Solar & Energy
Factory rooftop solar in Bangladesh: what to prepare before an RFQ
Samiyah Group · Published · Updated
Quick answer
Prepare consumption data, a roof and structural information pack, an electrical single-line diagram and the relevant utility connection details before requesting a rooftop solar proposal. Treat roof suitability, connection eligibility and savings assumptions as questions to verify, not promises.
Key takeaways
- Roof area alone does not establish a safe or viable solar scope.
- A useful comparison uses the same energy and site assumptions.
- Confirm applicable net-metering conditions with the utility and SREDA.
Begin with the factory, not the panel count
A factory that operates mainly at night has a different demand profile from one running through daylight hours. Bills provide a starting point, but interval consumption data makes it easier to see when demand occurs. Record the operating calendar, planned production changes and known outages alongside the consumption figures.
The same distinction applies to the roof. An area calculation does not establish structural capacity, roof condition or safe installation access. Identify the available drawings and the responsible structural reviewer. Keep unverified roof assumptions visible in every preliminary proposal.
Define the electrical boundary
Identify the proposed connection point, existing generation and the relevant distribution utility. The electrical engineer should review the protection and operating interfaces. Bangladesh net-metering conditions should be checked against the current SREDA guidance and the utility’s requirements for the particular connection; this checklist does not establish eligibility.
Build one information pack for all bidders
| Input | What to request internally | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Energy use | Bills, interval data and production calendar | Makes the generation and consumption comparison meaningful |
| Roof | Drawings, condition record and structural review | Identifies layout and mounting constraints |
| Electrical | Current single-line diagram and connection details | Defines integration and review responsibilities |
| Site operations | Access windows and shutdown constraints | Makes the installation plan realistic |
| Commercial basis | Ownership model and scope boundaries | Keeps proposal assumptions comparable |
Compare the assumptions behind the offer
Ask each bidder to distinguish installed capacity, predicted generation and the share expected to be consumed on site. Request the model inputs behind any financial projection. Different tariff, outage or consumption assumptions can create different savings figures even for similar equipment.
Check exclusions for roof repairs, electrical modifications, access systems, testing and maintenance. A package that omits these items may transfer work and cost to the owner. Keep a written clarification register rather than relying on a sales presentation.
Before issuing the RFQ
- Identify the person authorised to approve the technical scope.
- Collect the current energy and roof information.
- Assign missing structural and electrical reviews.
- Confirm the utility enquiry route and required evidence.
- Define installation, acceptance and maintenance boundaries.
Frequently asked questions
Can a supplier quote from a satellite image?
It may support an indicative layout, but it cannot verify roof condition, structural adequacy or electrical integration. Label any early quotation accordingly.
Should a payback figure decide the supplier?
No. First compare the underlying assumptions, technical scope, warranties and operating obligations. Financial modelling should use a common, owner-reviewed basis.
What is the next practical step?
Create a missing-information register and agree which surveys or reviews are needed before a binding offer. The purpose of an early RFQ is to improve the decision basis, not to conceal uncertainty.
Sources & further reading
About Samiyah Group
Samiyah Group connects engineering expertise, China manufacturing resources and local project coordination, with a primary market focus on Bangladesh. Scope and specialist responsibilities are defined for each engagement. Our working approach.