Is Bangladesh Solar Home systems achieving universal energy access through rural electrification?

This paper examines the development and current status of the Bangladesh Solar Home Systems (SHS) programme operated by the government-owned intermediary Infrastructure Development Company Limited (IDCOL) with the goal of achieving universal energy access through rural electrification.

Why is R&D in solar energy hampered in Bangladesh?

Due to the rapid growth of the solar energy system in Bangladesh, various research and educational institutes feel interested in the R&D activities of solar energy technologies. Due to the lack of expert knowledge and financial incentives, the R&D activities are hampered.

How many solar homes are there in Bangladesh?

As of 2019, over 4 million solar home systems (SHS) have been installed in rural off-grid communities in Bangladesh—creating over 70,000 jobs and bringing electric power to more than 18 million people or 11% of the country’s population (IDCOL, n.d.). This is about 12.2% of all connected users in Bangladesh (GoB, 2019 ).

Is solar photovoltaic a promising energy source in Bangladesh?

The solar photovoltaic (PV) is turning into a promising energy source, mainly for rural and island electrification, hill tracks, and the beachfront region of Bangladesh [ 11 ]. The daily average bright hours are 6.5 h, and the yearly mean solar radiation is 0.2 kW/m 2.

Is Bangladesh a good place for solar energy?

Geographically, Bangladesh is a favourable place for the dissemination of solar energy. However, most people are unconcerned about solar energy benefits and the existing PV market in Bangladesh. This lack of information is a noteworthy hindrance to the adoption of solar energy.

Can solar energy help reduce unemployment in Bangladesh?

Through various government and non-government solar energy projects, about 70,000 rural people remove the curse of unemployment. Therefore, more solar energy programs can be a vital tool for changing the socio-economic condition of Bangladesh.