Solar power push: A bright idea to boost clean energy at home

The National Energy Policy Administration Committee are deliberating an increase in the purchase of solar power from households to bolster clean energy initiatives and promote the installation of rooftop solar panels, according to an energy official.

The committee had previously sanctioned a plan to acquire 90 megawatts (MW) of solar power from homeowners, spanning from 2021 to 2030.

Recent advocacy from businesses and members of Parliament prompted the decision to reconsider the volume of solar power purchases, stated the official, who wished to remain anonymous.

The official stated that allowing households to sell surplus-generated electricity to the state grid is one strategy being considered to incentivise more installations of rooftop solar panels.

“We expect the authorities to increase the amount of solar power bought from households to more than 90 megawatts, in line with this push.”

The adjustment in the purchase amount is also influenced by the new power development plan (PDP), which aims to enhance the utilisation of renewable energy.

Under the PDP, set to be implemented from this year to 2037, renewable energy is projected to constitute 51% of total fuel use by 2037, a significant rise from 20% at the end of last year. In contrast, coal and gas usage is expected to decrease to 48%, down from nearly 80% earlier this year.

The remaining 1% will come from nuclear energy and innovative energy solutions designed to reduce fossil fuel consumption and promote electricity savings.

Solar power, highlighted as a vital renewable energy source in the plan, is expected to grow to 24,412 MW by 2037, up from 2,863 MW earlier this year.

The Energy Ministry has established the power tariff for solar power bought from households at an average of 2.2 baht per kilowatt-hour.

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has been tasked with determining the annual purchase of solar power from a total of 90 MW. Last year, the ERC announced it would buy 10MW, and 1,878 people offered to sell 10.2 MW.

The Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency is advancing a new tax reduction scheme aimed at individuals installing rooftop solar panels, to stimulate clean energy usage. The scheme plans to provide tax privileges to 90,000 households between 2024 and 2027, reported Bangkok Post.