Vietnam expands rooftop solar rules, raises surplus power sales limit

The government issued an amendment to Decree 58, adding detailed technical requirements for self‑generated rooftop solar systems, defining a formula for maximum capacity, and extending the rule to cover buildings beyond residential homes. New procedures streamline approvals by local authorities, and smart‑meter installation is required only for higher‑voltage connections, while lower‑voltage systems may use zero‑export devices.

A further decree (No. 243/2026) revises Decree 57 and 58, loosening the cap on surplus electricity that rooftop solar can feed into the grid. The limit increases from the previous 20 % to up to 50 % of total generation by the end of 2030. The amendment also addresses the Direct Power Purchase Agreement (DPPA) mechanism, noting the first DPPA contract was signed in June 2026 and aligning the rules with the revised Electricity Plan VIII to promote distributed renewable generation.