Faridpur Zila Parishad has installed rooftop solar power systems with a combined capacity of 60 kilowatts (kW) at two government facilities, with surplus electricity being supplied to the national grid through a net metering system.
The initiative aims to expand renewable energy use in public buildings, reduce electricity costs and promote environmentally sustainable energy solutions.
The systems were inaugurated and a bilateral agreement was signed at 1pm on Thursday, following directives from the Local Government Division.
Under the project, a 40kW solar power system has been installed on the roof of the parishad's engineering department building, while a 20kW system has been set up at the Sadar VIP Dak Bungalow.
Marsh Power Technology Ltd, a company listed with the power distribution authorities, implemented the project. Under the agreement, the company will be responsible for maintaining and repairing the systems for the next 20 years.
A bilateral agreement was also signed between Faridpur Zila Parishad and the Faridpur Sales and Distribution Division of West Zone Power Distribution Company Ltd (WZPDCL-1) to facilitate the supply of solar-generated electricity to the national grid through net metering.
Faridpur Deputy Commissioner Mazharul Islam attended the inauguration as the chief guest. Among others, Zila Parishad Administrator Md Afzal Hossain Khan Palash, Chief Executive Officer Md Bakahid Hossain, Superintendent of Police Shahriar Mohammad Miyazi, Faridpur Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Meshkatul Jannat Rabeya, Executive Officer Sanjida Sultana, Local Government Engineering Department Executive Engineer Mohammad Azharul Islam and WZPDCL-1 Executive Engineer Pranab Chandra Debnath were present.
Speaking at the event, Mazharul Islam stressed the need to expand the use of clean energy to address the adverse effects of climate change and ensure a safe environment for future generations.
“Expanding solar power use across both the public and private sectors can help build an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly Bangladesh,” he said.
