Thailand to launch $1.52 billion rooftop solar program

Thailand is launching a $1.52 billion rooftop solar program in mid-October aimed at converting households into small-scale electricity producers. The initiative seeks to mitigate the impact of volatile energy prices and high oil costs.

Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas stated the government initially expects to support one million households, though the Interior Ministry is considering increasing that target to 1.5 million. Eligible households may receive subsidies of approximately $1,520 (50,000 Baht) per installation.

To address high upfront costs, the program will utilize state-owned financial institutions, including the Government Savings Bank, Government Housing Bank, and the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives, to provide financing. A repayment structure is being developed where electricity authorities purchase the generated power, and the resulting revenue is used to deduct loan repayments.

To support the integration of residential solar into the national grid, the government plans to implement smart meters, battery storage, and grid upgrades. Additionally, certain imported solar panel components will be tax-exempt to reduce costs across the installation supply chain.