Waiving tax on solar panels

FE Team | Published: December 25, 2023 20:14:33

The power sector of Bangladesh often becomes unstable. The government is struggling to meet increasing energy demands. Imports of fuel and other raw materials for electricity production are putting extra pressure on the government. The only way forward is to slowly move towards renewable and eco-friendly means of producing energy. Renewable energies like solar energy does not cause carbon emission. It is free from environmental pollution. Non-renewable resources like fossil fuels (coal, oil and gas) take hundreds of millions of years to form. When they are burnt to produce energy, they emit a large amount of carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases into the air. Solar energy technologies can reduce our dependency on fossil fuels. They will ultimately help us minimise our power crisis.
Solar energy is the most abundant of all energy resources. A photovoltaic cell, commonly called a solar cell, is a non-mechanical device that converts sunlight directly into electricity. Some PV cells can convert artificial light into electricity. Solar technology needs a place for installation so that we can use uncultivated land, rooftop, coastal areas, etc. The cost of solar panel is, however, high in the country. So, the authorities concerned should reduce the price of solar panels and their accessories or reduce VAT and tax on them. Besides measures like imposition of high import duties ranging from 11.2 per cent to 58.6 per cent, restricting import of solar panels, enlisting as luxury goods have also severely affected the growth of the sector. A waiver of prevailing import duties on solar panels and accessories, at least for a limited period, can help industries and people to go for rooftop solar power easily.
Abu Elias Linkon,
Banasree, Dhaka,
lightening_sparkle@yahoo.com