As Bangladesh grapples with worsening energy shortages and increased load-shedding, demand for solar and battery-powered electrical products has surged sharply across urban and rural markets, according to traders and consumers.
Maruf Morshed, a private-sector employee in Dhaka, recently purchased a solar power system for his family home in Gaibandha. Speaking at a solar equipment shop in Gulistan, he said frequent power outages have made daily life increasingly difficult.
“Load-shedding is increasing day by day. During this heat, my family suffers whenever power goes out,” he said. “I’ve also been following news about tensions in the Middle East, and there are concerns the energy crisis could worsen. That’s why I decided to install a solar panel system.”
He added that elderly family members and children in rural areas are particularly vulnerable during prolonged outages, especially in summer.
A visit to Gulistan and Stadium Market areas showed a sharp rise in customer traffic at electronics outlets specializing in solar and battery-powered products.
Retailers, including Solar Power Machineries, Hriday Electronics, AS Electronics & Solar, Sunfred Solar and Hriday Electric & Electronics, reported rising demand for solar panels, batteries, inverters and battery-operated appliances.
Hriday Hossain, owner of Hriday Electric & Electronics, said sales have improved significantly.
“Earlier, we spent long hours without customers. But recently, demand for solar lights and batteries has increased noticeably,” he said.
Retailers said battery-powered fans, LED lights, mobile charging systems and hybrid inverters are among the most sought-after items.
Most customers now prefer complete solar packages rather than individual components, reflecting a shift toward more reliable backup solutions.
Currently available packages include:
• 65-watt solar package: Tk12,000–Tk14,000
• 100-watt package: Tk14,000–Tk16,000
• 100-watt with ceiling fan: Tk17,000–Tk19,000
• 150-watt package: Tk20,000–Tk22,000
• High-capacity 150-watt package: Tk32,000–Tk35,000
• 200-watt package: Tk36,000–Tk39,000
These typically include solar panels, batteries, charge controllers, LED lights and fans.
Altaff Hossain, a customer, said he visited the market to replace a damaged battery.
“My solar battery stopped working months ago. With load-shedding increasing again, I had to replace it,” he said.
Traders also reported growing demand for hybrid inverter systems capable of powering multiple household appliances.
Popular systems include:
• 1000VA hybrid inverter system: around Tk75,000
• 1200VA hybrid inverter system: around Tk80,000
These support fans, lights, televisions, routers and mobile charging points, suitable for urban and rural users.
The trend is also visible outside the capital, with district-town retailers reporting rising demand for battery-powered appliances.
Naymur Rahman, proprietor of Smart Electronics in Hazirhat under Kamalnagar upazila of Lakshmipur, said business patterns have shifted.
“Since the power shortage began, load-shedding has become routine. People are frequently asking about battery-powered fans and lights,” he said.
He added he is in regular contact with Dhaka suppliers for battery-operated televisions, solar lighting systems and electric cooking devices.
“I believe a large market for these products will emerge in Bangladesh in the near future,” he added.
Saem Alam, a trader at Satkhira Boro Bazar, said frequent outages in coastal districts have pushed consumers toward alternatives.
“In our region, load-shedding is very frequent. In the evenings, it becomes difficult to move around without power,” he said.
He added that battery-powered technologies are now used for lighting, mobile charging and televisions.
Rahaat Islam, a resident of Uzirpur in Pirojpur, said energy insecurity is a growing concern as unreliable supply affects daily life.
He said Bangladesh has been grappling with electricity and fuel shortages amid global energy market volatility, with fears the situation may worsen.
He called for government subsidies to make solar products more affordable. “If solar systems become cheaper, more people will adopt them,” he said.
Md Mujibur Rahman, director of Renewable Energy Development at SREDA, said public interest in renewables is rising.
He said a renewable energy policy introduced in 2025 is being implemented through several initiatives.
Energy expert Dr. Badrul Imam said Bangladesh has strong solar potential and could achieve significant progress with proper planning.
Zakir Hossain Khan, an energy specialist at Change Initiative, said the crisis highlights the need to diversify energy sources.
He said expanding solar adoption through subsidies, soft loans and quality assurance could reduce pressure on the national grid.
Industry observers say the power crisis is reshaping consumer behavior, turning solar solutions from a luxury into a necessity, especially in rural areas.
Experts believe that with effective policies and investment, Bangladesh’s current crisis could accelerate its transition toward renewable energy.