Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet) inaugurated its Rooftop Solar Project on Thursday.
The solar panels have been installed on the rooftops of 19 buildings across the university.
The project aims to generate 3.5MWp of electricity, meeting 10% of Buet’s daily energy demand.
Initiated on November 10, 2022, the project is currently operational at 2.4MWp and is expected to bring significant financial and environmental benefits.
Over the next 25 years, Buet anticipates saving around Tk12 crore. This figure could rise to Tk25 crore if Buet manages the project with its manpower after taking full ownership of it in 25 years.
Study: 10,779MW solar power can be produced using 10% roofs of DhakaThe Buet Rooftop Solar Project was funded through an OPEX model and was implemented without any cost.
The project had technical support from GPPS Renewable Energy Consortium Limited and funding from the Infrastructure Development Company Limited (IDCOL).
Professor Dr Satya Prasad Majumdar, vice chancellor of Buet, said: “Buet has always been a pioneer in the technology sector, so I hope after a few years rooftop solar panels will be common. This is profitable, sustainable, and eco-friendly and should be used by the people of the country."
He urged industries and institutions to collaborate on innovative technologies.
Speaking at the inauguration at Buet’s Council Building, Alamgir Morshed, CEO of IDCOL, highlighted the project's significance.
“One of the main obstacles behind not being able to use renewable energy is the scarcity of land to establish solar panels. So, rooftop solar panels will be an effective option,” he said.
“This will be a milestone in the solar panel industry,” he added.
Professor Dr Abdul Jobbar Khan, pro-vice chancellor of Buet, emphasized the benefits of utilizing the university’s rooftops for solar power.
“Our rooftops have not been utilized ever, and the amount of electricity bill we have to pay is massive due to the use of air conditioning in departments, institutions, and residencies. So, this can be a great initiative to both lessen electricity costs and utilize the rooftops. We need to raise awareness in this regard because we have an energy deficiency,” he added.
