Bangladesh successfully begins its photovoltaic (PV) solar module exports to the US-based CleanGrid Incorporation by collaborating with Dhaka-based Radiant Alliance Ltd to ship 64.6 megawatts (MW). Bangladesh, which used to be an importer, has now begun exporting. Is this an indication of a greater manufacturing structure and growing competitiveness in the global market?
Radiant Alliance Ltd produces passivated emitter rear cell (PERC) and tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) modules using solar cells from Indonesia and Laos for its 6000 MW factory. This is the first consignment sent by the firm to the US-based CleanGrid Incorporation, which had ordered a total of 64.60 MW.
Radiant Alliance assembled 100 W PERC and 200 W TOPCon for the 600 MW factory in Ashulia, near Dhaka, for order delivery. The factory's capacity to produce modules ranges in different sizes, ranging from 50 W to 700 W, and is sourced from unspecified manufacturers in Indonesia and Laos. Currently, the Dhaka-based company is communicating with two other US-based clients to export 600 MW to 700 MW of modules for 2026.
Masudar Rahim, CEO of Radiant Alliance Limited, said, "We are exploring the African market as well. As the world embraces sustainable alternatives, Radiant Alliance Limited is proud to bring 'Made in Bangladesh' solar technology to the international stage."
With exports to the US, Bangladesh has achieved something that otherwise was solely dependent on imports. However, Dipal C Barua, the former president of the Bangladesh Sustainable and Renewable Energy Association (BSREA), has confirmed that the country meets the module needs mainly by importing from China.
Bangladesh and its renewable energy market
According to the International Trade Administration, over the past two decades, Bangladesh has made modest strides in expanding its renewable energy capacity, yet much of its potential remains untapped. As of 2024, renewables account for just 4.5 per cent of the country’s total installed power capacity of 22,215 MW, with solar making up a dominant 80 per cent of the 1,183 MW renewable share. The government has set ambitious targets—aiming to raise the renewable share to 15% by 2030, 40 per cent by 2041, and reach 100 per cent by 2050.
Bangladesh and US trade relations
As per the data of the United States Trade Representative, the total goods trade between the US and Bangladesh stood at USD 10.6 billion in 2024. The US export to the latter country was measured at USD 2.2 billion in 2024, representing a downward trend of 1.5 per cent from the previous year. On the other hand, US imports are valued at USD 8.4 billion in 2024, representing a hike of 1.1 per cent.
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