategic priorities are wind power,bioenergy
and smart grid solutions, but there is also great interest in
PV, which is also often seen as a relevant part of smart
grids [5] .The bangladesh electricity system is mainly
supplied by natural gas and it is almost 88.29% [1].

II. GENERAL FRAMEWORK

Bangladesh is situated between 200 34' and 260 38'
north latitude and between 880 01'and 920 41' east
longitude. with an area of 147,500 Sq. Km[4], which is an
ideal location for solar energy utilization. Daily solar
radiation varies between 4 and6.5kWh/m2 [5].Solar PV
technology is an important emerging option for electricity
generation. So, densely populated tropical country like
Bangladesh could be electrified by PV grid system using
the inexhaustible and pollution free solar energy without
using any novel technologies. This papers analyses and
discuss the PV technology status and prospects in
Bangladesh. Despite the large potential for development of
renewable energy sources in Bangladesh, currently their
contribution to electricity generation remains insignificant.
We show in this paper that the present situation of PV
technology in Bangladesh.
38

International Journal of Emerging Technology and Advanced Engineering

Website: www.ijetae.com (ISSN 2250-2459, ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal, Volume 3, Issue 4, April 2013)
We show in this paper that even a densely populated
country like Bangladesh can attain a high standard of living
by a proper utilization of solar energy.

5. Solar dryer IFRD BRRI BAU Different types have been

designed and tested with locally available materials Solar
wood seasoning plant BFRI A simple, inexpensive and
effective solar kiln has been developed for seasoning
timber using solar radiation. The kiln can be constructed
conveniently with locally available materials. Timbers of
different species and dimensions can be seasoned
throughout the year in the solar kiln
6. Solar passive architecture BCSIR A solar house has been
designed and built in the BCSIR campus, the purpose is to
keep the house warm in winter and cool in summer [2,11].
Basically these companies are doing mainly Research
and Development. Besides this there are some companies
which are taking materials from the outside and they are
just installing [2]. Bangladesh University of Engineering
and Technology, Islamic University of Technology and
Dhaka University doing Research on this issue. The United
Kingdom (UK) is interested to set up a renewable energy
research institute in Bangladesh for developing new
technology to face the challenges of climate change.
Germany is prepared to invest in Bangladeshs energy and
renewable sources of energy, areas where it has a high
technological competence [2].

III. NATIONAL PROGRAMME

The Renewable energy in Bangladesh was 0.45% of
total energy in 2009, according to a World Bank report,
published in 2010[6]. Since the government has set the goal
of providing electricity to all citizens by 2021[1]. So time
comes to implementation of PV technology but There are
no particular sorts of incentive schemes supproting the
installation of PV systems, and consequently the use of PV
technology in Bangladesh is limited compared to other
countries. Altough, a national program for the deployment
of PV Technology has not been implemented, but the
goverment are looking for a better and broader use of
renewable energy resources and clean energy technologies
[8].
IV. RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT AND DEMONSTRATION
R&D and demonstration acticities are playing a key role
in the development of any technology[9]. Innovative
solutions, market orientation, cost reduction, industrial
viability and transfer as well as increased efficiency and
reliability are the main objectives of the technical
R&D[10]. Some PV technology projects continued or
finished upto 2012 by the public companies are listed
below
1. Grameen Shakti: Local manufacturing of all balance of
system components (like charge controller, cable, inverter,
converter) possible.
2. Dhaka University (IFRD CMES) Manufacturing Solar
water heaters RERC with local design and fabrication
facility possible
3. Solar cooker parabolic IFRD ANANDO IFRD has
successfully field-tested its design which can quickly boil
water on clear sunny days. Such solar cookers are now on
sale at a cost of Tk.450.00 (US$ 9.00) at IFRD. ANANDO
is also manufacturing and marketing its products with
imported materials and design
4. Solar cooker box type IFRD CMES IFRDs design is
made of locally available raw materials. The manufacturing
costs of such a cooker are about Tk. 800 (US$ 16.00)
excluding the cost of utensils. The cookers are now being
sold at IFRD

V. IMPLEMENTATION
It can be mentionable that goverment take three term
plan like Short term plan(produce 920 MW witin 12-14
month) Mid term plan(2600 MW within 2015)and long
term plan is
government expects to meet the desire
destination 20,000 MW by the year 2021.
Many
companies are still waiting for grid-parity to invest MW
scaled projects in Bangladesh. Currently, there are a few
few KW PV pilot projects. Some attractive PV application
which are installed in 2012 or in previous are explained
below:
The information obtained from the database of Ministry
of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources (MPEMR)
Bangladesh related to the net generation of electricity from
solar PV till to date is accumulated below [5]:
1. Present solar power generation: 1520 MW.
2. Power development board (PDB), rural electrification
board (REB) and infrastructure development company
limited (IDCOL) are distributing SHS to the people living
in the off-grid areas. IDCOL has already distributed
450,000 SHS across the country through different NGO.

39

International Journal of Emerging Technology and Advanced Engineering

Website: www.ijetae.com (ISSN 2250-2459, ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal, Volume 3, Issue 4, April 2013)
3. PDB has already installed nearly 11 kW solar power in
the Chittagong hill tracts (CHT) area, nearly 230 W solar
power in Angorpot and Dahagram Chitmahal Area and 115
W in the WAPDA office building.
4. A solar panel with capacity of 21.2 kW has been
installed at the Prime Ministers Office.
5. Nearly 10 MW solar plant will be installed by PDB in
Sarishabari (24 MW), Regional Training Office, Rajshahi
(1 MW), Rajabarihat, Godagari (24 MW), Kaptai Power
Plant (45 MW) following independent power producer
(IPP) model. Preparation of tender documents is underway.
6. Preliminary development project proposal (PDPP) has
been prepared to cover 4 isolated islands under solar and
wind power.
7. REB has taken project for solar irrigation system. 20
irrigation pumps will be energized by solar power under
this project. [18]

The government has given top priority to development

of the sector considering its importance in the overall
development of the country. The government has set the
goal of providing electricity to all citizens by 2021.
Adequate and reliable supply of electricity is an important
pre-requisite for attracting both domestic and foreign
investment. As the power sector is a capital-intensive
industry, huge investments are required in order to generate
addition to the capacity. Competing demands on the
government resources and declining levels of external
assistance from multilateral and bilateral donor agencies
constrained the potential for public investment in the power
sector. Recognizing these trends, the government of
Bangladesh amended its industrial policies to enable
private investment in the power sector. The Power Cell,
created under the Power Division of Ministry of Power,
Energy and Mineral Resources, received the mandate to
lead private power development. The government is
strongly committed to attract private investment for
installing new power generation capacity on build-ownoperate basis [1, 2].

VI. INDUSTRY STATUS

Currently There are a few PV module and PV module
constituents (glass,frame etc.) manufacturers. So leading
companies and their main activities are briefly introduced
below :

VIII. FISCAL INCENTIVES FOR PRIVATE POWER

COMPANIES
A number of fiscal incentives are provided to the private
power companies. Some of them are as follows:

1. Solar PV projects by IDCOL

IDCOL promotes dissemination of solar home system
(SHS) in the remote rural areas of Bangladesh through its
Solar Energy Program with the financial support from the
World Bank, Global Environment Facility (GEF), KfW,
GTZ, Asian Development Bank and Islamic Development
Bank. [14,11]
2. Solar PV programs of Grameen Shakti
Grameen Shakti was established in 1996 to develop and
popularize renewable energy resources. It has been
appreciated globally for its outstanding approach of microcredit for developing SHSs in rural areas [15,11].
3. Solar PV program of BRAC
The Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee
(BRAC) is the largest NGO in Bangladesh. In 1997, it
launched its solar energy program. The BRAC renewable
energy program was started to electrify remote locations in
the country. By the end of 2010, the program installed
more than 61,008 SHSs. BRAC also installed two grid
interactive PV systems [16,11].

Exemption from corporate income tax for a period of

15 years.

Allowed to import plant and equipment and spare parts

up to a maximum of ten percent (10%) of the original
value of total plant and equipment within a period of
twelve (12) years of commercial operation without
payment of customs duties, VAT and any other
surcharges as well as import permit fee except for
indigenously produced equipment manufactured
according to international standards.

Repatriation of equity along with dividends allowed

freely.

Exemption from income tax for foreign lenders to such

companies.

The foreign investors will be free to enter into joint

ventures but this is optional and not mandatory [13].

IX. FACILITIES AND INCENTIVES FOR FOREIGN INVESTORS

There are number of facilities and incentives would be
provided to the foreign investors. Some of them as follows:

VII. GOVERNMENT VISION FOR THE POWER INDUSTRY

Electricity is a key ingredient for the socio-economic

development of the country.
40

Tax exemption on royalties, technical know-how and

technical assistance fees, and facilities for their
repatriation.

International Journal of Emerging Technology and Advanced Engineering

Website: www.ijetae.com (ISSN 2250-2459, ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal, Volume 3, Issue 4, April 2013)

Tax exemption on interest on foreign loans.

Tax exemption on capital gains from transfer of shares

by the investing company.

Avoidance of double taxation case of foreign investors

on the basis of bilateral agreements.

Exemption of income tax for upto three years for the

expatriate personnel employed under the approved
industry.

Remittance of up to 50% of salary of the foreigners

employed in Bangladesh and facilities for repatriation
of their savings and retirement benefits at the time of
their return.

No restrictions on issuance of work permits to project

related foreign nationals and employees.

[1]

Facilities for repatriation of invested capital, profits

and dividends [13].

[2]
[3]
[4]

Bangladesh is endowed with vast resources of solar

radiation. The long-term average sunshine data indicates
that the period of bright (i.e., more than 200 W/m2
intensity) sunshine hours in the coastal region of
Bangladesh vary from 3 to 11 h daily. The global radiation
varies from 3.8 kWh/m2/day to 6.4 kWh/m2/day.[11]
These data indicate that there are good prospects for solar
thermal and photovoltaic application in Bangladesh. The
Bangladesh experience shows Through the use of solar
technologies we can hope that Bangladesh can face this
electricity challenge and we hope quality of life will be
improving and Economic condition will be good.
REFERENCES

X. FUTURE OUTLOOK

[5]

Although the PV market in Bangladesh is still fairly

small, a highly competitive market is expected to be
emerging soon with the grid parity being reached. The
scientist warned that unless the necessary steps are taken,
electricity supply will not meet the demand in near future.
And the industry sector will face a lot of problem. With this
warning, along with the environmental responsibility
issues, public awareness gradually increased over the last
four years and alternative energy resources have become a
new area of interest. Recently Germany keen to invest in
Bangladesh renewable energy sector and UK keen to set up
renewable energy research institute in Bangladesh. In the
light of these striking activities, a rapidly growing market
in the near future in Bangladesh will not be surprising.

[6]
[7]

[8]
[9]
[10]
[11]
[12]

[13]

XI. CONCLUSION
Actually in Bangladesh Power demand exceeds
generation capacity so for poverty reduction and to fulfil
the vision 2021 which is to distribute electric energy to
every people Bangladesh need to look for sustainable with
environment friendly energy source which is nothing but
solar energy.

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