𝐃𝐫𝐮𝐤 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐣𝐨𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐰𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐄𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲 𝐑𝐨𝐨𝐟𝐭𝐨𝐩 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭

…𝒓𝒐𝒐𝒇𝒕𝒐𝒑 𝒔𝒐𝒍𝒂𝒓 𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒂𝒊𝒎𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒓𝒈𝒚 𝒔𝒆𝒄𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒖𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕 𝑩𝒉𝒖𝒕𝒂𝒏’𝒔 𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒃𝒐𝒏 𝒏𝒆𝒖𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒈𝒐𝒂𝒍𝒔

By Tashi Tshewang

Druk Green Power Corporation Limited (DGPC) has embarked on a significant initiative to install rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on public buildings in Thimphu, as well as on its infrastructure at the Basochhu and Chhukha hydropower plants. This project, with a total installed capacity of 7.83 megawatt-peak (MWp), is set to strengthen Bhutan’s energy security by diversifying its energy sources. The project, slated for completion within ten months, is also in line with the country’s long-term commitment to carbon neutrality.

A contract agreement for the project was signed on April 17, 2025, at DGPC’s corporate office in Thimphu. The work has been awarded to a Joint Venture of Telecommunications Consultants India Limited (TCIL), Smart Roof Solar Solution Pvt. Ltd., and Enerture Technologies Pvt. Ltd. The total project value is approximately Nu. 367 million.

The rooftop solar initiative is part of the Distributed Solar Project for Public Infrastructure (DSPIP), which is financed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) through lending to DGPC via the Royal Government of Bhutan. The initiative is the first of four subprojects under DSPIP, aiming to deploy 35 MWp of distributed solar PV systems across Bhutan by 2030.
The agreement was signed by Mr. Sonam Wangdi, Director of the Projects and Contract Department at DGPC, and Mr. Bharat Belwal, Assistant General Manager of TCIL, on behalf of the Joint Venture. The ceremony was witnessed by Dasho Chhewang Rinzin, Managing Director of DGPC, along with other members of the DGPC management team.
This project is aligned with Bhutan’s Renewable Energy Development Roadmap 2024, which aims to diversify the country’s energy mix and reduce dependence on hydropower. It also seeks to enhance resilience against seasonal generation gaps.

This marks Bhutan’s first large-scale rooftop solar project on public infrastructure, which is expected to set the stage for wider adoption of renewable energy technologies across the country.
According to Passang Dorji, the Associate Director at DGPC overseeing the project, rooftop solar systems provide a scalable and practical solution to Bhutan’s energy challenges, especially during dry winter months when hydropower generation is low.

“Rooftop solar is a low-hanging fruit. Unlike large-scale solar farms that require extensive land and face environmental challenges, these systems can be installed directly on existing buildings. It’s efficient, cost-effective, and the energy generated can be used on-site or fed into the local grid,” said Dorji.

The project’s first phase will focus on public buildings, where securing rooftop access is easier. The selection process considered factors such as the age and structural condition of the buildings, roofing materials, and any plans for future renovations or demolitions.

“We have been meticulous in planning. Each rooftop has been assessed for structural integrity and future use to ensure that the systems are both safe and sustainable,” Dorji added.

Once a feed-in tariff policy for solar energy is finalized, the private sector is expected to follow suit, expanding Bhutan’s rooftop solar footprint.

Beyond its technical and environmental benefits, the project includes a capacity-building component aimed at training youth, including women, in the installation, operation, and maintenance of solar PV systems.

“We are not just installing solar panels; we are building expertise and creating green jobs. Awareness programs will also be rolled out in schools and among our staff, helping foster a culture of innovation and responsibility in renewable energy,” Dorji concluded.

Hydro-solar hybrid systems are seen as key to meeting Bhutan’s growing energy demand. This project represents a crucial step toward a more resilient and diversified energy future.

While the initiative has garnered praise for its environmental benefits, some residents have raised concerns about its implementation, particularly in critical sectors like healthcare.

Samdrup, a Thimphu resident, acknowledged the potential advantages of rooftop solar but voiced concerns about its application in hospitals. “Hospitals require a constant and reliable power supply, especially in emergency wards. Solar energy depends on sunlight, which isn’t always available. I worry that relying solely on solar power could compromise patient care during cloudy days or at night,” he said.

Similarly, Kinley Penjor, a staff nurse, highlighted the importance of uninterrupted power in healthcare facilities. “While the transition to renewable energy is essential, we must ensure that critical areas, like ICUs and emergency departments, have reliable power. Solar energy can be intermittent, so it’s crucial to have robust backup systems in place,” he stated.

Thimphu Hotel owner, Tenzin Norbu, also expressed support for the initiative, noting the potential savings and environmental benefits for public institutions. However, he raised concerns about the effectiveness of solar panels during overcast days and the monsoon season.

“Even on cloudy days, modern solar panels can produce 10-25% of their normal output, depending on cloud density. Additionally, integrating battery storage systems can store excess energy generated during sunnier periods for use when sunlight is less abundant,” Norbu explained.

With proper maintenance, including regular cleaning and periodic inspections, he believes that solar energy could be a sustainable and cost-effective solution for businesses in Thimphu.

“I hope that as the government expands this initiative to private buildings, it will provide the necessary support and guidance to ensure its success,” Norbu concluded.