18 June 2026
Botswana is making it easier for households, businesses and public institutions to take part in the country’s clean energy future through the revised Rooftop Solar Programme (RTS). The programme allows electricity consumers to install solar panels on their premises, generate their own power, and sell any extra electricity back to the national grid through Botswana Power Corporation (BPC).
In the revised Rooftop Solar Programme guidelines, the Ministry of Minerals and Energy has enhanced the programme’s capacity by raising the limits of electricity generated by domestic and commercial customers to 75 megawatts, up from 50 MW, creating more opportunities for consumers to participate.
To make the Rooftop Solar more affordable, the Ministry of Minerals and Energy has partnered with commercial banks to offer loans that can help cover installation costs to customers wishing to install solar systems.
The programme is helping change the way people use and think about electricity. Instead of relying entirely on power supplied through the grid, consumers can now produce some of their own energy from the sun.
This does not only help reduce electricity bills but also gives customers an opportunity to earn credits from any unused power they feed back into the grid.
The programme offers several benefits. By generating their own electricity, households and businesses can lower their monthly power costs and reduce their dependence on traditional energy sources. Customers are also better protected from future electricity tariff increases, making rooftop solar a smart long-term investment. Installing solar systems today can also help property owners future-proof their homes and businesses as the world moves towards cleaner energy solutions.
As a way of creating awareness and promoting rooftop solar adoption across the public sector, the Department of Energy recently hosted a Rooftop Solar and Energy Efficiency Awareness Workshop targeting Facility Managers from Government Ministries, Department and State-Owned Enterprises held under the European Union-funded ASPIRE programme, the two-day event focused on practical ways to improve energy efficiency. The workshop reinforced the important role Facility Mangers play in reducing energy costs and improving energy management within public buildings.
When giving a keynote address, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Minerals and Energy, Donald Gaetsaloe expressed the Ministry’s full confidence in Facility Managers as the people best-placed to drive this change from the ground up, and called on them to act with urgency and purpose. He told them to make use of the opportunity presented by the Rooftop Solar Programme, reminding them that every kilowatt-hour generated on a government rooftop is a direct contribution to fiscal sustainability and energy security.
Source: Ministry of Minerals & Energy – MME via Facebook
