Energy authorities are considering expanding the purchase of solar power from households as part of a broader effort to promote clean energy and increase the installation of rooftop solar panels. This move aligns with national goals for a more sustainable energy future, according to an official from the Energy Ministry.
The National Energy Policy Administration Committee had previously approved a long-term plan to purchase 90 megawatts (MW) of solar power from homeowners, spanning from 2021 to 2030. However, mounting pressure from businesses and members of parliament, who are pushing for a greater emphasis on renewable energy, has prompted energy officials to reconsider the initial target.
One key incentive for households to invest in rooftop solar panels is the ability to sell excess electricity back to the state grid. This proposal aims to encourage more individuals to adopt solar technology and actively contribute to the clean energy initiative.
“We anticipate that the authorities will increase the purchase of solar power from households beyond the initial 90MW, given the growing demand for solar energy,” the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, stated.
The adjustment to the solar power purchase plan is also influenced by the country’s new Power Development Plan (PDP), which seeks to significantly boost the role of renewable energy. Under the PDP, which runs from this year until 2037, renewable energy is expected to make up 51% of the total energy mix by 2037—more than double the 20% share it held at the end of last year. Conversely, the use of coal and gas will be reduced from nearly 80% to 48% over the same period.
A critical component of the plan is solar power, which is projected to rise to 24,412MW by 2037, compared to just 2,863MW earlier this year. According to the Energy Ministry, the tariff for solar power purchased from households is set at 2.2 baht per kilowatt-hour on average, providing a financial incentive for homeowners who produce surplus energy.
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) is responsible for determining the yearly quota for how much of the 90MW of solar power the government will buy from households. Last year, the ERC announced it would purchase 10MW, with 1,878 households offering to sell a total of 10.2MW.
In a related development, the Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency is advancing a new tax reduction scheme aimed at encouraging the installation of rooftop solar panels. The program aims to grant tax privileges to 90,000 households between 2024 and 2027 to stimulate clean energy adoption.
New Energy Plus Solutions Co, a local solar panel distributor, has expressed support for the tax reduction initiative, noting that it would significantly contribute to lowering carbon dioxide emissions across the country.
Energy officials and related stakeholders hope these combined efforts will accelerate the transition to renewable energy and help Thailand meet its long-term sustainability goals.
