A major rooftop solar project in Narsingdi highlights Bangladesh’s industrial shift toward clean energy, as manufacturers seek cost savings, energy security and sustainability despite persistent policy and financial barriers.
Bangladesh is witnessing a growing shift toward clean energy in its manufacturing sector as Solaric begins installation of a 6,089 kWp rooftop solar power project for Amanat Shah Group in Narsingdi under an OpEx model, requiring zero upfront investment from the factory.
Once operational, the system is expected to generate approximately 1.18 GWh of electricity annually while reducing more than 1,059 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year, marking a significant step toward low-carbon industrial production in the country.
Industry stakeholders say the model reflects a broader transformation in the textile and manufacturing sector, where factories are increasingly adopting scalable solar solutions to reduce energy costs improve power reliability and meet global sustainability requirements without bearing heavy initial capital costs.
The OpEx model allows industries to access renewable energy infrastructure without upfront installation costs, making solar adoption more financially viable amid ongoing energy price volatility and supply constraints.
However, industry leaders have warned that policy and fiscal barriers continue to slow wider adoption of renewable energy in the industrial sector.
The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has unveiled a new initiative aimed at boosting renewable energy adoption across its member factories, offering a timely response to the country’s ongoing energy challenges. In a letter issued on April 19 by its Secretary (Interim) Major Md Saiful Hasan, the association announced a special financial support package to facilitate rooftop solar installations. Under the scheme, member factories can access loans at a reduced interest rate ranging from 5 to 5.5 percent alongside a 50 percent discount on service fees for projects initiated within the next three months. The initiative is expected to help manufacturers cut electricity costs enhance sustainability and maintain competitiveness in the global apparel market. BGMEA has urged factory owners to review the official notice and take immediate steps to utilize rooftop spaces for solar energy generation.
Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) President Mohammad Hatem said solar energy could play a key role in addressing the country’s ongoing energy crisis but existing tax policies and business constraints are limiting its expansion.
He stressed that despite strong potential the sector has not yet gained the expected momentum due to regulatory and financial hurdles.
Adding a climate finance and transition perspective Sohanur Rahman Executive Coordinator of YouthNet Global said rooftop solar expansion in the industrial sector represents “a practical pathway to align Bangladesh’s manufacturing growth with climate responsibility but this transition must be supported by just and accessible climate finance predictable policy frameworks and removal of structural barriers that still favour fossil fuel dependence.”
Energy experts note that Bangladesh’s industrial sector remains heavily dependent on fossil fuels particularly diesel-based backup generation making rooftop solar a critical alternative for improving energy security and reducing import dependence.
The latest investment signals increasing confidence among manufacturers in renewable energy solutions particularly as global buyers place greater emphasis on sustainable and low-carbon supply chains.
Analysts say that with supportive policy reforms and improved fiscal incentives rooftop solar could become a mainstream energy source in Bangladesh’s industrial landscape significantly contributing to the country’s clean energy transition.
