On 16/9, the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) sent a document to agencies, localities, and Vietnam Electricity (EVN) regarding the acceleration of self-production, self-consumption rooftop solar power development.

The ministry proposed that provinces and cities promptly implement support policies for households installing self-consumption rooftop solar power. Localities should also promote and guide residents in installing rooftop solar power systems integrated with battery energy storage systems (BESS).

According to MOIT statistics, only Bac Ninh and Lai Chau have so far introduced support policies for households installing self-consumption rooftop solar power nationwide.

In Bac Ninh, households installing rooftop solar power receive support of up to one million VND per kWp, with a maximum of three million VND. The province also provides an additional grant of up to three million VND for installing a battery energy storage system (BESS), bringing the total possible support per household to six million VND.

Meanwhile, Lai Chau supports each household installing a solar power system and associated equipment with up to 50 million VND. However, this policy primarily targets ethnic minority households, poor or near-poor households, or residents in areas without grid electricity. As of July, approximately 180 households had received provincial support for rooftop solar power systems, and 882 had received support for post-meter electrical equipment.

In late August, Hanoi considered providing up to six million VND in support for households installing rooftop solar power. However, this policy requires approval from the City People's Council before implementation.

According to Vietnam Electricity (EVN) data, as of the end of July, the country had 130,811 rooftop solar power systems, with a total installed capacity exceeding 11,200 MW. These systems generated approximately 6,6 billion kWh for the grid during the first seven months of the year.

An electricity official inspects a rooftop solar energy system. *Photo: EVNNPC*

Regarding the implementation of the Prime Minister's Directive 10 on electricity saving and rooftop solar power development, the Ministry of Industry and Trade reported "slow progress". According to the ministry, many localities have yet to submit reports on their directive implementation plans.

Previously, the directive mandated that ministries, sectors, and localities save a minimum of 3% of the total national electricity consumption this year. For peak hot months (April-July), the electricity saving target was 10%.

The government also aims for approximately 10% of public offices and 10% of households nationwide to install and use self-consumption rooftop solar power. Alternatively, the total installed capacity of this power source in localities should reach 20% by 2030.

To accelerate the development of rooftop solar power systems and help reduce the load on the national power system, especially during peak hours and the dry season, the Ministry of Industry and Trade urged ministries and localities to allocate capital or attract investment for installing this power source in public offices, schools, and hospitals. This effort is to be completed before the end of 3/2027, as stipulated by Directive 10.

Vietnam Electricity (EVN) is required to coordinate with localities to inspect the connection, installation, and operation of rooftop solar power systems linked to the national grid.

Phuong Dung