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DHAKA, Dec 21, 2025 (BSS) - The Power Division has issued a revised circular making rooftop solar installation under the net metering system mandatory for buildings with at least 1,000 square feet of usable roof space for a minimum of 20 years.

According to the circular, any building that has 1,000 square feet or more of roof area suitable for use over at least 20 years must install rooftop solar panels when applying for a new electricity connection under the net metering system. 

The Power Division has also cancelled its previous circular on the matter.

The circular states that residential consumers applying for single-phase connections may install rooftop solar systems if they are interested.

For industrial and commercial consumers with an allocated load of 10 kilowatts or more, installation of a solar system with a minimum capacity equivalent to 20 percent of the approved load is mandatory, in line with the Net Metering Guidelines-2025. Consumers with an allocated load below 10 kilowatts may install rooftop solar systems as per Article 3.3 of the guidelines.

In the case of three-phase connections, consumers with an allocated load of 10 kilowatts or more must install a net metering solar system of at least 3 kilowatts (3,000 watts).

Educational institutions, hospitals and charitable organizations using single-phase connections may also install rooftop solar systems if they wish. In such cases, the National Rooftop Solar Programme Policy may apply.

For three-phase connections, customers with an allocated load of 10 kilowatts or more are required to install a net metering system with a minimum capacity of 5 kilowatts (5,000 watts).

The circular further states that consumers seeking to increase their existing electricity load must install rooftop solar systems in accordance with the Net Metering Guidelines-2025, based on the additional load approved.

Under the guidelines, customers are allowed to install solar systems with a capacity of up to 100 percent of their permitted load if they choose.

The revised circular has come into effect immediately in the public interest.