Complaints about sub-standard, cheap PV imports from China – and notably, India – have been heeded by Dhaka, which has issued a requirement for modules, inverters, charge controllers and batteries to attain IEC electrical standards.
The government of Bangladesh has heeded the call from domestic solar manufacturers to introduce minimum standards on PV modules, inverters, charge controllers and batteries.
Bangladeshi manufacturers have been echoing complaints made by similar solar industries in the EU, United States and India, that it is impossible for them to compete against a rising tide of cheap solar imports. However, in a twist to the tale heard elsewhere, it is products made over the border in India – as well as in China – which have attracted the ire of domestic manufacturers.
With solar project developers reportedly also complaining poor quality products are threatening the sustainability of the Bangladeshi solar market, the government has unveiled Bangladesh Standard requirements for solar imports.
The Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority (SREDA) has demanded PV modules imported to the country must meet International Electrotechnical Commission standards.
With two laboratories thus far approved to test imports, more will be accredited in due course.
