Overview:

BUET is aiming to reduce dependence on traditional electricity and promote sustainability by

installing solar panels across its campus. This project will generate clean energy, cut costs,
and provide opportunities for renewable energy education. The initial phase targets 19
buildings with a 3.5 MW capacity, meeting 30% of BUET's daily needs. Careful
consideration of roof suitability, panel selection, grid integration, and stakeholder
engagement will be crucial for success. By monitoring energy generation, cost savings, and
sharing best practices, BUET can become a model for green energy adoption in educational
institutions.

Background:
Bangladesh is passing through energy crisis for several reasons. Government has taken some
steps to resolve this issue. Among them sustainable and renewable energy has been preferred
most. Some potential backgrounds contributing to BUET's decision to install solar panels:

1. Rising Energy Costs: Bangladesh, like many countries, faces increasing electricity
costs and potential supply shortages. BUET, with its large campus and high energy
demands, is particularly vulnerable to these fluctuations. Investing in solar offers a
more stable and potentially cheaper source of power.
2. National Renewable Energy Policy: The Bangladesh government actively promotes
renewable energy through policies and incentives. This supportive environment
creates a favourable landscape for universities like BUET to adopt solar solutions.
3. Environmental concerns: Bangladesh faces significant air pollution and climate
change challenges. BUET, as a leading technical institution, recognizes the
importance of sustainability and seeks to demonstrate leadership in adopting clean
energy solutions.
4. Educational Opportunity: Installing solar panels presents a unique learning
opportunity for BUET students, faculty, and researchers. The project can be used as a
living laboratory for research in solar technologies, energy management, and
sustainable practices.
5. Public Image: Embracing renewable energy aligns with a forward-thinking and
environmentally conscious image. This can enhance BUET's reputation both
nationally and internationally, attracting prospective students and partners.

The Executive Agency:

Bangladesh University of Engineering & Technology (BUET)

The Consultant:
Solar Electro Bangladesh (SEBL) was one of the first Solar Company in Bangladesh and it
has installed numerous medium and large Solar Systems nationwide.

Objectives:

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 ● To reduce reliance on fossil fuels and establish renewable energy for the increasing
demand.
● To install a sustainable source for electricity production.

● To cut electricity costs.

● To reduce greenhouse gases and environment pollution.

● To reduce reliability on diesel power plant of BUET and increase focus on renewable
energy.

Scope of Work:

1. Pilot project covers 19 buildings with a total capacity of 3.5 MW, meeting
approximately 30% of BUET's daily electricity needs.
2. Expanding solar installations to additional buildings, aiming for a more significant
portion of the campus's energy needs to be met through solar power.

Step wise detail activities:

Site Assessment and feasibility study: Evaluate your energy needs and the suitability of
your location for solar energy.

Cost-Benefit Analysis: Evaluating the project's financial feasibility, considering installation

costs, energy savings, and government incentives.

Submission of Project proposal: Project proposal will be submitted with detailed plan and
SWOT analysis.

Design: Develop a solar system design based on your energy requirements and available
space.

Permitting: Obtain necessary permits from authorities before starting the installation.

Financing: Secure funding options or incentives available for solar installations.

Equipment Procurement: Purchase solar panels, inverters, mounting hardware, and other
necessary components.

Roof Preparation: Ensure your roof is structurally sound and ready to support the solar
panel installation.

Installation: Mount the solar panels on the roof or ground, connect them with wiring, and
install the inverter.

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Electrical Wiring: Connect the solar panels to the inverter and the inverter to the electrical
system of the university.

Testing: Verify the system's functionality and connectivity.

Inspection: Schedule an inspection to ensure the installation meets local codes and
regulations.

Monitoring System: Set up a monitoring system to track your solar panel system's
performance.

Project Location:

The project location is BUET Cafeteria Complex. The central library is situated at the North
and BUET Auditorium complex is situated at the east. Other two sides are surrounded by the
boundary wall which is just beside the Zahir Raihan Road. Latitude and Longitude is
respectively 23.7265° N ,90.3910° E.

Issues:
● Students will face disturbance during project construction.

● Sound pollution due to construction.

● Construction materials may block building perimeters.

● Campus security concern will be created as number of outsiders inside the campus
would be increased.
● Safety of the students inside the campus will be compromised.

Recommendations:
● The construction works can be started during upcoming preparatory leave to minimize
the problems faced by the students.
● Safety of the workers in the project has to be ensured as most of the work will be done
on the roofs.
● To minimise the problem of sound pollution construction work should be done after
the scheduled classes (5 P.M)
● Construction materials should be stored properly in a specified location.

● To ensure the security of the campus constructions workers hired should be provided
ID cards.

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Evaluation Matrix:

Evaluating a solar panel project during its execution or after completion involves assessing
various aspects to ensure it is running smoothly and meeting the intended goals. Here are
some key considerations for both phases:
During the Project Execution:
1. Regular Updates and Communication:
 Maintain open communication with the project team and contractors.
 Receive regular updates on project progress, potential issues, and solutions.
2. Quality Control:
 Monitor the quality of the solar panels, installation, and associated
components.
 Ensure that the project adheres to industry standards and regulations.
3. Performance Monitoring:
 Use monitoring systems to track the real-time performance of the solar panels.
 Evaluate energy production against projected estimates.
4. Adherence to Timeline:
 Assess whether the project is progressing according to the agreed-upon
timeline.
 Identify and address any delays promptly.
5. Safety and Compliance:
 Confirm that safety protocols are being followed on-site.
 Verify that the project complies with local regulations and permits.
After Project Completion:
1. Performance Analysis:
 Evaluate the actual energy output compared to the initial projections.
 Examine the performance over different seasons and weather conditions.
2. Quality Assurance:
 Inspect the solar panel system for any signs of wear, damage, or malfunction.
 Confirm that the installation adheres to quality standards.
3. Financial Assessment
 Review the financial performance of the project, considering the return on
investment (ROI).
 Compare actual costs and benefits against the initial estimates.
4. Environmental Impact
 Assess the environmental impact of the solar panel system, considering factors
like carbon footprint reduction.
5. Regulatory Compliance:
 Verify that the project complies with any new or updated regulations that may
have been enacted during its execution.

Survey plan:

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 ● Surveying the roofs for the proposed buildings to assess its structural integrity,
possible sources of shade, and researching past weather patterns.

● Giving google form to the students and general people to get their opinions about
solar energy as an alternative of fossil fuels.

Data collection:

Survey Report from the Google Form and directly observing the condition of the project
location.

Work Plan & Activity Schedule:

Table 1: Workplan to complete the project

Activity Tentative Schedule

Site Assessment and feasibility study 16.1.2023-19.1.2023

Cost-Benefit Analysis 29.1.2023

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Submission of Project proposal 22.2.2023-24.2.2023

Design 25.2.2023-28.2.2023

Permitting 27.2.2023-8.3.2023

Financing 28.2.2023-2.3.2023

Equipment Procurement 1.3.2023-4.3.2023

Roof Preparation 1.3.2023-5.3.2023

Installation 2.3.2023-3.3.2023

Electrical Wiring 3.3.2023-5.3.2023

Testing 4.3.2023-6.3.2023

Inspection 8.3.2023-12.3.2023

Monitoring System 7.3.2023-16.3.2023

Compliance Details:

Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority (SREDA):

Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC):

RAJUK:

Summary:

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The project's detailed activities follow a step-by-step methodology that aligns with its main
objectives. The schedule of activities is determined by the potential issues that may arise
throughout the project. This report also suggests solutions for some of the problems. BUET
will utilize more renewable energy as a result of this project. Being the leading technological
university in the nation, this project will serve as a model for utilizing renewable energy
sources and lowering reliance on fossil fuels.

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