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The IDCOL Solar Home Systems (SHS) Program in Bangladesh was designed to tackle rural energy poverty by deploying solar home systems in off-grid regions. Its core objective was to provide clean, reliable electricity to underserved communities, reduce reliance on kerosene, and stimulate socio-economic development. The IDCOL Solar Home Systems (SHS) Program, launched in 2003, became the world’s largest off-grid electrification initiative, transforming rural energy access in Bangladesh. By 2018, the program had installed 4.13 million SHSs, providing clean electricity to nearly 20 million people and replacing kerosene lamps, which significantly reduced indoor air pollution and improved quality of life. The program aimed for 6 million systems, generating around 110 MW of renewable capacity and saving 250,000 tons of fossil fuel annually.
The financing mechanism was innovative and inclusive. With a total investment of approximately USD 1.1 billion, the program leveraged USD 683 million from development partners (including World Bank IDA credit and grants) and USD 412 million from households and private entities. IDCOL refinanced up to 70% of partner organization loans at concessional rates, while households paid a 15% down payment and financed the remainder through micro-credit at around 12% interest over three years. Grants and buy-down subsidies further reduced upfront costs, making systems affordable for low-income households. Implemented through 56 partner organizations, the program combined soft loans, grants, and microfinance to achieve scale and sustainability, serving as a global benchmark for decentralized renewable energy deployment.
Read more: A Game-changer in Bangladesh’s Growth Story: Solar Home Systems
Read more: Lessons from Bangladesh's SHS Program
The Solar Ferry Boats initiative in Bangladesh was developed to provide clean, affordable, and efficient water transport across rivers and coastal areas, particularly benefiting communities dependent on waterways for daily mobility. The objective was to reduce fuel costs, improve safety, and cut emissions by replacing diesel-powered boats with solar-powered alternatives. These ferries have proven effective in reducing operational costs, enhancing access to education and healthcare, and promoting sustainable livelihoods in remote regions.
Impact and Inference:
The initiative demonstrated how solar-powered transport can be a game-changer for low-income, water-reliant communities. It offers a replicable model for integrating renewable energy into public transport, especially in geographies where waterways are central to daily life. The program also underscores the potential of green infrastructure to support inclusive development and climate resilience.
Read more: Development of Solar PV-based Water Transportation.pdf
The Solar Value Chain Assessment in Bangladesh, conducted by LightCastle Partners, aimed to map the entire solar energy ecosystem—from manufacturing and distribution to financing and end-user adoption. The objective was to identify bottlenecks, assess market dynamics, and recommend interventions to strengthen the solar sector. The study revealed critical gaps in local manufacturing, financing accessibility, and policy alignment, while also highlighting opportunities for private sector engagement and innovation.
Impact and Inference:
This assessment provided actionable insights for policymakers and investors to build a more resilient and inclusive solar market. It emphasized the importance of ecosystem-level thinking, where supply chain efficiency, stakeholder coordination, and targeted incentives can accelerate renewable energy adoption. The model is especially valuable for emerging economies seeking to scale solar deployment sustainably.
Read more: Case Study: Solar Value Chain Assessment - LightCastle Partners
The Solar-Powered Irrigation initiative under the RERED II project in Bangladesh was launched to replace diesel-based irrigation pumps with solar-powered alternatives, aiming to reduce fuel dependency, lower operational costs, and promote sustainable agriculture. The program targeted smallholder farmers, offering subsidized solar irrigation systems and technical support. It successfully improved agricultural productivity, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and enhanced energy security in rural areas.
Impact and Inference:
This initiative demonstrated how renewable energy can directly support agricultural livelihoods, especially in regions where grid access is limited and fuel costs are high. By integrating solar technology into irrigation, the program fostered climate resilience, reduced input costs for farmers, and promoted year-round cultivation. It serves as a replicable model for linking clean energy with food security and rural development.
Read more: Solar-Powered Pumps Reduce Irrigation Costs in Bangladesh
With a history of successful solar programs and a large rural population still facing intermittent grid access, Bangladesh can benefit from ENGIE-EIB’s pay-as-you-go model to deepen energy inclusion, especially in flood-prone and remote areas where grid expansion is slow.
The ENGIE-EIB Solar Home Systems initiative in Benin was designed to accelerate rural electrification by deploying pay-as-you-go solar kits to off-grid households. The objective was to provide clean, affordable, and reliable electricity while fostering private sector-led energy access. Through innovative financing and distribution models, the project reached thousands of homes, improving quality of life, enabling small businesses, and reducing reliance on kerosene and diesel.
Impact and Inference:
This initiative demonstrated how strategic partnerships between development banks and private energy companies can unlock scalable solutions for energy poverty. It highlighted the effectiveness of decentralized solar systems in improving health, education, and economic outcomes, especially when paired with flexible payment mechanisms tailored to low-income users. 107,000 solar kits deployed using PAYGO model, benefiting 643,000 people.
Read more: EIB Solar Home Systems
With a large rural population dependent on agriculture and facing seasonal water stress, Bangladesh can benefit from solar-powered irrigation for smallholder farmers. SMGs can support women’s cooperatives, improve food security, and reduce vulnerability to climate-induced crop failures.
The Solar Market Gardens (SMG) initiative by SELF in Benin aimed to empower women farmers by providing solar-powered drip irrigation systems for community gardens. The objective was to enhance food security, improve nutrition, and generate income through sustainable agriculture. By integrating solar energy with efficient irrigation, the project enabled year-round cultivation, reduced water usage, and supported climate-resilient farming practices in arid regions.
Impact and Inference:
The initiative demonstrated how solar energy can be leveraged not just for electrification but also for agricultural empowerment. It created a replicable model for linking clean energy with gender-inclusive development, food production, and climate adaptation. The success of SMGs underscores the potential of decentralized solar solutions in transforming rural livelihoods.
Read more: Self's Solar Market Gardens | Benin | UNFCCC
With high population density, frequent grid instability, and limited land for large-scale renewables, Bangladesh can benefit from diversified small-scale renewable pilots. These can complement existing solar initiatives and support energy access in flood-prone and off-grid regions.
ADB-backed 3kW rooftop solar for 514 households with livelihood support, The Alternative Renewable Energy Pilot in Bhutan was launched to explore non-hydro renewable energy sources—primarily solar and wind—to diversify the country’s energy portfolio. The objective was to reduce seasonal dependency on hydropower, enhance energy security, and build technical capacity for integrating alternative renewables. The pilot involved feasibility studies, small-scale installations, and institutional strengthening, laying the groundwork for future renewable energy expansion beyond hydroelectricity.
Impact and Inference:
This pilot marked a strategic shift in Bhutan’s energy planning, recognizing the need for diversification amid climate variability. It demonstrated the viability of solar and wind in Bhutan’s unique geography and provided a replicable framework for other countries seeking to transition from single-source energy dependence to a more resilient, mixed renewable portfolio.
Read more: ACEF-Bhutan-Case-Study.pdf
Bangladesh faces high energy demand, limited land availability, and seasonal grid stress. Grid-connected solar projects can help diversify its energy mix, reduce reliance on imported fuels, and support industrial growth, especially in peri-urban and economic zones.
52 MW IPP with €28M investment, targeting underserved northern regions. The Ferke Solar Project, supported by the Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund (EAAIF), was developed in Côte d'Ivoire to expand clean energy generation through grid-connected solar PV infrastructure. The project’s objective was to diversify the national energy mix, reduce carbon emissions, and improve electricity supply reliability in underserved regions. By leveraging blended finance and private sector participation, the initiative contributed to Côte d'Ivoire’s renewable energy targets and demonstrated the viability of utility-scale solar in West Africa.
Impact and Inference:
The Ferke Solar Project exemplifies how strategic investment in solar infrastructure can enhance grid stability, reduce fossil fuel dependency, and support national climate goals. It also highlights the importance of public-private partnerships and concessional financing in scaling renewable energy in emerging markets. The model is well-suited for replication in countries with similar energy access and climate challenges.
Read more: EAAIF invests EUR 28 million in 52 MW solar plant in northern Côte d’Ivoire
With high population density and limited arable land, Bangladesh can benefit from agrophotovoltaics to maximize land productivity. The model supports rural electrification, enhances food production, and aligns with Bangladesh’s climate resilience and energy diversification goals.
$10M solar-agriculture hybrid project improving food security. The Agrophotovoltaic Project, supported by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), was launched in Fiji to integrate solar energy generation with agricultural production. The objective was to optimize land use by installing solar panels above crop fields, enabling dual benefits—clean energy and enhanced food security. The project aimed to build climate resilience, reduce emissions, and support sustainable livelihoods in vulnerable rural communities.
Impact and Inference:
This initiative demonstrated how agrophotovoltaics can address both energy and agricultural challenges simultaneously. It showcased the potential of innovative land-use models to improve resource efficiency, empower farmers, and contribute to climate adaptation. The project is especially relevant for countries facing land scarcity, energy poverty, and climate vulnerability.
Read more: Agrophotovoltaic
Bangladesh’s growing energy demand, limited land availability, and dependence on imported fuels make utility-scale solar a strategic fit. A project like the 60 MW Solar Park can help meet industrial and urban electricity needs, reduce grid stress, and support Bangladesh’s renewable energy roadmap.
The 60 MW Solar Park, developed by Sweden-based TFI Power in Ghana, is a utility-scale solar PV project aimed at boosting clean energy generation and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The project’s objective was to support Ghana’s energy diversification strategy, improve grid reliability, and contribute to climate mitigation efforts. It leveraged foreign investment anPress Enter to type after or press Shift + Enter to type before the widgetd technical expertise to deliver large-scale solar infrastructure, demonstrating the effectiveness of international partnerships in accelerating Africa’s energy transition.
Impact and Inference:
This initiative showcased how foreign direct investment and private sector collaboration can drive renewable energy deployment in emerging markets. It contributed to Ghana’s national energy targets, reduced carbon emissions, and supported industrial and residential electricity demand. The project also highlighted the importance of policy stability and investment-friendly frameworks in attracting global clean energy developers.The Paris Agreement-backed project aims to reduce 165,000 tCO₂e.
Read more: Sweden finances project in Ghana to accelerate the energy transition
With widespread mobile money usage and a large rural population still facing intermittent grid access, Bangladesh is well-positioned to adopt pay-as-you-go solar systems. The model can complement existing solar programs and deepen energy inclusion in flood-prone and remote areas.
The M-KOPA Solar Pay-As-You-Go initiative in Kenya revolutionized energy access by offering affordable solar home systems through mobile-based micro-payments. The objective was to empower low-income, off-grid households with clean electricity without upfront costs. By integrating solar technology with mobile money platforms, M-KOPA enabled users to pay in small installments, making energy access financially inclusive. The model improved health, education, and economic productivity while reducing reliance on kerosene and diesel.
Impact and Inference:
This initiative demonstrated how fintech and renewable energy can converge to solve energy poverty. It proved that scalable, customer-centric models can drive adoption in underserved markets. M-KOPA’s success highlights the importance of affordability, digital infrastructure, and local distribution networks in expanding clean energy access.
Read more: M-KOPA-pay-as-you-go-models.pdf
With 62% rural population and a strong solar home system market (over 6 million SHS already deployed), scaling similar models can further reduce reliance on kerosene and enhance energy security.
The Energy Services Delivery (ESD) and Renewable Energy for Rural Economic Development (RERED) projects in Sri Lanka were designed to expand access to modern energy services through renewable energy solutions, particularly solar home systems and mini-hydro plants. Their primary objective was to improve rural electrification, reduce dependency on fossil fuels, and stimulate economic development by leveraging decentralized renewable energy technologies. These initiatives combined financial mechanisms, private sector participation, and community engagement to ensure sustainability and scalability.
The impact of these projects was significant: over 100,000 solar home systems were installed under ESD and RERED, contributing to a rural electrification rate increase from 50% to 94% by 2016. They demonstrated that targeted subsidies, credit facilities, and capacity-building can accelerate renewable energy adoption in underserved regions. The inference is clear—integrated policy frameworks and innovative financing models can transform rural energy landscapes while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fostering inclusive growth.
Read more: CS Sri Lanka_JW
With over 24,000 km of irrigation canals and high population density, canal-top solar can help meet rising energy demand while preserving agricultural land. Bangladesh’s target of 40% renewable energy by 2041 makes this model a strategic fit for sustainable infrastructure expansion.
The Canal Solar Power Project in India is an innovative approach to solar deployment that utilizes canal-top and canal-bank spaces for photovoltaic installations. Its objective is to optimize land use, reduce water evaporation, and generate clean energy without displacing agricultural or urban land. Initiated in Gujarat, the project combines infrastructure efficiency with climate resilience, showcasing how existing water networks can be leveraged for renewable energy generation.
The impact has been multifaceted: over 18 MW of solar capacity installed across canal stretches, saving approximately 60,000 liters of water per MW annually due to reduced evaporation. It also avoids land acquisition costs and supports India’s broader renewable energy goals. The key inference is that integrating solar with water infrastructure offers a dual benefit—clean energy and water conservation—especially in land-constrained or water-stressed regions.
With 62% rural population and high energy poverty, a cooperative solar model can empower communities to pool resources for decentralized solar projects. Bangladesh’s strong microfinance ecosystem and target of 40% renewable energy by 2041 make this approach highly feasible.
Cooperative Energy Futures (CEF) is a member-owned energy cooperative in Minnesota that develops community solar projects to provide affordable clean energy access. Its objective is to democratize energy ownership, reduce energy costs for low-income households, and promote equity in renewable energy adoption. CEF uses a subscription model where members invest in solar projects and receive credits on their electricity bills, ensuring financial and environmental benefits for the community.
The impact has been significant: CEF has installed over 8 MW of community solar capacity, serving 700+ households, and saving members 10–15% on energy bills annually. It has also created local jobs and strengthened community engagement in climate action. The key inference is that cooperative models can accelerate renewable energy adoption while addressing affordability and equity challenges.
Read more: COOPERATIVE ENERGY FUTURES
