Local solar panel manufacturers have called for policies that support growth of the sector, as well as measures to deter imports.

In a statement, the Solar Module Manufacturers Association of Bangladesh (SMMAB) said people are being cheated by the import of substandard solar panels.

Nine local companies with a combined investment of Tk 200 crore are also facing risks in the absence of specific and effective policies on the industry, according to the association. The government plans to produce 2,400MW of electricity from renewable energy by 2021 as part of its efforts to diversify the energy-mix.

Solar power will play a major role in reaching the goal, said the platform. According to the government plan, 30 lakh families will get solar power by the end of 2017, said Munawar Misbah Moin, president of SMMAB.

The import of solar panels should not be encouraged, he said.

Bangladesh now produces 195MW from solar home and rooftop systems, according to the Sustainable & Renewable Energy Development Authority. The government plans to raise it to 1,739MW by 2021.

Nine local companies that are members of the association have the ability to produce 100MW.

“The local producers have the ability to meet the demand but they cannot survive in the face competition from imported panels,” Moin said. High tariff could be imposed on imported panels as a measure, he added.

Golam Baki Masud, general secretary of the association, said although the prime minister has attached priority to solar power as an alternative fuel, no definite regulation has been formulated to this effect.

He gave examples of developed countries that enforce strict laws to protect their local solar panel industries. India also has made it mandatory to use locally-made solar panels, he added.

Masud urged the central bank to come forward and inspire the local solar panel manufacturers by providing long-term loans at low interest rates.

SMMAB Senior Vice President Moshiur Rahman said the environment-friendly solar power is a potential sector for the development of a green economy.

“To reduce carbon emission and secure sustainable fuel along with ensuring the growth of the economy, renewable energy will be an effective weapon,” he said.