Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority (Sreda) on Thursday formally launched a national solar help desk (NSHD) at its office to meet requirements of consumers and investors in renewable energy sector.   “The NHSD will serve as a common platform to support the implementation of rooftop solar projects under net metering. Any interested person can access pertinent information on eligibility criteria, application process, financing options, and implementation process, and technical specifications of rooftop solar system, among others”, said a press release of the Sreda. Also read: Sreda, BGMEA sign deal for rooftop solar power promotion in RMG sector All the information will be available in a structured manner in the NSHD web portal – shd.sreda.gov.bd., it said, adding, there will also be options for obtaining service through virtual meetings or a physical visit at the Help Desk at the Sreda office, located in IEB Building, Ramna. State Minister of the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid  attended the event virtually as the chief guest while Power Secretary Md. Habibur Rahman, Secretary, Chairman of Bangladesh Energy and Power Research Council (BEPRC) Satyajit Karmaker, Head of Development Cooperation of German Embassy Caren Blume were also present on the inauguration ceremony as special guests. Read Solar Home System: IDCOL partners seek govt intervention in loan write-off issue The help desk has been established in cooperation with GIZ Bangladesh. SREDA is committed in its efforts to achieve the national target of renewable energy development.  To realize this goal, SREDA has taken a number of initiatives including issuing a guideline for development of rooftop solar under net metering.  Also read: Sreda, BCSIR to work together for developing hydrogen fuel The Net Metering guidelines enacted in 2018 has laid the foundation for implementing rooftop solar projects at industrial, commercial and residential facilities with 3 phase connection and thereby, allowing consumers to transport surplus electricity, after self-consumption, to the national grid.

State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid has urged the country’s garment industry owners to set up rooftop solar system under net metering policy to take advantage of green energy. “If you set up solar power plant for your own consumption using your industry rooftop, it could be a good investment which not only reduces your power bill, but also benefits you to get a credit of green industry”, he told industry owners while addressing a virtual workshop on Tuesday. Also read: Rooftop solar: Power companies instructed to float net metering promotion plan Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority (Sreda) organized the workshop titled: “Scaling Up Net Metered Rooftop Solar on Knitwear Industry” with its chairman Mohammad Alauddin in the chair. The workshop was also addressed by Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) vice president Mohammad Hatem, Bangladesh Energy and Power Research Council (BEPRC) chairman Zakia Sultana. Also read: Rooftop solar power: ‘Net metering can ensure cheaper electricity for garment factories’ The government introduced net metering policy under which a consumer can sell his unconsumed or additional electricity generated from rooftop solar to the national grid. The State Minister said that use of efficient technology and green energy will help promote sustainable growth the industry. Also read: Green energy in Bangladesh: Govt moves to save solar mini-grids “It will help our appeal industries compete to the global market at lower production cost”, he said. Nasrul Hamid said the government has initiated a move to reach electricity to off-grid areas through solar home system, mini-solar power grid and submarine cables. Also read: Govt rooftops can generate 2,000 MW of solar power, say experts He said the government set a target to generate 10 percent of electricity from renewable energy sources. To achieve this target, he said, the government has taken different steps including a net metering system to promote the use of rooftop solar power.