According to the Local Government Division, solar power systems must be installed based on the roof areas of permanent sheds at haats and markets and the roofs of four- to five-storey buildings constructed by the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) at various markets.

The authorities have been instructed to arrange for surplus electricity, after meeting the facilities’ own demand, to be supplied to the national grid.

The directive said the government has taken extensive initiatives to promote renewable energy to ensure sustainable energy security. As part of this initiative, rooftop solar power systems with batteries have been ordered for existing main office buildings and other buildings under the departments, agencies and institutions of the Local Government Division at local, district and upazila levels.

The systems must have a minimum battery backup of two hours, the letter said.

It also said surplus electricity generated by rooftop solar systems after meeting the institutions’ own demand must be supplied to the national grid under the net metering system. Under the Net Metering Guidelines, 2025, Tk10.50 will be received for each unit of electricity supplied to the national grid, which will increase revenue for the relevant local government institutions.

The directive further said the use of solar power must be ensured at haats and markets in every union of all upazilas.

Under Rules 10(e) and 10(f) of the Haat and Market (Establishment and Management) Rules, 2025, 10 per cent of lease income from haats and markets is allocated for their maintenance or development, while another 10 per cent is earmarked for the maintenance or development of haats and markets within the upazila.

The authorities have been instructed to use these funds to install and commercially expand solar power systems.

Companies installing the solar panels must sign agreements on non-judicial stamps for their repair and maintenance for the following 20 years.

The directive made the installation of the solar power systems mandatory by 31 January 2027.