Thailand expands residential solar program to 10,000 MW

The Thai government has significantly expanded its residential solar power program, doubling the target capacity from 5,000 megawatts to 10,000 megawatts. This initiative aims to involve approximately 1 million households in clean energy production and consumption between 2026 and 2028.

Under the approved “Net Billing” system, residents are encouraged to use their generated electricity first and sell any surplus back to the national grid at a rate of 2.20 baht per unit. To better align with the lifespan of solar panels, the power purchase contract period has been extended from 10 years to 20 years. The maximum capacity for selling surplus electricity is capped at 5 kilowatts per meter.

In an effort to increase accessibility, the program will now permit ground-mounted and floating solar installations in addition to traditional rooftop systems, accommodating households with limited roof space. To support this expansion, the National Energy Policy Council has directed energy authorities to develop infrastructure plans within one month, focusing on real-time monitoring, grid stability, and energy storage solutions.