Solar module manufacturers lose Tk 150cr

Solar module manufacturers say the coronavirus outbreak has hampered their operations and forced them to shut down factories leading to a huge financial loss which will be “impossible to overcome without the government’s assistance”. In a recent letter sent to the Commerce Ministry, the manufacturers said the losses will only pile up if the situation does not improve.  Industry insiders said nine local companies are currently manufacturing solar panels to meet the growing domestic demand with their annual production capacity of 100MW. About 10,000 people are employed in the sector directly and indirectly, they said. Coronavirus outbreak and subsequent government-announced holidays brought economic activities to a grinding halt, leaving millions of people without jobs and forcing businesses to suffer huge losses. The manufacturers said they have been facing a shortage of raw materials since the crisis broke out, putting them in great peril.