The Rooftop solar sector is currently booming since solar energy has become more affordable.
The adaptation of clean and renewable energy by the textile sector is setting an example to other sectors of the economy, besides helping develop the market for solar services in Bangladesh.
In an interview with Masudur Rahim, CEO, Omera Renewable Energy Limited (A concern of East Coast Group), Textile Focus delves into the motivations behind the company’s move into the rooftop solar panel industry, the current state of the solar sector in Bangladesh, Challenges and prospects.
Read the full conversation here –
Textile Focus: Could you please share us the current scenario of the Rooftop solar business?
Masudur Rahim: Rooftop Solar Business in Bangladesh is experiencing significant growth since 2023.
Omera Solar has commissioned more than 60 MW of Rooftop Solar Systems across various industries in Bangladesh which is generating approximate 192,000 units of clean electricity every day that offsetting approximately 122 tons of Carbon per day.
In 2024, the Omera Solar decided to expand and invested into an automated production line for manufacturing of high-graded solar PV modules ( from 50wp sizes to 700wp) to become the 1st Bangladeshi supply source for both domestic and international markets.
Energy Mix of Bangladesh holds 4.47% in Renewable Energy of which 1085 MWp comes from Rooftop Solar according to SREDA. As the Grid Electricity rate hiked twice since 2022 and is expected to rise again; parallelly industries are experiencing Captive Energy supply limitations; where else Rooftop Solar Systems has become the most affordable and easy to incorporate source of electricity which is enticing industry owners to utilize their idle rooftops as source to generating clean solar energy.
Another significant factor in favor of Rooftop Solar for the industry is the Global Buyer’s requirement for carbon emission reduction. Solar is the best renewable option for the geographical position of Bangladesh for industry owners to incorporate into their energy mix as a clean modern energy meeting SDG 7 goal.
Therefore, the sector needs further attention from Government Authorities; to simplify the procurement of imported items including the import duties, taxes and facilities for materials related to Rooftop Solar System.
Textile Focus: Due to the current energy crisis, and buyers demand, most Textile factories investing in Solar, how rooftop projects help the sector?
Masudur Rahim : In the context of buyer’s requirement and the current energy crisis in Bangladesh; investing in rooftop solar projects is the fastest and most affordable option.
The Rooftop Solar Technology has evolved to an efficiency of 24% at the moment ensuring high generation of clean electricity at a lower cost than the grid. Along with Financial Savings the Rooftop Solar System also ensures, Energy Security as it can be synchronized with any available Energy Source, Ensures Sustainability, Reduced Carbon Footprint, Increased Competitiveness with Buyer’s requirement.
Rooftop solar Solution is a win option for all industries most significantly the Textile Industry.
Textile Focus : How Omera Solar helps the Textile Sector and how many projects you are doing?
Masudur Rahim: Omera believes in Investing into Tomorrow, therefore, Omera Solar Partnered with IFC Pact Program since 2019.
Omera Solar has installed multiple solar projects in textile industries which accumulating to more than 30 MW of Rooftop Solar Systems in the RMG sector. It includes renowned concerns such as Fakir Fashions, Bitopi Group, Ananta Group, KDS Group, L’Esquire, Viyalatex Group, Palmal Group.
Omera Solar offers dynamic financial models to it’s valued clients for Solar Rooftop Projects where industry owners can choose to invest themselves (Build & Transfer) or pay in installments (Build, Own, Operate & Transfer) or become Solar energy purchaser (Build, Own & Operate under fixed or dynamic tariff method).
Omera believes in providing ease to their clients and ensuring optimum support at the best possible offer in the market, so that choosing to install Rooftop Solar Systems becomes the easiest and most affordable energy choice for our valued clients who becomes our energy partner.
If we can use all the unused industrial rooftops to generate solar energy, we can achieve remarkable economic benefits along with environmental benefits.
