Md. Ashikur Rahman Ashik, Reporter || Solar power is gaining importance as an alternative source of energy, with stakeholders highlighting its potential to meet electricity demand, reduce energy costs and minimise environmental pollution. Consumers can also supply surplus electricity to the national grid under the net metering system and receive adjustments against their electricity bills.These opportunities and the latest technologies were showcased at the two-day Bangladesh Solar Expo 2026, held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in the capital. The exhibition began on November 3 and concluded at 7:00pm on Wednesday, November 4.Government and private sector organisations participated in the expo with numerous stalls displaying solar panels, inverters, batteries and modern electricity storage technologies. Visitors explored the products and learned about their applications, prices and benefits from company representatives.Stakeholders said installing solar panels on the rooftops of homes, factories and commercial buildings could help meet a portion of electricity demand. This would reduce dependence on conventional electricity, lower costs and decrease the use of fossil fuels.Mohiuddin Mostafa Kamal, deputy general manager of the HR and Administration Division at Dhaka Electric Supply Company Limited (DESCO), said solar power could help consumers save on electricity costs in the long run.Under the net metering system, he said, consumers could supply surplus electricity to the national grid and have it adjusted against their electricity consumption, subject to applicable technical requirements and regulations.An official of a private solar energy company said modern solar panels, inverters and batteries had made it possible to use solar power in a wide range of settings, from residential buildings to industrial facilities. Increased use of the technology could help save electricity and contribute to environmental protection, the official added.Visiting the expo, Matin Sagor, chief executive officer of ECOVA Foundation, said solar energy had significant potential in Bangladesh's climate-vulnerable coastal regions.He said solar-powered irrigation, safe water supply, agricultural product preservation and small-scale businesses could benefit from wider use of the technology, helping improve the livelihoods of local communities.Matin Sagor also stressed the need for coordinated efforts by government and private organisations, development agencies and investors to expand renewable energy. Affordable technology, accessible financing and technical training would be essential to ensuring that coastal and disadvantaged communities could benefit from solar power, he added. Stakeholders said raising public awareness, ensuring quality technology and expanding access to affordable financing were essential to increasing solar energy use in Bangladesh. Such efforts could ease pressure on the national electricity system while promoting cleaner and more sustainable energy.