Initially, most ofthe panel components were imported, but today, all the parts are produced domestically. In this regard, Rahimafrooz, a local firm that initially manufactured lead-acid batteries for the systems, has expanded its operation to include exports to Nepal and Bhutan. More recently, Rahimafrooz set up the first solar panel assembly plant in Bangladesh (Parvez, 2009) and has begun to export panels to Africa (Ahmed, 2011), in addition, it has signed a memorandum of understanding with TATA BP Solar on building a 5 megawatt (mw) solar power plant in Bangladesh (Daily Star, 2010), thereby further building international linkages.