Local level maintenance is crucial

Solar Home System (SHS) once gained popularity as an alternative energy solution for rural and remote areas without electricity. However, its spread has visibly slowed down in recent years. An analysis of the Infrastructure Development Company Limited (IDCOL)'s (2023) annual report and field experience shows that one of the main reasons for the decline in spread is the lack of proper repair and maintenance systems. After installation, quality defects in batteries and inverters, absence of after-sales service, and shortage of trained technicians at the local level are creating a crisis of trust in this sector.

A report by Samaj Unnayan Palli Sangstha mentioned that the effectiveness of the system quickly decreases due to lack of regular service after installation in many areas. The information sent by Daily Samakal correspondents also found a similar picture in different parts of the country.

Rafiqul Islam of Kurigram said that the battery of the KABITA project's solar system was damaged within a few days of installation. Selim Uddin of Chattogram said that although the system worked well in the beginning, the inverter later developed faults, and it was difficult to get repair services. It has been found in some villages of Gafargaon Upazila that many solar panels become useless within two years and are now abandoned.

Various observations have also emerged from the CPD and Daily Samakal surveys in this regard. Observations conducted in 40 communities showed that battery-related faults are the main problem. About 77 percent of respondents said that they have reduced or stopped using the solar system due to battery failure. About 14 percent blamed environmental damage, especially lightning, five percent said loose connections, and another five percent blamed low-quality materials. According to them, if the quality of the battery is improved, durable equipment is used, and regular maintenance support is ensured, the system failures will be significantly reduced.

The pressure of repair costs is also discouraging users. According to the data, the average cost of filling the battery with water is Tk152, the average cost of repairing is Tk220, and the average cost of fixing a fault is Tk270. Most users said that they have to repair it at least once every six months; while one-third experience faults once a year. Frequent repairs add to the cost and discourage the use of the system. 

According to experts, the lack of long-term service plans, local skilled technicians, readily available spare parts and a transparent service system along with installation has eroded the trust of the rural population. As a result, the spread of SHS has decreased. They believe that if reliable repair centres, regular inspections, user training and service price control systems are established in the unions and upazilas, it will be possible to revive the sustainable use of solar energy systems.