Thailand’s energy authorities are exploring options to increase solar power purchases from households as part of efforts to boost clean energy adoption and support rooftop solar installations. The National Energy Policy Administration Committee had previously approved the purchase of 90 MW of solar power from residential producers under a long-term plan from 2021 to 2030.
However, recent calls from business leaders and lawmakers to further encourage solar adoption have led officials to reassess the purchase framework. A proposed approach is to allow households generating excess solar energy to sell it to the state grid, which could incentivize more widespread installation of rooftop panels.
The Thai Energy Ministry currently sets the purchase tariff for household solar at an average of THB 2.2 (around USD 0.06) per kWh. Increasing solar acquisition aligns with the latest Power Development Plan (PDP), which targets renewable energy to constitute 51% of national fuel use by 2037, compared to 20% at the end of last year. Under the PDP, coal and gas usage would reduce to 48%, from nearly 80% in early 2023, while nuclear and emerging technologies are expected to make up the remaining 1%.
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) is tasked with annual planning for household solar purchases within the 90 MW total. In 2023, the ERC allocated 10 MW, with 1,878 applicants offering 10.2 MW. To support adoption, the Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency has introduced a tax incentive scheme aiming to benefit 90,000 households between 2024 and 2027.
(Source: Theinvestor.vn)
