Bangladesh is known for its creative approach to development, especially in expanding access to clean energy. In remote and hard-to-reach areas, the government introduced affordable off-grid solar solutions through strong public-private partnerships. These systems brought clean electricity to rural homes, improving health and living conditions and giving children more time to study.
The Infrastructure Development Company Limited (IDCOL), in collaboration with local and international partners, led the effort to install solar home systems in areas beyond the national grid. The goal was to provide basic electricity to low-income households and rural communities. By May 2017, over 4 million solar home systems had been installed — benefiting more than 12% of the country’s population.
SOLAR HOME SYSTEM CHALLENGE
Bangladesh faces significant challenges in achieving universal electrification due to limited infrastructure and the dispersed nature of its rural settlements. To overcome these barriers, the government identified off-grid renewable energy solutions—particularly solar home systems—as one of the most effective ways to provide electricity to rural communities, where more than 70% of the population resides.
Initiative of the Solar Home System
To expand access to electricity in off-grid rural areas, the Infrastructure Development Company Limited (IDCOL) of Bangladesh partnered with both local and international organisations to implement the Solar Home System programme. This initiative aimed to bring reliable and affordable electricity to remote communities, improving living standards for low-income households. By May 2017, the programme had successfully installed over 4 million solar home systems, positively impacting more than 12% of Bangladesh’s total population.
Solar Home System (SHS) in Rural Bangladesh
Before the Solar Home System (SHS) programme, rural households in Bangladesh relied on kerosene lamps—costly, dim, and harmful to health. The SHS initiative replaced these with clean solar power, saving about 1.14 million tonnes of kerosene worth nearly USD 411 million.
Launched to electrify the poorest regions, the project also boosted local industries. While only batteries were made locally at first, over time all key components, including solar panels, began production in Bangladesh—strengthening the renewable energy sector.
Starting with five partner organisations (POs), the programme expanded to 49 by 2017, ensuring wider access, financial stability, and reduced reliance on subsidies.
Steps of SPEL on SHS
- The initiative supports the Government of Bangladesh’s Vision 2021, aiming to ensure “Access to Electricity for All”.
- In 2013, SPEL became an official Partner Organisation (PO) under the following institutions:
- IDCOL – Infrastructure Development Company Limited
- UNICEF Bd – United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, Bangladesh
- BACE – Bangladesh Association for Community Education
- IOM – International Organization for Migration
- Since 2013, SPEL has expanded its operations across 52 districts of Bangladesh.
- To date, more than 8,000 solar home systems have been installed nationwide, improving access to clean and sustainable energy for rural households.