BOOK

1
DECLARATION
This project titled “Opportunity of Solar Home System Perspective Of
Bangladesh”, submitted by Md.Suzan Islam & Md.Sohel Rana to the Department
of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Prime University , has been accepted as
satisfactory for the partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of B.Sc
in Electrical and Electronic Engineering.
Date:
SUPERVISOR
Abdullah Al Hadi
Lecturer, Department of
Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Prime University
Md. Suzan Islam
ID:111030301040
Batch:26th (EEE)
Md.Sohel Rana
ID:111030301053
Batch:26th (EEE)

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
First we express our heartiest thanks and gratefulness to the Almighty
ALLAH for his divine blessing makes us possible to complete this project
successfully. It is our great opportunity to convey the deepest and veneration
to our honorable thesis Supervisor ,Lecturer Abdullah Al Hadi, Department
of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE), Prime University (PU),for
engaging me in such an important research .He was always there to share his
absolute expertise and valuable time .It was his constant guidance ,helpful
suggestions ,constructive criticism and endless patience throughout
development of this thesis .We are also grateful to different online resources
from which we have got much information .
We would like to express our heartiest gratitude to the Head, Department
of EEE, for his kind help to finish our project and also to other faculty
member and the staff of EEE department of Prime University (PU).

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ABSTRACT
The increasing demand of electric power and shortage of present energy
resources lead today engineers and scientists to think about the alternative
sources of energy, the sunlight is a potential sources for generating electric
power. In recent years, it is increasingly used to generated power .The use of
solar energy is attractive for solar home system application also. Solar home
system are quite, need no fuel and require very little maintenance .Other
advantage of a PV system are: free energy, reliable power, flexibility and
quick installation.
I have discussed Opportunity of solar homes system perspective of
Bangladesh. Finally, I have analyzed Off-grid solar system design,
installation, operation and maintenance.
The government of Bangladesh should take necessary steps for solar energy
development of rural area .The government institute is “Infrastructure
development company limited ”(IDCOL) established from 2004 to 2014 solar
home system 20 luck and produce 100 MW electricity .We know that 70%
people lived in rural area. So, this project is not sufficient for development in
Rural area. Sun is the source of all energy available in the world. The initial
cost of the solar energy would be much higher but the experts believe that it
would be a cost effective alternative to other source.

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CHAPTER:1
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Introduction

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Presently Global warming and climate changes effect is the burning issue all over the world.
Bangladesh will be the most affected country in the climate changes effect round the world.
There are so many causes of global warming. Among them power generation is the most
remarkable one. We cannot think about any development without power (Electricity). Finally,
sources of conventional energy like Fossil fuel, Natural gas and Coal are limited. If we used
them in the present rate it will be finished within the short time. So, there is no other way to think
about environmental friendly renewable energy production sources. In Bangladesh context solar
energy is the most effective source for renewable energy production. Developing countries can
them plummet .Even if fuel is available within the country transporting that fuel to remote ,rural
village can be difficult .There are no load or supporting infrastructure in many remote village
where transportation by animals is still common . Transportation by animals limits loads
capacities and some loads, diesel generators, for example may be impossible to bring to such
locations. The use of renewable energy is attractive for solar energy application in many
developing Countries. This technology, referred to as photovoltaic’s (PV), converts the sun
energy into Electricity through electromagnetic means when PV module is exposed to sunlight
.The solar Radiation energy is converted into DC power and requires an inverter it into AC
power. Bangladesh is predominantly an agrarian economy. As the contribution of industries is
slowly growing, the share agriculture to GDP has been decreasing over the last few years. Yet
agricultural sector dominates the economy accommodating major rural labor force. To enhance
employment opportunities, policies and incentives are there to facilitate the growth of both the
agricultural and the industrial sector. However, generation and supply of electrical power in the
country is lagging much behind the growing demand prohibiting sustainable growth of the
economy. Bangladesh has limited proven natural gas reserve but for its energy need it hugely
depends on imported fossil fuel With the increase in the fuel price in the international market and
reduction of gas reserve in the country, Bangladesh forced to look for alternative sources of
energy i.e., renewable energy resources. The government of Bangladesh has recently taken some
renewable energy friendly policies to accelerate rapid growth of renewable energy technologies
Although investment costs of renewable are generally higher compared to fossil fuel alternatives,
this option becomes economically viable when all externalities (e.g. environmental cost, health
hazards etc.) and lower operating cost are taken into consideration. Renewable Energy Policy of
Bangladesh sets targets for developing renewable energy resources to meet 5 percent of the total
power demand by 2015 and 10 percent by 2020. Bangladesh already has achieved some
remarkable successes in the implementation of renewable energy technologies (RET). A range
of off-grid options, in particular solar home systems (SHS), make it possible to provide the basic
electricity needs of households, local communities and small businesses in rural areas where
grid-electricity is not an option in the foreseeable future. The dissemination of SHS over the past
two decades has improved the quality of life and livelihoods of many people in remote areas,
through better quality lighting, extended working hours and powering small appliances such as
mobile phones.
These benefits have been achieved with near zero carbon emissions while also reducing the use
of fossil fuels, such as kerosene for lighting and diesel for battery-charging. Scaling-up the
adoption of low-carbon energy technologies in developing countries must be part of the global
efforts to reduce the devastating risks posed by climate change. According to the IEA
projections, between 2020 and 2030 developing country emissions of carbon from energy use
will exceed those from developed countries, as more than three quarters of the global increase in

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carbon-dioxide (CO2) emissions will come from developing countries. Reducing emissions in
developed countries alone will not be sufficient to achieve the goal of limiting a global average
temperature increase to no more than 2o C [1]. The World Bank has offered to loan the
Bangladeshi government $78.4 million in order to finance 480,000 solar home systems. This
huge solar home systems project aims to install about 7,000 photovoltaic systems in Bangladesh
every month. If it achieves this rate, it will be the largest of its kind in the world. There are
already 3 million home solar systems in the country, and they were installed because the
World Bank provided the support. “Together, the government of Bangladesh and the World
Bank is scaling up a program that delivered development results for millions of rural
Bangladeshis this is a proven model that works. Investing in electricity in rural areas empowers
men and women, leading to increased income and growth opportunities, and reducing poverty,”
said acting head of World Bank Bangladesh, Christine E. Kimes.
Fig 1.1: Nagor bhabon,Dhaka
Nearly 60% of the Bangladeshi people do not have access to grid-connected electricity.
The government has set a goal of 100% citizen access by 2021. Millions of people’s lives have
been impacted in Bangladesh because of the addition of more solar PV power [2]. The country of
Bangladesh has installed over 3 million new residential solar energy systems (as of May 2014),
with support coming from the World Bank and other various agencies, according to recent
reports. To be exact, the recorded number was 3.1 million new systems — with more than 15
million people now benefiting from these new systems, according to coverage from the
Bangladeshi newspaper The Daily Star.

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Fig 1.2: Solar panel installed
The systems were installed as part of the country’s Infrastructure Development Company Ltd
(IDCOL) program for off-grid areas. The total capacity of the new systems is somewhere
around 135 MW. The new systems will help the country towards the achievement of its 2021
energy target — which denotes doubling electricity generation up to 24 GW, 10% of which is
set to come via renewable energy. The state-owned IDCOL reportedly has a goal of financing
six million residential solar systems by 2017. The Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina
commented, as quoted by Bangladeshi news company UNB: “We’ve set a target to provide
solar energy facility to three million more families over the next three years through
IDCOL.”The new capacity represents a significant addition to the country’s renewable energy
capacity — which, as of August 2014, stood at 10,618 MW, as per the Bangladesh Power
Development Board. At current rates, IDCOL is installing around 60,000 new residential solar
systems a month [3].

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1.2 Background
The present study considers analyzing the customer satisfaction and usage of Solar
Home System in Bangladesh. But to the best knowledge no study has been found to assess the
customer satisfaction of Solar Home System service in Bangladesh. In this perspective, the
present study may claim to have some extent of novelty in discussing the satisfaction Solar
Home System service in Bangladesh. Actually very few papers dealt with the Solar Home
System service in Bangladesh. Khan, HJ and Huque AJ(1998) shown a significant market for
Solar Home systems in Bangladesh. The report provides market estimates based on
administrative districts and household income categories. By this measure, about 4.8 million
rural Bangladeshi households could pay for a solar home system. This accounts for nearly 45%
of all unelectrified rural households. They showed that the rural households typically do not have
sufficient income for purchasing a Solar Home System in cash. So the use of credit or other
forms of extended payment can expand the potential market significantly. A more conservative
market estimate “Existing SHS market” was obtained through the survey conducted for the
study, based upon the current expenditure level of the households.
Ability to pay for the services is measured by the current expenditure for lighting and battery
charging, most of which is to be replaced by a SHS. This market is
Approximately 4,70,000 households. The authors conducted a survey of 606
households and 95 commercial enterprises in three different districts like Natore,
Gopalgonj and Kishoregonj of Bangladesh which focused on the middle and higher
Income groups of the rural population in the selected areas. 80.5% of the surveyed
Holdings have shown an interest in obtaining any SHSs. The survey did not reveal
wide regional variations in the preference for SHS. A typical 50 Wp solar home system supports
4 tube lights (7 watts each) and a 17” Black and White TV set. From around 2 million SHSs
already installed under IDCOL’s financing with average capacity 50 Wp, total generation
capacity in December 2012 is approximately 94 MW. At present around 60,000 SHSs are being
installed every month under IDCOL’s SHS programmed. At this rate, by December 2015, total
generation capacity from this SHS programmed should reach about 200 MW. Introduction of
solar PV systems has been in progress since 1980 but the total wattage up to December 2002 was
just 1,000 kW. In recent years, apart from SHSs, various other renewable energy projects such as
biomass (rice-husk) gasification based power plants, biogas (from poultry litter and cow dung)
based power plants; municipal waste based power plants are being implemented in Bangladesh.
According to new regulations, every newly built high-rise building must install solar PV panels
at the roof top before they get connection to electrical distribution lines.
All these renewable energy projects are contributing in achieving the government’s target
overproducing 5% power from renewable sources by 2015 and 10% by 2020 as declared in the
Renewable Energy Policy of Bangladesh. The responses indicate that most of the consumers are
either satisfied or highly satisfied with the SHS they use in their homes or rural small businesses.
Keeping all these considerations in mind, the researcher has undertaken the issue as a research
agendum, with a view to fulfill the vacuum that now exists with the service provided by the Solar
Home System industry of Bangladesh. Panels within the range of 10-130Wp are being financed
by IDCOL. Notably, 20Wp, 40 Wp and 50Wp are the popular panel sizes among which 50Wp is
the most popular. Cost of a typical 50 Wp unit along with battery and other accessories is around
Tk. 29,000 per unit.

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IDCOL is providing around Tk. 2000 (USD 25) per unit as grant. From 2003 up to December
2012, total 1,953,886 numbers of solar home systems were installed under the finance of IDCOL
(Source: IDCOL). Shows a sharp increase in the number of total SHS installations financed by
IDCOL in recent years.
Fig.1.3: Cumulative no. of installed SHS
It shows a sharp rise in the growth of number of yearly installation of SHS in
recent years.
Fig.1.4: SHS financed by IDCOL

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IDCOL now has a revised target of financing 4 million SHSs by 2015. In 2012 alone, IDCOL
has managed to finance 642,994 SHSs through its partner organizations. At this pace, in three
years from 2013 to 2015, total Installations in the next three years will be around 1,928,982. The
cumulative total will be 3,882,868. This shows that with an extra push, IDCOL can achieve its
target of 4,000,000 installations by 2015[4]. In July, we did write about a $78.4 million World
Bank loan offered to the Bangladeshi government to finance 480,000 solar home systems.
Assuming 5.6 people per household (that’s apparently the average), that’s solar power for 2.688
million people. However, this isn’t the beginning of Bangladesh’s solar revolution at all. Now,
Grameen Shakti (a nonprofit organization based in Bangladesh) has brought solar power systems
to about 1.5 million Bangladeshi homes, or about 8.4 million people! “Mr Barua and Mr Yunus
founded microfinance institution Grameen Bank way back in 1983,” Sustain ovate writes. Its
innovative efforts to fight poverty won it a Nobel Peace Prize in 2006. “But it was Grameen
Shakti, founded in 1996, that took the work Grameen Bank was doing to the next level and
enabled the deployment of much more solar, biomass, and other clean technologies in
Bangladesh.”Approximately 360,000 households have now paid off the systems Grameen Shakti
provided to them. And the total number of people who have benefited from Grameen Shakti’s
social enterprise is estimated to be over 15 million. Aside from providing the systems to
households, Grameen Shakti “also provides training and capacity development and has created
45 ‘Grameen Technology Centers.'” Grameen Shakti writes[5].
Fig.1.5: Yearly installation of SHS

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1.3 Objectives of the Study
Within this paper, the general objective of the research is to assess the Customer
Satisfaction Solar Home System service in Bangladesh. In order to study the above mentioned
issue the specific objectives basically consisted in:
 To gain an understanding the current usage pattern of Solar Home System in Bangladesh.
 To assess the monthly expenditure for lighting by rural Households and
Retailers in Bangladesh.
 To explore the preferable mode of payment of the consumers for a Solar
Home System in Bangladesh.
 To analyze the preferable price of Solar Home System in Bangladesh.
 To assess the gap between the expectations and perceptions of
Consumers of the Solar Home System service Solar Home System
 To suggest some recommendations for the improvement of the Solar
Home System service in Bangladesh.

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CHAPTER 2
Literature Review &
Related Works
2.1 Introduction
The objective of this study is to contribute to the understanding of customer satisfaction Solar
Home System service in Bangladesh. People find it is important to comprehend the dynamics of
this industry from the perspective of the customer who is the final arbitrator of how to purchase
and use the system. Therefore, an understanding of the factors that influence customer

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satisfaction ought to be useful in guiding the Solar Home System industry to design and deliver
the right offering. Many publications cover silicon photovoltaic panels (SPV panels) in several
aspect and thus, only a moderately concise depiction of PV is got here. The sun panel is a
semiconductor linked tool that straightforwardly changes day-light in electrical energy .PV
results is a straight change of photons in electrical energy (electricity). In P type and N type
materials (semiconductor) an event photon can be riveted and electrify an electron from the
valence band-leaving gap after. In the simplest PV cell, these photo generated carries are
separated by the field resulting from p-type and n-type doping in a p-n junction. The energy
bands drawing of a single band-gap p-n junction cell demonstrate the PV effect. There are so
many losses in apparatus. The photo produced transporters rapidly etherealize to the border of
the band-gap losing energy in surplus of band-gap. Some of the transporters recombine either
radioactivity emitting a photo or non- radioactivity for instance via impurity conditions. They
also exist when the transporters transverse the losses junction and at the contacts. The utilizable
energy (p.v) is, therefore, significantly lesser than the energy of the incident photon and also
lesser than the band-gap. Hence the photons with the power larger than band-gap are riveted
raising the electron hole pairs. Generation of voltage by the light incidence up, on the
semiconductor materials system is known as photovoltaic.
There are three main processes responsible for photovoltaic effect.
1. Absorption of light in the semiconductor to create transporters.
2. Separation and collection of these charges by an internal field.
3. Distribution of these charges via an external lead.
The word “Sun” is repeated 20 times and word “moon” 26 times in the Holy Quran (which was
revealed to last Prophet MUHAMMAD (PBUH)). In Quran Para 29 Surah Noah here in brief
that “(Allah) has made the Moon a light and sun a lamp”. The sun is complex radiator whose
spectrum can be approximated by a 6050 K0 black-body. This black-body spectrum is modified
by the variation in temperature across the sun dies and the effect of solar atmosphere.
In outer space 98% of the total energy radiated by the sun lies between 0.25-3.0 µm ranges. The
earth rotating around the sun in elliptical orbit with major and minor axes differ in by 1.7 %. The
earth is closest to the sun on December 21 at a distance of about 1.45× 1011 m and further on
June 22 at about 1.39× 109 m and subtends an angle of 32 minutes at the earth. For all practical
purpose, therefore, the sun has an effective black-body temperature from the earth of 5762 K0.
The Sun’s interior is much hotter and denser than its surface. At it’s center the temperature is
estimated at 8× 108 to 40× 106 K0 and the density at about 105 Kg/m3. Total mass of the sun (a
small to medium sized star) is equal to 1.6×1030Kg. mainly significant factor of the environment
are the water substance, turbidity effect expressing the effect of haze and related scattering and
the ozone content. According to recent research the hole in the ozone layer is equal to in size
(area) equal to the size in Vatican City in Italy. The first solar PV–based rural electrification
project in Bangladesh was initiated with the financial support of France, with a total installed
capacity of 62 kilowatt speak (kWp), of which 29,414 kWp came from battery charge stations
and the rest from SHS (Barua, Urmee, Kumar, and Bhattacharya, 2001).Khan (2006) studied the
utilization of renewable energy for world poverty reduction as well as for meeting the objectives
of the MDGs. The MDGs may not be met unless rapid progress is made in extending efficient
and affordable energy services to the poor in support of productive economic activities or social
development. His study shows some links between the development of energy services and
meeting the MDGs in the context of reducing poverty, achieving primary education, promoting

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gender empowerment, and ensuring environmental sustainability. Islam (2005) reviewed policy
formulation and institutional development processes for harnessing renewable energy sources in
Bangladesh. In particular, he studied the Draft National Energy Policy 2004 and Draft National
Energy Policy 2006, seeking to determine the barriers to the implementation of solar PV
technologies in rural Bangladesh. He found that the importance of renewable energy sources had
not been duly recognized in the policies. He found a need to bring changes in the thinking
process, data analysis, and planning methodology to incorporate ashamed and TaufiqJournal of
Rural Community Development 3 (2008) 93–103 95renewable energy development program
under the framework of national energy policy. Isolated efforts may not provide satisfactory
outcomes in the medium- to long-term time horizon.Hiranvarondon, Hill, and O’Keefe (1999)
suggested that dissemination of solar PVsystems required an implementation strategy that should
initially identify the type of system needed. Governments could accelerate the dissemination by
removing barriers to market expansion, by removing excessive duties and taxes, and by
removing subsidies on products that compete with solar systems. They also listed the role of key
players involved in the promotion or dissemination of solar systems in developing countries:
national governments, donor agencies, educational and research institutions, and private
sectors/NGOs.Cabraal, Cosgrove, and Schaeffer (2000) noted that successful solar PV–market
development for rural electrification requires the removal of financial and institutional barriers.
The other major issues to be considered are the high initial costs, the establishment of a
responsive and sustainable infrastructure and the guaranteeing of quality products and services.
These findings were based on their studies in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, and the
Dominican Republic.Nieuwenhout et al. (2000), studying the use of solar energy systems in
households in developing countries, noted that there was no single best organizational model to
promote the dissemination of SHS.
On the other hand, dissemination depends on institutional, legal, socioeconomic, and cultural
conditions in these countries. These studies illustrate that the factors contributing to the
successful promotion of solar PV–based rural electrification are (a) suitable financing schemes to
address the problem of high initial cost, (b) adequate means of providing regular and proper
maintenance and supplying spare parts, and (c) viable choice of available configurations to suit
the consumers’ needs and affordability. Development 3 (2008) 93–103 96Solar PV systems have
already made significant headway in Bangladesh. Recent pioneering attempts in this field have
generated enthusiasm, but they have also exposed some barriers. Table 1 indicates the existing
and potential applications of solar PV in rural Bangladesh [6].
Table 2.1: Existing and Potential Applications of Solar PV in Rural Bangladesh

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2.2 Sandwip 100 kW Solar Mini Grid Island

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It is situated at the estuary of the Meghna River on the Bay of Bengal and separated from the
Chittagong coast by Sandwip Channel. It has a population of nearly 350,000. There are as many
as fifteen different wards, 62 mahallas and 34 villages on Sandwip Island. The entire island is 50
kilometers long and 5-15 kilometers wide. It is located at the north-eastern side of The Bay of
Bengal, nearby the main port city of Chittagong. It is bounded by Companiganj on the north, Bay
of Bengal on the south, Sitakunda and Mirsharai, and Sandwip Channel on the east, Noakhali
Sadar, Hatiya and Meghna estuary on the west. About three hundred ships of salt per year were
loaded for export from Sandwip's port. It also had a shipbuilding industry. The Sandwip Island,
has a population of 400,000, is detached from Chittagong mainland by a channel of about 75
kilometers. Located along the south eastern coast of Bangladesh, the island is 50 kilometres long
and 5.15 kilometers wide. There are 15 unions in Sandwip.Because of its position and
inaccessibility there is no possibility of grid electrification service in this area in the distant
future. Sandwip is an upazilla with very high literacy rate and remittance earnings from the
United States and Middle Eastern countries. The island, however, has a dynamic population with
various public and private service offerings providing support to the general public including
educational institutions, health service centers, small and medium enterprises, etc. Despite
shortage of reliable and consistent supply of electricity, use and willingness of use of various
loads have been found in this region i.e. computers, printers, scanners, photocopy machine,
refrigerators, color television, etc.
At present, the electricity demand of general shops in the markets of Sandwip are served by
diesel micro-grid run by several diesel generator operators who provide services for about 5 to 8
hours per day. Besides, several diesel generators are used by several shop owners for captive
consumption. Average tariff rate being charged to the customers by the diesel operators currently
range between BDT 53 per kWh1 and BDT 60 per kWh. Bangladesh Power Development Board
also has diesel generator that supplies electricity to mainly government offices.
Several non-government organizations (NGOs) have been providing off-grid electrification
solution in the household levels through „solar home system2‟ units in Sandwip under a program
run by state-owned financial institution named Lighting Rural Bangladesh “LRB”. LRB was
established by the Government of Bangladesh to catalyze the development of private sector
infrastructure and renewable energy project. [32] Observing the demand patterns in the
commercial areas, the NGOs came up with an idea of installing a 100-kW solar based power
station in an optimal location from where electricity will be dispatched through a distribution
line. Construction of such a system would cost at least BDT 5 crore and the consortium of the
NGOs could afford up to 20% of the project cost. The NGOs recognized that the Project would
require extensive concessionary financing support and technical assistance. When shared the
project idea with LRB, it expressed its interest to extend soft loan and arrange grant support for
implementing the Project. As per its lending policy, LRB could extend 10 years loan with a grace
period of 2 years at an interest rate of 6% per annum and only interest is required to be paid
during the grace period. The construction period of the Project is expected to be only 4 months.
The NGOs formed a Project Company called PGL for implementing the Project with individual
shareholding. It has been decided that PGL will inject the equity first and will start the
construction works. The expected financial closing of in the Project has been planned on 31
December 2012 and the expected drawdown of the loan will be as shown the following table:

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After rounds of survey for electricity demand in different areas, five adjacent areas have been
found to have stable demand pattern. The areas are Enam Nahar Market, Malekmunsir Bazar,
Khontarhat, Panditerhat, and Boktarhat.Three categories of potential customers have been
identified for supplying electricity in these areas as mentioned in the following table:
Customer Total number of
potential
customers
Total number of
targeted
customers
Small shops 478 390
Health care 5 5
Schools 5 5
Currently there are about 11 diesel generator operators supplying electricity to the proposed
project areas during day and night hours at prices ranging between Tk. 52.6/kWh and Tk.
73/kWh. When interviewed, the potential customers expressed a great deal of interest for
availing the electricity connection immediately. 70% of the targeted customers have been
expected to be acquired in the first year and the remaining 30% in the second year. Total
electricity consumption among the targeted areas was studied to be 137,977 kWh of which
110,125 kWh was estimated to be sourced from solar energy source.
The remaining portion of the demand will be served by diesel generator. The Project will
produce electricity through solar micro-grid. The solar PV modules are the main power
generation system that is operational during daytime. The other main equipment and accessories
include inverter, diesel generator, batteries. About 60 kW of the PV modules will be directly
connected to 6 mini central inverters which will convert from DC3 to AC4 power at 220V and
supply to the micro-grid distribution line at all times. Three phase configuration of the AC
distribution line will be configured through the multi-cluster box, which is the interface for all
connectors and control. The unused portion of the power in the distribution line will be stored
into the batteries through 12 bidirectional inverters in 4 clusters. During daytime additional 40
kW PV power will be stored into the same battery bank through DC battery chargers. When the
grid power is not available, mainly during evening hours, the plant will use power from the
battery bank. During the periods of lesser solar radiation, and on cloudy days, backup power will
be provided by the 40kW diesel generators.
Tariff would be charged in the form of one-time connection fee and regular electricity tariff. The
electricity tariff will be set at Tk. 35 per kWh. The connection fee will vary depending on the
type of the customer as shown in the following table:

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The electricity tariff is expected to be increased by 5% from the third year of operation. The full
technology of the Project will be supplied by ABC Systems on a turnkey basis. As per the
arrangement, ABC Systems will procure, install and commission the Project and after
implementation, will hand over the Project to PGL. ABC Systems will also provide technical
assistance during the first year of operation and will train the technical team of PGL. The
equipment would cost about BDT 4.25 core. ABC Systems will charge a technical assistance fee
of BDT 28.66 lac. The transportation costs have been assumed to be BDT 7.25 lace and other
accessories will cost about BDT 33.5 lac. The O & M cost of the Project in the first year has
been estimated to be 1% of the project cost excluding technical assistance fee, which is BDT
4.76 lac. The O & M cost is expected to increase by 5% per year from the second year onwards.
The annual insurance cost will be BDT 95,000. Per unit diesel requirement was identified to be
BDT 0.17 liter/kWh and diesel price was BDT 45 per liters.
Price of diesel has been expected to increase by 5% per year. The economic life of the Project is
estimated to be 20 years. The battery bank, however, is to be replaced in 7th and 13th year at a
cost of BDT 1.12 core. The technical assistance fee is to be amortized in five years. The
applicable income tax rate would be 37.5%. There is, however, provision for tax holiday of 15
years for encouraging power generation in the private sector. Recognizing the economic value of
the Project, LRB is looking for a minimum IRR of 9.00% and minimum NPV of BDT 2
crore.PGL, however, expects to receive equity IRR of 20%. As a thumb rule, LRB allows
minimum DSCR to be 1.2 xs. In this case, the DSCR could go down as low as 1.17x.With the
cost of equity being 9%, the weighted average cost of capital (WACC) has been found to be
4.5%.
Customer type Connection Fee (BDT)
Small shop 4,000
Health centre 6,000
School 6,000

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2.3 Over view of 100 KW solar mini grid project at a glance Name of
the Project: 100 kW Solar Mini Grid, Enamnahar , Sandwip, Chittagong Project Area : 0.6
Acre Project Cost : BDT 57.71 Million Financed By : IDCOL, kfW-Germany and World Bank
Loan 30% : Tk 17.31 Million Grant 50% : Tk 28.86 Million Equity 20% : Tk 11.54 Million
Proposed Electricity Supplied Area : Enamnahar Bazar, Malek Munsir Bazar, Khontar Hat &
Ponditar Hat. Proposed Length of Distribution Line : 4 kilometer Proposed Number of
Consumers : Commercial Shop- 390, Health Center- 5 & School- 5 Technical Assistance :
Prokaushali Sangsad Limited (PSL), Dhaka, Bangladesh Technology Supplied : Energy Systems
(BD) Ltd, Asantys Systems (Germany) Hardware Details : Solar Module- Kyocera , Inverter-
SMA Solar Technology AG, Germany Battery- Hoppecke, Germany Introducing PGEL
Management : Asma Huque, Chairman Johirul Alam, Managing Director Bimal Kumar Chandra,
Director Alauddin Ahmed, Director Didarul Alam, Director 47 [7].
2.4 500MW Solar Power Programme
Installation of SolarIrrigation Pumps
Sponsoring Ministry: Power Division, Ministry of Power, Energy & Mineral Resources
Implementing Agency: IDCOL
In the FY 2009-10, the agriculture sector of Bangladesh contributed 20.16% to the GDP
(Bangladesh Economic Review-2010). Out of 11 million hectares of land under rice production,
modern boro rice alone covers about 4.70 million hectares and nearly 98% of this area requires
irrigation. However, power shortage and low voltage affecting irrigation from the electricity
operated pumps causing lower production of crops. On the other hand, there are about 1.2
Million diesel operated pumps requiring 800 Million liter imported diesel per year.Considering
the energy crisis of the country and increasing price of petroleum products across the globe, it is
important to explore alternative energy sources for irrigation to ensure both food and energy
security.

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SolarPoweredIrrigation System:
Solar powered irrigation system could be an innovative, economic and environmentally friendly
solution for the agro-based economy of Bangladesh. This system mainly consists of solar panels
& solar submersible pump. Solar panels utilize daily sunshine to generate electricity which in
turn runs the solar pump to provide uninterrupted water supply. If a sun-tracker is used, it will
help in maximizing utilization of the sunlight the panels receive. Under the proposed program, a
total of 10,000 solar irrigation pumps will be installed all over the country to replace diesel based
pumps. Replacement of part of agricultural pumps with Solar PV technology could save
significant amount of foreign currency and would offset considerable GHG emission.
Fig 2.1: Solar Powered Irrigation
Pump Capacity
Capacity of solar irrigation pumps being used for irrigation purpose is in Bangladesh is in the
range of 5-11 kW. Under the program, solar irrigation pumps with an average capacity of 8 kW
will be installed which will operate at total head of 12-15 meter. The pump of this size is capable
to lift 500,000 liters of water per day in local solar irradiation condition i.e. 4.5 kWh/m2/day.

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Implementation Arrangement
The was implemented through Infrastructure Development Company Limited (IDCOL), a
government owned financial institution under the Ministry of Finance. Similar to IDCOL's
successful Solar Home System and Biogas Programs, it will select some NGOs, MFIs or private
entities (Partner Organization or PO) to implement the program on the basis of management
capacity, financial strength and micro-finance experience.
POs will be responsible for selection of areas and target customers. They will install the plants
and supply electricity to the customers. They will also operate those for at least the loan period.
They will collect electricity bills from the customers.
POs should use maximum diligence in selecting the appropriate size of the plant. They should
make a detailed survey of the proposed sites, calculate the demand at different hours of the day
and also different seasons of the year. Based on the survey, they can prepare the design of the
plant which will include panel capacity, size of battery bank, need for back-up diesel generator in
cloudy days etc.
IDCOL will provide necessary technical, financial and promotional support to the POs for
successful implementation of the program. IDCOL will assess the proposals submitted by POs,
approve those based on strict guidelines and disburse grant and soft loan to the POs. Proper
installation and operation of the plants will be ensured through periodic field visits by IDCOL
inspection team. IDCOL's independent Technical Standard Committee will approve the
equipments to be used under the program.
Fig 2.2:Using solar light

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2.5 Roof-top Solar Power Solution
Government has a directive to install solar panel to meet certain percentage of load
demand as a pre-condition to get new electricity connection. Solar Power System
will meet certain percentage of lighting and fan load demand. Aggregated 3 MWp
Solar Panel already installed through out the country under the directive till June
2011. This Project aims to extend Credit facility to the Consumers as an incentive
to install solar power solutions. Estimated solar power capacity addition from this
project is 10 MW.
Fig 2.3: Roof-top Solar Power
Roof-topSolarPowerSolution for CommercialandResidentialbuildings
Sponsoring Ministry: Power Division, Ministry of Power, Energy & Mineral Resources
Implementing Agency: IDCOL/ Bangladesh Bank
Government has recently provided directive to include certain percentage of solar power in
commercial and residential buildings as a pre-condition to connect to the grid. The project would
largely be implemented through involvement of private sector.
A typical 10 KWp roof-top solar solution will require a roof space of about 1,000 square feet
which can light around 200 no.s of energy saving lamps. If installed in 5,000 buildings in the
metropolitan areas of the country, a total of 16.5 million liter diesel/year or 100,000 units of
electricity/year could be saved.

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Installation of RoofTop SolarSolutions at Industries
Sponsoring Ministry: Ministry of Industry
Implementing Agency: IDCOL / Bangladesh Bank
Government is trying to encourage Industries to install solar panel to meet certain percentage of
their load demand from solar power. Solar Panel may be installed at the unutilized roof-top of
industries. Solar Power System will meet certain percentage of lighting and fan load demand.
This Project aims to extend Credit facility to the Industries as an incentive. Primarily 400
Industries have been targeted. Estimated solar power capacity addition from this project shall be
20 MW.
Implementation Arrangement
The fund will be allocated to IDCOL or Bangladesh Bank. The Project Owner will get soft loan
from those financial institutions. This is one kind of support mechanism aimed to the promotion
of solar energy and an attempt to buy down the cost of investment.
2.6 Solarelectrificationat RailwayStations
Sponsoring Ministry: Railway Division, Ministry of Communication
Implementing Agency: Department of Railway
Bangladesh Railway has so far 450 Rail stations. Many stations are at remote locations lacking
dependable power supply. Some stations even do not have electricity.
Part of the project component would be installing solar PV in remote rail stations. The solar PV
would also power the adjacent shops and streets. Part of the component would also install solar
PV roofing in existing rail stations where the large roofing is mostly unutilized.
Under the proposed project, 25 MW Solar Power systems would be installed at the remote
railway stations and 5 MW Solar Power systems would be installed at the roof-top of unutilized
large railway stations.

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Solarelectrificationat Union Information Services Centers
Sponsoring Ministry: A2I Project, Prime Minster's Office
Implementing Agency: Bangladesh Computer Council
Government has taken a remarkable initiative by setting up about 4501 Information Services
Centers at Union level. The Information Centers have been set up in order to ensure access to
information to all citizens of Bangladesh even to a remote villager. The project has been
implemented by the A2I Program administered by the Prime Minister's Office.
Since many of the unions do not have reliable electricity during day time, it would be sensible to
install solar PV systems at the Union Information Centers so that the remote villagers do not
suffer for electricity outage. It would also ensure self-sufficiency and quality supply of electricity
to the centers.
SolarLED Street Lighting
Sponsoring Ministry: Local Government Division, Ministry of Local Government and Rural
Development
Implementing Agency: City Corporations and Municipalities
Fig 2.4: LED Street Lighting system
There are 6 City Corporations in the country that operates approx. 5000 km streets.
There are also a number of municipalities. The street lights generally used are
inefficient conventional systems. Illuminating part of the streets through Solar PV
LED Street Lighting system can reduce pressure on conventional power use.
According to ADB's preliminary study, 40 W, 30 W and 15 W LED Lighting
System could be used. Corresponding Solar Panel size would be 100 Wp, 75 Wp and 40 Wp

25
respectively. 33 LED units might be required to electrify 1 km street. The project is aimed to add
10 MW solar power through Solar LED.
Solarelectrificationin rural health center
Sponsoring Ministry: Ministry of Health
Implementing Agency:
It is estimated that there are 18000 rural community clinics in remote villages. However, many
health units do not have either dependable supply or even electricity access. Electricity is
required for operation of health units, surgery and preservation of vaccinations and medicines.
The solar electrification project would thus ensure quality medical services to the rural people.
Installation of SolarHome System in Religious Establishments
Sponsoring Ministry: Ministry of Religious Affairs
Implementing Agency:
Most of the religious establishments like mosques, temples are operated through government and
public support. Many mosques are even in very remote areas where there is no grid electricity.
Those establishments have occasional electricity usage pattern through out the day depending on
prayer times. Solar electrification of those religious establishments would not only reduce
pressure on grid electricity but would also ensure fulfillment of government's social
commitment.

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SolarElectrificationin Remote Education Centers
Sponsoring Ministry: Ministry of Education
Implementing Agency: Directorate of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education
Government has set up secondary and higher secondary level institutions in remote villages to
ensure access of education to the rural people. There are also Non-governmental educational
institutions. Government plans to introduce one laptop and multimedia classroom system to each
school as part of modernization of education system. However, many schools do not have either
dependable supply or even electricity access. The project aims to provide 7000 solar power
systems to selected government and non-governmental institutions. The solar electrification
project would thus ensure quality education services to the rural people.
Solar power is the most potential source among the renewable energy resources in Bangladesh.
This initiative of Bangladesh Government could become a landmark success story on how
government’s commitment in combination with strong support from Development Partner could
achieve the. targeted renewable energy development in a developing country. The program could
also evolve as a model for other developing countries who envision making a mass break-
through in solar power development.Total solar power capacity addition from this project shall
be 40 MW. The project would ensure quality education services to the rural people.
Installation of SolarHome System in Government / Semi-governmentoffices
Sponsoring Ministry: Respective Ministries
Implementing Agency: Respective Government Agencies
Government has a directive to install solar panel at government & semi-government offices by
next three years to meet certain percentage of lighting and fan load demand. Capacity will vary
depending on load demand and site condition. Battery back-up support shall be for 2 hrs.
Estimated solar power capacity addition from this project shall be 41 MW. PWD will implement
25 MW project at Government Offices. Remaining 16 MW will be implemented by Semi-
Government Offices.

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2.7 CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT
The ambitious vision of implementing 500 MW Solar Power Program requires Institutional
capacity building support both in public and private sector. Strong R&D support also needs to be
facilitated. Capacity development support for CDM project preparation is necessary. An
integrated capacity development project may include all those essentials which may also include
testing standardization of equipment.
ESTIMATED INVESTMENTREQUIREMENTFOR PROGRAM
IMPLEMENTATION
It is estimated that 2.76 b USD shall be required to implement the program. Out of which 1.77 b
USD shall be required for Commercial Projects. Financial Support from Development Partners
in the form of Grant and Credit (Grant 1.38 b USD and Credit 0.85 b USD) is expected
amounting 2.23 b USD. Remaining financing shall be arranged from government and private
sector.

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CHAPTER 3
SOLAR HOME SYSTEM
1.1 Introduction

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Solar electricity is the energy which is extracted by Sun using solar power plants. Sun is the
richest source of energies like light and heat. Huge amount of energies are available for us to
take and make big impact on our electricity requirements
Our sun throws as much amount of energy on earth in one day which is equivalent to the energy
requirement for the entire year.
For better understating about what solar energy is and how it generated we need to know bit
more about Sun which provide us with this amazing source of energy. Solar energy is radiant
energy which is emitted by Sun. One interesting question which one may ask is how sun
manages to provide such amount of radiant energy constantly, what does sun possess which in
result produces such massive amount of energy ? It is obvious that all this energy comes from
within the core of sun. This huge ball is full of gases like hydrogen and helium, hydrogen atoms
however is present on larger scale Energy is formed because of nuclear fusion reaction when
hydrogen atoms combine to form helium; this entire process takes place in the core of the sun
which is the hottest part.
Fig 3.1: Solar Power Plant.

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3.2 Physical Perspective of Renewable Energy in Bangladesh
Bangladesh situated in the north-eastern part of south Asia is among the world‟s most
densely populated nations (1099 people/km2 in 2010) with a population of 162.20 million in
2014 . Energy, and more explicitly electricity, is a prerequisite for the technological
development, higher economic growth and poverty reduction of a nation. The future economic
development of Bangladesh is likely to result in a rapid growth in the demand for energy with
accompanying shortages and problems. The country has been facing a severe power crisis for
about a decade . Out of various renewable sources hydropower, geothermal, solar, tides, wind,
biomass, and bio fuel can be effectively used in Bangladesh . Solar energy is the most readily
available and free source of energy in our country and traditionally solar thermal energy has
been utilized in different household and industrial activities in Bangladesh. Several organizations
have installed low capacity wind turbines, mainly for battery charging in the coastal regionof
Bangladesh. However, progress in the wind energy sector of Bangladesh is not impressive.
Micro Hydro Power Plants can be installed in the north-eastern hilly regions and in the existing
irrigational canal system with a sufficient head. The only hydro power station of the country, the
Karnafuly Hydro Power Station with a generating capacity of 230 MW by 7 units, is located in
Kaptai across the river Karnafuly . There are scopes of integrated small tidal power plants in the
coastal regions. Biomass is the fourth largest source of energy worldwide and provides basic
energy requirements for cooking and heating of rural households in developing countries like
Bangladesh .
An agriculture based country like Bangladesh has huge potentials for utilizing biogas
technologies. According to IFRD-there is potential of about four million biogas plants in our
Country . It is notable that Bangladesh Government has planned to produce 5% of total power
generation by 2015 & 10% by 2020 from renewable energy sources like air, waste & solar
energy . Based on the information obtained, a comparative scenario of the five leading renewable
energy sectors of Bangladesh is illustrated in terms of the installed capacity .
Fig 3.2: Different implemented renewable sources in Bangladesh

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3.3 Present Status of Solar Energy in Bangladesh
Solar radiation varies from season to season in Bangladesh. So we might not get the same solar
energy all the time. In the monthly average solar radiation pattern is shown.
Fig 3.3:Monthly average solar radiation profile in Bangladesh
Daily average solar radiation varies between 4 to 6.5 KWh per square meter. Maximum amount
of radiation are available in the month of March-April and minimum in December-January .
According to IDCOL, the total capacity of solar energy based installations in Bangladesh appears
to be 20.75 MW [26]. The amount is significant considering the upward trend of the number of
SHSs (Solar Home System) installations in the country.

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Fig 3.4:SHS installation in Bangladesh
Fig 3.5:Division wise installation of SHS

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Table 3.1:Division wise installation of SHS
shows the approximate division wise SHSs installation. The figure illuminates that the
distribution of the SHSs is highest in the Dhaka division whereas lowest in the newly formed
division sylhet.

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3.4 Benefits and Advantages
Home solar systems, however, can not only offset our fossil-fuel-based energy consumption, but
can also become a source of clean renewable energy, which can power homes and businesses
long after the initial cost of the solar array has paid for itself. Home solar systems offer distinct
advantages over other energy-related home improvement projects, and along with generating
clean electricity, could also increase home and property values, while providing a dependable
and affordable source of energy over the long term.
The environmental advantages of home solar systems are many, but the most obvious are the
decreased reliance on fossil fuels, the increase in clean renewable energy entering the grid, and
the reduced energy-related pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Installing a home solar
system can also have a beneficial effect on our all-too-precious water resources, because it’s
much less water-intensive to produce energy from the sun than with other common power
sources (solar PV was found to use 21 times less water than nuclear power (per kWh of
electricity produced), and about 16 times less water than coal-fired electricity).
Fig 3.6: Using Solar electricity
Two other big benefits of home solar systems are somewhat indirect, but no less potent for it.
One of those solar benefits is the matching of electricity production with electrical demand,
which can help reduce the cost of electricity on the market for everyone, while also increasing
the resilience of the grid by diversifying the sources of electricity. Another solar benefit from
installing more home solar systems is the boosting of the local economy by creating jobs, and
studies have shown that money invested in solar power can create up to three times the number
of jobs than the same amount of money invested in coal or natural gas, so it’s got a great return
rate when compared to other energy investments.
While installing more home solar systems won’t completely solve our energy addictions
(considering how much energy we waste every day), but when coupled with home energy
conservation efforts and perhaps the implementation of some smart home technology, solar
power can serve to take a big bite out of not just our energy bills, but can also help us to reduce
our environmental footprint while boosting the economy.

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3.5 Classification of SHS
In the future, fossil fuel power plants - namely coal plants in the world - will be replaced with
clean, renewable sources of energy. Solar energy will play a major role in that future.
Presently, solar power plants are gaining a foothold in utility-scale power generation.
Solar power plants can produce energy in two ways[11]:
1. Solar thermal power plants - In this set-up, solar energy heats a transfer fluid, which is used to
heat water. That water creates steam to spin a turbine that can then produce electricity.
2. Solar photovoltaic (PV) plants - PV plants utilize solar power panels to convert solar
radiation directly into electricity.
Solar Thermal Power Plants
Solar thermal power plants also work in a few different ways. The most common type uses a
parabolic trough design. In these plants, commonly known as concentrated solar power (CSP)
plants, several rows of trough-shaped, parabolic mirrors are strategically designed to capture and
concentrate the sun's rays onto a focal point; much like a child might use a magnifying glass to
burn ants. That point is a black pipe running the length of the row of mirrors. Inside this pipe is a
transfer fluid, which heats up to very hot temperatures, often upwards of 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
The heated fluid is piped to a power generator, where its heat is used to boil water, creating
steam and electricity.
Fig 3.7: Solar Thermal Power Plants
Another version of a solar thermal power plant is a "power tower". Power towers take CSP
technology in a new direction. Mirrors are situated to focus solar radiation onto a single focal
point: a tall tower which houses a receiver that boils water to create steam. Mirrors are usually
connected to a tracking system that allows them to follow the sun across the sky. Power towers
have some key advantages, such as smaller footprints and relatively fast construction time.

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Solar Photovoltaic Plants
Photovoltaic plants are very straightforward. Several solar power panels are installed to form an
array. Typically, a handful of panels will be "strung" together in series on a single mounting
system. Each set of panels collects solar energy,
converts it directly into electricity, and sends that electricity through wiring to the electric grid.
PV power plants are relatively rare because solar thermal power is currently much more efficient
at producing electricity on a large scale.
Fig 3.8: Solar Photovoltaic Plants

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Photovoltaic Technology
A solar panel consists of number of photovoltaic (PV) solar cells connected in series and parallel.
These cells are made up of at least two layers of semiconductor material (usually pure silicon
infused with boron and phosphorous). One layer has a positive charge; the other has a negative
charge.
When sunlight strikes the solar panel, photons from the light are absorbed by the semiconductor
atoms, which then release electrons. The electrons, flowing from the negative layer (n-type) of
semiconductor, flow to the positive layer (ptype), producing an electrical current. Since the
electric current flows in one direction (like a battery), the electricity generated is DC.
Solar PV technologies
With the growing demand of solar power new technologies are being introduced and existing
technologies are developing.
There are four types of solar PV cells:
 Single crystalline or mono crystalline
 Multi - or poly-crystalline
 Thin film
 Amorphous silicon
Single-crystalline or mono crystalline
It is widely available and the most efficient cells materials among all. They produce the most
power per square foot of module. Each cell is cut from a single crystal. The wafers then further
cut into the shape of rectangular cells to maximize the number of cells in the solar panel.
Fig 3.9: Single-crystalline or mono crystalline panel

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Polycrystalline panels
They are made from similar silicon material except that instead of being grown into a single
crystal, they are melted and poured into a mold. This forms a square block that can be cut into
square wafers with less waste of space or material than round single-crystal wafers.
Fig 3.10: Polycrystalline panels
Thin film panels
It is the newest technology introduced to solar cell technology. Copper indium dieseline,
cadmium telluride, and gallium arsenide are all thin film materials. They are directly deposited
on glass, stainless steel, or other compatible substrate materials. Some of them perform slightly
better than crystalline modules under low light conditions. A thin film is very thin-a few
micrometer or less.
Fig 3.11: Thin film panels

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Amorphous Silicon
Amorphous silicon is newest in the thin film technology. In this technology amorphous silicon
vapor is deposited on a couple of micro meter thick amorphous films on stainless steel rolls.
Compared to the crystalline silicon, this technology uses only 1% of the material.
Fig 3.12: Amorphous Silicon
3.6 Types of solar system design
There can be various types of solar system design. But there are two basic design consideration,
they are-
1.Grid-tied
2. Off-grid
Grid-tied System
Without a battery bank or generator backup for your grid inter-tied system, when a blackout
occurs, your household will be in the dark, too. To keep some or all of your electric needs (or
“loads”) like lights, a refrigerator, a well pump, or computer running even when utility power
outages occur, many homeowners choose to install a grid-inter-tied syste with battery backup.
Incorporating batteries into the system requires more components, is more expensive, and
lowers the system’s overall efficiency. But for many homeowners who regularly experience
utility outages or have critical electrical loads, having a backup energy source is priceless.
The following illustration includes the primary components of any grid inter-tied solar electric
system with battery backup. [20]

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Fig 3.13: The primary components of any grid-tied solar electric system
Off Grid System
Although they are most common in remote locations without utility grid service, off-grid solar-
electric systems can work anywhere. These systems operate independently from the grid to
provide all of a household’s electricity. That means no electric bills and no blackouts—at least
none caused by grid failures. People choose to live off-grid for a
variety of reasons, including the prohibitive cost of bringing utility lines to remote homesites, the
appeal of an independent lifestyle, or the general reliability a solar-electric system provides.
Those who choose to live off-grid often need to make adjustments to when and how they use
electricity, so they can live within the limitations of the system’s design. This doesn’t necessarily
imply doing without, but rather is a shift to a more conscientious use of electricity. The following
illustration includes the primary components of any off grid solar electric system.[20]
Fig 3.14: The primary components of any off grid solar electric system.

41
In this segment, you can install solar power plant on your roof top, generate electricity and store
it in the battery. The system functions in such a manner – the battery is charged priority by solar
power and if not by EB power. When the battery is full, if the solar power is available – then the
load is connected to solar power – even when EB power is available. When solar is not available,
if the battery is full – the load is connected to EB power if available.
When both Solar and EB power is not available – the load is supplied from battery. Generally
hese systems are highly suitable for power cut situations and for capacities ranging.
If our home or home site is more than half a mile from the nearest power line you may want to
consider going with an off-the-grid solar system using some combination of passive and active
PV systems with batteries.
Fig 3.15: The design of off grid household
Currently in Bangladesh, most of the PV systems are installed in rural areas which have very
little chance of getting connected to the national grid within 5-10 years. That’s why off-grid
SHSs are the most popular standalone renewable energy application enjoying maximum growth.

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3.7 SOLAR HOME SYSTEMS
For those homeowners who would like to achieve long-term energy independence solar
photovoltaic (PV) systems using solar panels are one of the very best options. Solar energy
systems for the home are relatively simple, last for decades and over the long term can save
homeowners significant money, particularly in those states or countries that provide incentives
for solar energy. Moreover, solar PV systems create no pollution and give off no hydrocarbon
which makes them one of the best energy options from an environmental standpoint. They are
definitely a home energy option i can feel good about. A key thing to remember with PV
systems is that what they are harvesting is light energy, not heat or solar thermal energy.That
means they work as well in colder climates as they do in warmer climates.
Fig 3.16: SHS household
All that matters is how much light a location gets and in most of the U.S. there is more than
sufficient light on average for PV systems to be very effective. If i want to learn exactly how
much light your location has during the year look at our section on solar maps. These will show
you exactly how many hours of sunlight per day your area gets at different times of the year.
Photovoltaic systems (PV systems for short) are any energy generation systems that make use of
photovoltaic cells. A photovoltaic cell is a cell which generates electricity directly from light
energy. Photovoltaic cells come in many sizes, but most are 10 cm by 10 cm and generate a little
more than half a volt of electricity. PV cells are bundled together in interconnected solar panels
to produce higher voltages and increased power. A 12-volt solar panel typically used in home
solar energy applications has 30 to 50 PV cells. And can generate anywhere between 80 to 200
volts of electricity. In a residential application multiple solar panels are strung together into one
or more modules. The number of panels you need is a function of your energy use and the
amount of space you have available on your southern facing roof.

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Solar Home Systems in Bangladesh
Solar photovoltaics appear to be the only appropriate options for renewable electricity generation
in Bangladesh. The coastal area of Bangladesh has some potential of wind but its ultimate
feasibility is still questionable. The country has a very good monthly average solar radiation all
over the country.
Fig 3.17: Electricity generation from solar irradiation
Shows the monthly average solar adiation data of the important cites of the country. Radiations
higher during the months of March, April and May and lower in the months of December and
January. In Bangladesh, the SHS project has been implemented under Infrastructure
Development Company Limited (IDCOL).
Fig3.18: Comulative power generation from SHSs

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Table 3.1. Solar radiation (kWh/m2
/day) at different locations in Bangladesh.
Month Dhaka Comilla Rajshahi Chittagong Tangail
January 4.23 4.27 4.19 4.28 4.21
February 4.88 4.98 5.21 4.94 5.03
March 5.52 5.52 5.88 5.38 5.80
April 5.65 5.45 6.21 5.41 5.93
May 5.27 5.01 5.71 5.08 5.48
June 4.51 4.36 5.02 4.14 4.72
July 4.21 4.27 4.39 4.02 4.24
August 4.19 4.30 4.26 4.09 4.20
September 3.96 4.04 3.97 3.96 3.85
October 4.28 4.31 4.38 4.24 4.32
November 4.19 4.25 4.31 4.22 4.24
December 4.10 4.12 4.10 4.15 4.06
The operational and financial flow diagram of solar home system in Bangladesh is shown in
Figure 1. IDCOL is a financial institution established by the government of Bangladesh. Donors
such as World Bank, Global Environment Facility, GTZ, KFW, IDA & GEF, KfW and IDB
provide soft loans and grants to IDCOL to fund projects. Partner Organizations (POs) select the
project area, buy the system, install it and provide maintenance support using funds from IDCOL
with 6% interest for 12 years. POs sell the solar home system to the user either on credit or cash.
Each POs offer different type of installment, terms and conditions and loan repayment year.
Table 2 shows the number of solar home system installed by the POs up to January 2014 and
table 3 shows the division wise SHSs installation in Bangladesh. Grameen Shakti is one of the
major implementer and pioneer of solar system in Bangladesh. BRAC Foundation, RSF and
Srizony, Bangladesh are the other key implementer of the solar home system.

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3.8 Solar Energy source of Bangladesh
Solar Energy is a great source for solving power crisis in Bangladesh. Bangladesh is situated
between 20.30 and 26.38 degrees north latitude and 88.04 and 92.44 degrees east which is an
ideal location for solar energy utilization . At this position the amount of hours of sunlight each
day throughout a year. The highest and the lowest intensity of direct radiation in W/m². The
amount of hours of sunlight in Bangladesh Infrastructure development company limited
(IDCOL) has supported NGOs in installation of solar home systems (SHSs) and a total of
1,429,440 SHSs having capacity of about more than 36.5 MW have been installed upto February
2014. Bangladesh power development board (BPDB) has implemented an excellent Solar PV
electrification project in the Chittagong hill tracts region. The Solar PV electrification has
emerged as the most appropriate technological option for the electrification of these areas. A 10
kW central AC solar PV system has been installed in one selected market in each of the three
Rangamati district‟s sub-districts. With these systems, the shops of that market have been
electrified with normal AC electricity.
Table 3.2. SHS installation figure in Bangladesh
Partner Organization Number of SHSs Installed
Grameen Shakti 795,957
RSF 216,434
BRAC 77,019
Srizony Bangladesh 58,927
Hilful Fuzul Samaj Kallyan Sangstha 37,078
UBOMUS 25,234
BRIDGE 20,449
Integrated Development Foundation 14,238
TMSS 13,059
PDBF 10,672
SEF 21,720
AVA 12,817
DESHA 10,931
BGEF 16,995
RDF 20,027
Others 77,883
Total 1,429,440

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The impact on households would depend on what prices they actually pay, which depends on
the behavior of the POs, given that there are several incentives that are on offer to them. The
POs are provided several incentives. These are: (a) A buy-down grant (on average about 10
percent of the original cost of SHS) provided by the EU is designed to help POs reduce the cost
of SHS at the household level and also to promote SHS in remote areas; (b) Refinancing of their
initial capital from IDCOL (80 percent of the credit extended to customers by the POs) at a flat
rate of interest of 6 percent for a period of 6-8 years; and (c) A grant from the EU for
‘Institutional Development’ which is about 18 percent of the POs’ contribution to the credit
facilities (i.e. 20 percent of the credit provided by POs to customers). Against such direct
incentives to POs, households receive the solar home system on credit for 3 years at a flat rate of
12 percent, thus providing further incentives to POs to reap the benefits from both the interest
spread and the repayment
period. Of course, that depends on specific circumstances, particularly the competition from
other POs. There is also a provision for buy back of batteries and battery replacement when their
life is over.
The objectives for such grants are to encourage the POs to pass on the subsidy as much as
possible to the clients so that rural households receive SHS at a cheaper price and that a robust
and regulated market chain is established at the rural level that ensures (a) quality of products,
(b) environmental safety, (c) availability of facilities for repair and maintenance and (d) supply
of spares, bulbs, etc. at the local level. The rate of interest charged to SHS buyers by POs varies
between 6 percent and 12 percent and the duration of loan is 3 years in most cases. At the same
time, POs have also established a system through which buyers can buy SHS at discounted prices
if the loan repayment period is reduced and/or buyers
purchase the system using cash on delivery and installation. There is, within an apparently
regulated marketing system, thus scope for flexibilities, making effective prices vary by PO and
also by the nature of demand from the client.
Figure 3.19: Distribution of cumulative installations of Solar Home System by POs

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3.9 SHS price and subsidy over time
It is important to note that the solar panels marketed by IDCOL’s POs were subsidized. Thus,
grant and subsidized loan policies were introduced around 2003. Although the extent of the
grant per unit solar panel has declined over time, the subsidy was nonetheless instrumental in
pushing the frontier by shifting market demand through entry of small NGOs marketing various
types of solar panels. With both PO competition and increased market demand, the price of SHS
has declined despite the decline in subsidy.
Source: BIDS-World Bank survey, 2012
Figure 3.20: Change in SHS price and subsidy over time
both the price offered to consumers and the subsidy offered to POs per unit of Wp have declined
over time. For example, in 2004, the offered price to the consumer per unit of Wp was close to
Tk. 385 and the grant subsidy was Tk.95 per unit of Wp. By 2012, the unit price had dropped to
Tk.256 and the grant subsidy to POs to Tk.25 per unit of Wp. This is an interesting scenario, as
the prices of solar panels declined despite the decline in the grant subsidy given to POs. the
subsidy declined more rapidly than the price itself. In fact, the subsidy was about 25 percent of
the SHS unit price in 2004 and dropped to less than 10 percent by 2012. Interestingly, despite
the decline in subsidy and price support by IDCOL and its donors, the demand for SHS
continued to increase. This was in part because of a steeper decline in the prices of solar units,
thanks to technological advances in solar panels over time.

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Figure 3.21: Change in subsidy as % of SHS price over time
3.10 Energy consumption in SHS and non-SHS households
Households, regardless of their SHS adoption, are primarily dependent on kerosene and
biomass for their energy requirements. About 80 percent of the households use fuel wood or non-
fuel wood biomass for cooking and related activities . While 62 percent of the SHS households
use kerosene, the incidence
is significantly higher, at 99 percent, among the non-SHS households. In contrast, uses of other
sources of energy vary between 53 percent among the SHS households to 64 percent among the
non-SHS households. Although a large share of households uses other sources, energy
consumption from these sources is very low. Insofar as the analysis based on the above
percentage may be misleading, the actual energy consumption (in kgOE/month) was compared
between SHS households and those without SHS. The results presented in SHS households
consume about 64 kgOE/month of energy from fuel wood vis-à-vis 51 kgOE/month for
households without the SHS, and this difference is statistically significant. Similarly, SHS
households consume 62 kgOE/month of energy from non-fuel wood biomass vis-à-vis 65
kgOE/month for households without the SHS. However, these empirical findings on biomass
consumptionre not important per se as the ownership of an SHS does not substitute these types of
energy consumption. However, it may be noted that ownership of the SHS replaces consumption
of fossil fuels such as kerosene mong the SHS households. For example, SHS households
consume less than 1 liter of kerosene per month, compared to almost 3 liters per month
consumed by the non-adopters. This means that SHS adoption has probably reduced
average household consumption of kerosene by 2 liters per month. The difference in the level of
consumption of kerosene is statistically significant. But the overall consumption of energy does
not differ significantly between SHS adopters and non-adopters, and hence, one can surmise that
the use of SHS only changes the composition of energy consumption.[19]

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The substitution of kerosene
One of the main uses of the SHS is for lighting. Depending on the capacity of the SHS panels,
households would have 2-5 lighting points. The more lighting points a household has, the lower
the use of kerosene for lighting, which is mainly used in rural areas. While other possible uses of
kerosene include cooking, this is a costly alternative to biomass cooking fuel and hence is rarely
seen in rural households. Given that there are about 1.9 million SHS households in rural
Bangladesh, the decrease in kerosene consumption amounts to over 40 million liters of kerosene
saved annually due to SHS adoption.
SHS and appliance use
Even though the POs offer SHS of different Wp levels, most households choose 20, 40, 50, or 65
Wps. The most popular choice appears to be the 50 Wp size. As expected, there is a positive
correlation between the size of the system and the number of lights that it supports; while only
one lightbulb is used in a 20 Wp size, as many as 5 lightbulbs are used in an 75 to 90 Wp size
unit of SHS. Charger lights, one of the most common appliances, are used by 13 percent of all
SHS adopters. Thirty-seven percent of the SHS households use SHS-powered electricity to run a
television.
Energy consumption and SHS capacity
As energy consumption from the SHS panel increases with Wp size. This means
consumption of energy form SHS must have alternative uses besides lighting. For example, with
a higher- capacity SHS unit, households often purchase a TV, a source of entertainment and
information for enhancing the productivity of inputs used in household production. Thus, the
time use pattern of household members may change toward productivity-enhancing activities to
boost their income. On the other hand, knowledge about health and education through TV
programs can improve outcomes in these domains as well as give advantages to household
members, especially women in SHS households, compared with those in non-SHS households.
These changes are expected to contribute to improved welfare for all members of rural
households in Bangladesh.

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Fig 3.22: HH energy consumption from SHS by SHS capacity
Energy consumption by wealth
The average price of SHS per Wp is approximately Tk.400 and the minimum size to purchase is
20 Wp, which costs Tk.8,000. This amount of money to be spent in purchasing this solar panel
of minimum size is a lot of money for many rural households. Hence, those who can afford to
purchase SHS panels are relatively wealthy households. In rural areas, landholding is a proxy
for wealth. As energy consumption from SHS is higher with greater landholding, implying
energy consumption is an increasing function of landholding. This implies that, as
electricity/energy produced per unit of SHS is given, both household adoption of solar panels
and panel capacity are positively related to landholding.

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Fig 3.23: HH energy consumption from SHS by landholding
3.11 Power generation from SHS
A typical 50 Wp solar home system supports 4 tube lights (7 watts each) and a 17” Black and
White TV set. From around 2 million SHSs already installed under IDCOL’s financing
with average capacity 50 Wp, total generation capacity in December 2012 is approximately 94
MW. At present around 60,000 SHSs are being installed every month under IDCOL’s SHS
programme. At this rate, by December 2015, total generation capacity from this SHS programme
should reach about 200 MW. Introduction of solar PV systems has been in progress since 1980
but the total wattage up to December 2002 was just 1,000 kW [4]. In recent years, apart from
SHSs, various other renewable energy projects such as biomass (rice-husk) gasification based
power plants, biogas (from poultry litter and cow dung) based power plants; municipal waste
based power plants are being implemented in Bangladesh. According to new regulations, every
newly built high-rise building must install solar PV panels at the roof top before they get
connection to electrical distribution lines. All these renewable energy projects are contributing
in achieving the government’s target of producing 5% power from renewable sources by 2015
and 10% by 2020 as declared in the Renewable Energy Policy of Bangladesh.

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How to produce electricity from Solar energy
Solar panels are constructed from a semi-conductive material with the most common material of
choice being silicon. The semi-conductive material contains electrons which will naturally just
stay there not doing anything. When photons (contained within the sun‟s rays) hit a solar cell,
the electrons contained in the solar cell material absorb this solar energy, which transforms the
electrons into conduction electrons. If the energy of these photons is great enough then the
electrons are able to become free and carry an electric charge through a circuit to the destination.
Photovoltaic modules, commonly called solar modules, are the key components used to convert
sunlight into electricity. Solar modules are made of semiconductors that are very similar to those
used to create integrated circuits for electronic equipment. The most common type of
semiconductor currently in use is made of silicon crystal. Silicon crystals are laminated into n-
type and p-type layers, stacked on top of each other. Light striking the crystals induces the
“photovoltaic effect,” which generates electricity. The electricity produced is called direct
current (DC) and can be used immediately or stored in a battery. For systems installed on homes
served by a utility grid, a device called an inverter changes the electricity into alternating current
(AC), the standard power used in residential homes.
Fig 3.24: Produce electricity from Solar energy

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3.12 Application of SHS
Solar power plants are relatively common than what we have witness in past decay. It is
important to adopt some kind of alternative source of power generation before we run out of
current sources which produce electricity for us at present. The most obvious and realistic choice
is solar energy. Solar energy is available in abundant amount on earth and shifting our electricity
requirements on solar energy is most likely to be the option in coming future. Solar plants have
already start providing electricity to us on different levels and scales. What we have all witness
since our childhood is solar power calculator or wrist watch but now thankfully things have
moved way on. Solar power gadgets or huge solar power arrays are seen producing massive
amount of electricity for domestic and commercial areas. Solar power usage is not constant
throughout the world. Developed countries more obviously have larger solar power consumption
than developing countries. For instance Abengoa Solar launched commercial solar plant in
Seville Spain; it produces 20 Megawatts of electricity. Solar Applications can be divided into
three categories for understanding them better. Solar applications are available in sectors like
Residential, Commercial, Industrial and Agriculture.
RESIDENTIAL SOLAR POWER
There are numerous solar powered based devices available in markets which are used in
residential sector, products like solar power heater, geezer, outdoor garden lights, battery
chargers etc. These days‟ entire homes can be powered by solar energy. Appropriate solar cells
type is used and joined together in modules. These modules of panels are mounted on the roof of
the home for direct exposure to the sun light. This sun light is then converted into electricity
using solar panels and then transfer into electric system of the house. If power requirement of
house is higher then what solar power plant is producing then it can be used supplementary to
reduce utility bills and incase if more power is produced than it is required, your electric plant
grid station may use net metering and purchase the amount of electricity sent to grid station by
your solar power plant. There are systems available which hold battery backups and store the
access amount of energy. This energy can be used when conventional electricity is out.
Fig 3.25: RESIDENTIAL SOLAR POWER

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INDUSTRIAL SOLAR POWER
Solar energy applications : solar energy is been in use in industry and provides multiple
industrial applications, especially when power is required in remote locations. Solar power can
be useful in such industrial applications where small kilowatt energy is required. Some examples
of remote location solar powered applications are TV Station, Radio broadcasting towers,
repeater stations, radio telephones etc. Solar power also facilitated electricity in transportation
signaling system.
In Japan, there are cities which are totally equipped with solar power traffic signal systems and
does not require conventional electricity to operate. Other transportation system includes
navigation systems, light houses in oceans, runway lights on airports, security camera in dark etc.
Other industrial applications where solar power is used are environmental, situation equipment
and protection systems for well heads, bridges pipelines etc. Such applications where electricity
load is high, solar power can prove cost effective by configure hybrid electric power systems,
that joints photovoltaic solar power system with small generators that operates on fuel or natural
gas. Solar power is highly reliable and can work on locations where conventional electricity is
not reachable. Space is one of the examples for it. Satellites are powered by solar power from the
day first when first satellite was launched in space Solar car is another most sophisticated
application of solar energy. PV is installed on the surface of the car which converts sun light into
electricity to power up a car. Such cars are not yet available for use in market, but they are bound
to come for launch commercially very soon in future.
Fig 3.26: INDUSTRIAL SOLAR POWER

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COMMERCIAL SOLAR POWER
Commercial building like offices, school, clinics, community halls, hospitals etc can also take
advantage from solar energy electrification. In office buildings, glass/glass PV modules can
provide cover over atria, which provide shaded light inside the building. PV systems can also be
installed on vertical wall office building in several ways, Curtain wall system, and rain screen
over cladding etc.
Fig 3.27: COMMERCIAL SOLAR POWER
EFFICIENCY OF SOLAR POWER
The efficiency of solar power, or more specifically a solar panel, depends on the materials used
to make each solar cell. A solar cell is that portion of a solar panel in which sunlight is collected
and converted to solar electricity. The materials within each cell that perform this valuable duty
are called semiconductors. The efficiency of a solar cell - and of solar power - is measured as the
percentage of the total sunlight striking the cell that is converted into electricity by the cell.
In conventional solar panels, which you'll see on 90 percent of rooftops today, crystalline silicon
is the semiconductor of choice . Silicon solar panels hold the highest consistent conversion
efficiencies of solar panels in use today. They invert on average between 15 and 20 percent of
the light that hits them.
Thin-film solar panels are considered the wave of the future. They cost much less to manufacture
than crystalline silicon panels, but as of yet cannot equal silicon in conversion efficiency.
Cadmium telluride (CdTe) and cadmium-indium-gallium-selenide (CIGS) solar panels are the
current champions of thin-film solar technologies, averaging around 11 percent efficiency. Most
thin-film solar cells reside in the 4-10 percent range. Solar power is still a relatively young
technology. Scientists and researchers believe they can create solar cells that will reach 30-40
percent efficiency and beyond in the not too distant future.

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Present Solar energy sectors in bangladesh
Bangladesh government takes some essential steps to mitigate the existing load shedding
problem. The government has announced that, “Bangladesh is looking for producing 500 MW
power from solar system”.
Bangladesh has set a target to produce 500 MW of electricity installing solar home systems to
reduce greenhouse emissions and ensure sustainable development in energy sector. It also plans
to install solar irrigation system to cut diesel cost.
To use Asian Development Bank (ADB)‟s fund in solar power project, Bangladesh set the target
of electricity generation from solar energy. “To ensure energy security and to reduce carbon
emission we have taken up a massive program to implement renewable energy, energy
conservation plan,” Adviser to the Prime Minister Dr.Tawfiq-E-Elahi Chowdhury said. ADB is
set to support 3000 MW capacity power project in Asia-Pacific region. To get benefit from it,
Bangladesh has prepared its program in collaboration with NGOs.
Bangladesh has achieved a landmark achievement in implementing renewable energy expansion
program through installing solar home systems across the country. Every month, more than
36,000 solar home systems are being installed adding one and half MW of electricity. Just one
and half years back about 12,000 systems were installed every month. According to the power
division, Bangladesh made a pledge at Washington International Renewable Energy Conference,
2008 that about five per cent of its total electricity generation will come from renewable sources
by 2015.
Solar Based Recharging Stations for Electric Vehicles[11]:
Currently two types of electrical verticals are running in our country. One is locally called “easy
bike”. It looks closely like traditional CNG based auto rickshaw except its run on battery. The
second one is two seated rickshaw. Both of them are energy efficient and environment friendly
being popular in the world as well as
Bangladesh. Typically they run on 50 Ahr.80 Ahr, 100Ahr and 120 Ahr battery based on the size
and speed of the vehicle. Currently there is no known recharging station for charging them as it
consumes lots of power from Grid. So here we propose a Solar PV based electrical vehicle
Recharging station. This process can run alongside the Normal CNG filling station or petrol
pump, as the solar panels would be mounted on top of it. This method can work in almost every
part of Bangladesh as the whole country face almost same solar insolation enough to
produce required electrical energy.

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Fig 3.28: Electric vehicles in Bangladesh
3.13 Components of a solar PV system
A typical solar PV system consists of solar panel, charge controller, batteries, inverter and the
load. Shows the block diagram of such a system.
Fig 3.29: Components of a solar PV

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Charge controller
When battery is included in a system, the necessity of charge controller comes forward. A charge
controller controls the uncertain voltage build up. In a bright sunny day the solar cells produce
more voltage that can lead to battery damage. A charge controller helps to maintain the balance
in charging the battery.
Fig 3.30: Charge controller
Batteries
To store charges batteries are used. There are many types of batteries available in the market.
But all of them are not suitable for solar PV technologies. Mostly used batteries are
nickel/cadmium batteries. There are some other types of high energy density batteries such as-
sodium/sulphur, zinc/bromine flow batteries. But for the medium term batteries nickel/metal
hydride battery has the best cycling performance. For the long term option iron/chromium red ox
and zinc or manganese batteries are best. Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) batteries are also one of
the best available potions for solar PV use.
Fig 3.31: Batteries

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Inverter
Solar panel generates dc electricity but most of the household and industrial appliances need ac
current. Inverter converts the dc current of panel or battery to the ac current. We can divide the
inverter into two categories.
They are-
 Stand alone and
 Line -tied or utility-interactive
Fig 3.32: Inverter

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3.14 Project site
Tangail is a district (zilla) in the central region of Bangladesh. It is a part of the Dhaka division.
The population of Tangail zilla is about 3.6 million and its surface area is 3,414.35 km².The
main town of Tangail District is the district town Tangail. It is surrounded by the several
districts, such as Jamalpur district on the north, the Dhaka and Manikganj districts on the south,
the Mymensingh and Gazipur districts on the east, and the Sirajganj district on the west. The
main rivers that cross the Tangail district are the Jamuna, Dhaleshwari, Jhenai, Bangshi,
Louhajang, Langulia, Elongjani, Jugni, Fotikjani and the Turag.
Average Solar Irradiation in Tangail zilla (kWh/m2
/day ):
Fig 3.33: Solar Irradiation in Tangail zilla

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Sakhipur Upazila
Sakhipur Upazila (Tangail District) with an area of 429.63 km².The upazila consists of eight
Union Parishads and 123 villages. Coordinates: 24.3167°N, 90.1750°E. Temperature: 34 °C at
summer and 22 °C at winter season. Sakhipur has a population of 241665; male 121683, female
119982.It has house hold 40278.
Kerosene lamp
1. No of lamps= 3
2. Fuel consumption= 2 lit/lamp/month×12 month× 3 lamp
= 72 liter
3. Initial cost = 300taka×3 lamp= 900 taka
4. Maintenance cost= 120 taka/year
5. Fuel cost= 70taka/lit ×72 lit
=5040 taka
6. Total cost= 5040 taka+120 taka+900= 6060 taka
7. Life time= 1years

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Solar Home system
1. Total initial cost = 1,34,240taka
2. Maintenance cost=500 taka/year
3. Life time = 25 years
However, unlike the initial cost, the operational cost 500 taka/year SHSs are
extremely low and On the other hand, households using kerosene, has to spend
around 120 taka/year. This indicates a significant amount of savings on kerosene
usage due to the installation of SHSs.
In Bangladesh the Solar Home Systems with different capacity like 50 watts to 300 watts are
available to rural household consumers to choose according to their needs and to meet their
financial capacity. From the selected sample it has been found that most of the respondents
(39%) use the Solar Home Systems with capacity of 50 watts through which they can run 2
lights (12Watt each), 1 Black & White TV point and 1 mobile phone charger. The next use was
found with the 275 watts through which consumers can run 3 lights (15 Watt), 2 fan(90watt),
1 Colour TV point and 1 mobile phone charger.
Load Estimation:
Sakhipur Upazila (Tangail District) with an area of 429.63 km².The upazila consists of eight
Union Parishads and 123 villages. Sakhipur has a population of 241665 and it has house hold
40278.
Electricity demand for each family:
• Three CFL bulb = 15(power rating of each bulb) ×3(no. of bulb) ×8(hours of operation) =
360Wh
• Two Fan = 90(power rating of fan) ×2(no. of fan) ×6(hours of operation) = 1080Wh
• One TV set (14” Colour) = 50(power rating of TV) ×1(no. of TV) ×2(hours of operation)
= 100Wh
Peak Watt demand for each family (Wp) = 275W
Peak Watt demand for total family(Wp)=40278 ×275=11.07MW
Total demand of each family per day = 1540Wh/day = 1.54 KWh/day
Electricity demand for total family=(40278 ×1.54)=62.02MWh/day

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Showing load duration curve:
Fig 3.34: Load duration curve
3.15 Cost-Benefit Analysis
The study based on cost-benefit analysis on data collected during my field trip to
typical SHS projects in Sakhipur Upazila village of Tangail district. Assume lifetime of SHS and
kerosene lamp are 20 years and 3 years respectively. Repair and maintenance cost for SHS and
kerosene lamp are 500tk/yr and 120 tk/yr. battery life is 5 years and after five additional 10000 tk
is needed to replace the battery for SHS. Number of family used 3 kerosene lamps for lighting.
Each lamp consumes 6 liters kerosene per month. Assuming, Price of the kerosene at present
market is 65 tk/liters. The price of SHS is 18000tk including installation charge, where the price
of each kerosene lamp is 900tk only. Consider the discount factors at 10% interest. The
fundamental principle of appraisal methods is to compare costs against benefits. Although the
principle sounds simple but the analysis become somewhat difficult because of the fact that the
costs and benefits are spread over a very long period of the time for solar home system, over a
period of 25 years. The cost of the system has to be made up front. But the cost of replacement
will be made some time in distant future, which makes the estimation difficult. But the more
controversial issue is to estimate benefit or cost savings over a period of 25 years.

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Cost of SHS Systems
Normally 50~300 Wp systems are mostly used in the rural areas. The cost of a 50 Wp system
was 23,600 BDT, whereas for a 85 Wp system, the cost was 44,800 BDT. the cost of SHSs with
detail equipments provided by the POs. Battery, PV panel and charge controller are the three
main components of the PV system. POs also provide structure for panel and battery, lamps and
ballast, switch, switch board and necessary wires during the installation period. But, the owner or
user had to buy other equipments if they need, such as, adapter, DC-DC converter for radio,
cassette and mobile charger, etc.
The breakdown of total cost of a 50 Wp system. The Battery and solar panel were found to be the
main reasons of the high cost of the PV system. Solar panel contributed to 28%, whereas battery
cost was around 30% of the total cost though most of the batteries were produced in Bangladesh.
Three years after sale service and installation cost 13.50%, overhead cost 10%, cable, switches
and others 7.50% and lamp shade 5% were the significant others costs. Except these, tube lights
and steel structure for panel contributed 2% and 1% of total cost respectively. This break down
of cost was also similar for 40 and 60 Wp system as price variation was not much. On the other
hand, percentage of battery and panel cost was little bit higher for 80 and 85 Wp system. It was
found that for 80 and 85 Wp battery and panel cost were 33% and 30% of the total cost
respectively.
Table 3.5:Break down of cost of PV system in rural Bangladesh

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3.16 Overview on Villages and Household Characteristics
Before concentrating on energy issues and related socio-economic impacts, it is
essential to draw a general picture of the situation and conditions within villages and households
in focus of this investigation. The following paragraphs will present some basic information on
the socio-economic context, problems and expectations of rural Bangladeshi households.Solar
Home Systems to Produce Light
Fig 3.35: Solar Home Systems to Produce Load
Energy and Emission
Energy Consumption and Corresponding Emission by a SHS:
Energy requirement for various components of PV systems found 35 MJ/ Wp for multi
crystalline PV module. Total energy requirement by a 50 Wp SHS are presented. As the PV
systems in the studied case were aluminium framed modules, energy requirement for this has
been calculated. According to the estimation of Alsema, 1 m2 of PV module requires 2.5 kg
aluminium frame, which requires 500MJ of thermal energy . The area of 50Wp module is 0.45
m2 for multi crystalline (BP350). Based on this value, the energy requirement for aluminium
frame in the studied area is 225 MJ. Batteries are one of the
significant parts of stand-alone PV systems. Alsema suggests that the energy requirement range
for lead-acid batteries is 25 to 50 MJ/kg. This value assumes 30 to 50% of lead recycling. The
energy density of battery is typically 40Wh/kg, which gives 0.94 MJ/Wh. As the 50Wp PV
system uses a 71Ah battery @ 12V (852Wh), the energy requirement becomes 800 MJ per
battery.

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Energy consumption for a SHS in its entire lifetime
Energy requirements for charge controller were very difficult to find. As most of the sources
mention about the energy requirement for grid connected PV systems, which do not use any
charge controller (rather use inverters), this particular information was not available. Twedell
mentions that the energy requirement for a 3 kW inverter is 2,105 MJ[19]. The energy
requirement in this calculation was worked out from this figure based on the weight comparison.
BP (2003a) gives the weight of a 1 kW inverter is 18.5 kg and Morningstar gives the weight of a
10 ampere charge controller is 0.23 kg [20]. Based on the liner algebra the energy requirement
for 10 amps charge controller was calculated to be 9 MJ. Most of the households in the rural
area have tin shed roof. Therefore, to fix the module a very simple and light weight steel frame is
used, which is screwed between the module and the roof. The weight of this structure is about
2kg per system. Wheldon et.al notes the energy requirement for galvanized steel is 50 MJ/kg,
which gives 100 MJ per system . Lamps, cables and fixtures, Installation, Transportation are not
consider for analysis as energy consumption for these are very low. Total primary energy
requirement for a 50Wp in its total life of 20 years as summarized in table 7 is 4593 MJ.As the
all energy used in manufacturing and replacement of PV system is in the form of electricity, the
total emission can be obtained very easily. Alsema noted that the emission from electricity
generation is 0.055 kg CO2/MJ. This gives emission over 20 years from a 50Wp 253 kg.

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Energy supplied and emission reduction by SHS
Design of 50 Wp system allows 112 Wh/day (source: field visit) and this gives around 40.88
kWh per year that means 163.52 kWhth (11773 MJth) in 20 years. Energy payback can be
calculated by the Eq.:
Kerosene is the main fuel for lighting in rural areas, which is used in “Hurricane” or
“Kuppi”. Various sources have been consulted to get an estimate of the fuel used per
household per month.An early study made by Cabraal shows that kerosene consumption of a
household using wick lamps in Sri Lanka was 0.5 to 1 litre per day i.e. 15 to 30 litres per month.
Traditional wick lamps (Kuppi and hurricane) used by the rural people of Bangladesh were
tested at Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR) to get the actual fuel
consumption and the result show that the average fuel consumption per lamp was 0.042 lit/hour.
Assuming an operating hour of 4 hours, the average kerosene saved by 50Wp systems were
around 20.50 liter/month that means 4920 lit in 20 years.
IPCC guide line suggests that CO2 emission from kerosene is 2.5 kg/liter [12]. According to a
study in India, emission from kerosene lamp was 2.45 kg CO2/lit. But his value can vary with
different types of lamps. The raditional lamps used by the rural people were tested at BCSIR.
The average CO2 emission from traditional lamps used by the rural people in Bangladesh was
2.41 kg CO2/liter according to the test. Therefore, the total CO2 emission reduction will be
11604 kg in 20 years.
3.17 Recommendation of solar energy in Bangladesh
Providing electricity for meeting lighting needs of households and rural markets can bring
several positive impacts including improvement of quality of life and increasing in income and
employment opportunities. So, rural electrification through solar energy is a model to the users is
that they are free from the responsibility of maintaining the system. The risk of the whole system
has been avoided with the involvement of local community in management. Demonstration of
solar energy system has been successful to create interest among the rural people and demand
from other location also observed.

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CHAPTER 4
HOMER SIMULATION & RESULTS
Proposed System:
The complete model of the proposed system consists of solar PV for generating scheme and
converter for converting produced electric power form solar panel to the AC grid is shown in
figure.

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Figure 4.1: HOMER Implementation of off-grid Solar System
Solar PV Scheme:
The solar radiation data in Tanggail is given below.
Table 4.1: Baseline data used for global horizontal radiation[10].

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Figure 4.2: Solar resource
Optimized Result of the System:
In HOMER, the optimized results could be categorized for a particular set of sensitivity
parameters. The economically feasible system obtained from optimized simulation result is
shown in following figure.
Figure 4.3: Optimized Result from HOMER

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Simulation Result For Solar Photovoltaic System:
The simulation results obtained for Solar PV is given below in Table .
Table 4.2: PV scheme results
Electrical Result of the System:
The production of electricity by the proposed system is given in figure.
Figure 4.4: Electrical Output from the System
The monthly average electric production of the solar system compromising of solar PV and Grid
is represented in a graph given below in figure. which is obtained as a result after the simulation.
Figure 4.5: Monthly average electric Production (PV)

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Environmental Effect:
Due to use of renewable energy the emission of harmful gases are also reduced. The reduction of
gas emission is determined by HOMER software.
Pollutant Emissions(kg/yr)
Carbon dioxide 363
Carbon monoxide 0
Unbourned hydrocarbons 0
Particulate matter 0
Sulfur dioxide 1.57
Nitrogen oxides 077
Figure 4.6: Environmental Pollutants
Simulation Result
Total Cost: 1,34,240 BDT
Total Generation per year (kWh): 920 kwh
Yearly Income(for 1kwh=12 BDT):
Energy generation per year(KWh) Income (in Taka)
920 11040
Payback Period Analysis
Considering 1kW-hr= 12 taka
Total cost of the system= 134240 BDT
Annual income = 11040 BDT
So, payback period in year =
years12
incomeannual
systemtheofcost


73
Revenue
Total income in 25 years (minimum project life time) = 25×11040
=276000 BDT
Total Revenue= Total income- Total cost of the system
= (276000-134240) BDT
=141760 BDT

74
CHAPTER 5
Summary & Conclusions
References
[1] Limin Wang, Sushenjit Bandyopadhyay, Mac Cosgrove-Davies, and Hussain
Samad, “Quantifying Carbon and Distributional Benefits of Solar Home System
Programs in Bangladesh”
[2] Jake-richardson, “480,000 New Solar Home Systems For Bangladesh”

75
[3] “Solar Energy Revolution That Everyone’s Ignoring In Bangladesh”
[4] Muhammad Riazul Hamid ,“Photovoltaic Based Solar Home Systems –
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[5] Training and capacity development and has created 45 “Grameen Technology
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[6] Faisal Ahammed, “Applications of Solar PVOn Rural Development in
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[7] Md. Rezaul karim, “Solar Photovoltaic based Integrated Renewable energy
system size and costfor a 100 kW Solar mini grid in Sandwip, Chittagong.”
[8] S.M. Najmul Hoque, Barun Kumar Das “Analysis of Cost, Energy and CO2
Emission of Solar Home Systems in Bangladesh” Vol.3, No.2, 2013.
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[10] Sabbir Ahmed Khan & A K M Abdul Malek Azad “SOCIALIMPACT OF
SOLAR HOME SYSTEM IN RURAL BANGLADESH: A CASE STUDY OF
RURAL ZONE”
[11] Anik Deb, Dr. Mahmud Abdul Matin Bhuiyan, Arefin Nasir “Prospectsof
Solar Energy in Bangladesh” Volume 4, Issue 5 (Jan. - Feb. 2013), PP 46-57
[12] Ummay Habiba & Sohag Kumar Saha “Analysis of Solar Energy & the Solar
Power Plants to Neutralize the Load-shedding Problem in Bangladesh” Vol. 1, No.
2, April 2013.
[13] Md. Rezaul karim “Solar Photovoltaic based Integrated Renewable energy
system size
and costfor a 100 kW Solar mini grid in Sandwip, Chittagong” September, 2013.
[14] Ummay Habiba & Sohag Kumar Saha “Analysis of Solar Energy & the Solar
Power Plants to Neutralize the Load-shedding Problem in Bangladesh” Vol. 1, No.
2, April 2013.
[15] Rabbani Rash-Ha Wahi and Nafiz Ul Ahsan “Feasibility Study of Solar Home
System in Rural Areas of Bangladesh: Prospect, Progress and Challenges” 28-29
December 2012.
[16] Abu Kowsar, Md. Sofikul Islam*, Kazi Rizwana Mehzabeen and Zahid Hasan
Mahmood “Solar Energy to Meet the Energy Crisis in Bangladesh” Sept. 2010.
[17] http://solarelectricityhandbook.com/solar-irradiance.html
[18] Md. Rejwanur Rashid Mojumdar, Arif Md. Waliullah Bhuiyan, Hamza Kadir,
Md. Nizamul Haque Shakil and Ahmed-Ur-Rahman “Design & Analysis of an
Optimized Grid-tied PV System: Perspective Bangladesh”vol.3, No.4,August
2011.

76
[19] Hussain A. Samad,Shahidur R. Khandker,M. Asaduzzaman,Mohammad
Yunus “Te Benefts of Solar Home Systems An Analysis from Bangladesh”
December 2013
[20] Vince Lombardi “ A practical guide to solar power system design” Version
08.08.12

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