Thailand to provide $1.5 billion for rooftop solar scheme

The Thai government announced on Wednesday that it will provide 50 billion baht (US$1.52 billion) in support for consumers to install rooftop solar panels, beginning in mid-October. Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas stated that the government will exempt taxes on certain solar panel part imports. Energy policy specialist Areeporn Asawinpongphan from the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) believes that the government's energy transition measures, particularly its promotion of household rooftop solar installations, are a promising start for Thailand's shift towards cleaner energy.

She noted that falling costs associated with solar power installations, both for rooftops and solar farms, make the government's initiatives potentially beneficial. However, Areeporn highlighted that rooftop solar installations are most suitable for households consuming substantial electricity during the day and may not be as advantageous for those using more energy at night.

Currently, renewables, including solar, account for about 10% of Thailand's power generation, while gas contributes over 60%. Over a quarter of the gas used for electricity generation is imported, making Thailand vulnerable to fluctuations in prices, such as the recent surge following the US-Israel conflict with Iran.