Politics
Thailand Proposes Solar Rooftop Expansion to Support Energy Transition
The Ministry of Interior is seeking government funding to subsidize solar panel installations for up to 1.5 million households to mitigate rising energy costs.
According to Khaosod Online, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Ekniti Nitithanprapas announced that the Thai government is addressing the impact of Middle Eastern conflicts on imported energy prices and electricity costs. To facilitate an energy transition, the Ministry of Interior is scheduled to submit a proposal to the Ministry of Finance on September 11, 2026, requesting funds from the 200-billion-baht emergency loan decree.
The initiative aims to empower citizens to become both consumers and producers of electricity. The initial plan targets 1 million households, providing a subsidy of 50,000 baht per household for rooftop or ground-mounted solar installations, totaling 50 billion baht. However, the Ministry of Interior is currently evaluating an expansion of the program to cover 1.5 million households.
For residents and property owners, this project could potentially lower long-term utility expenses and allow for the sale of excess electricity back to the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT). The government expects to launch the program by mid-October 2026, with operations running through the end of 2027. While the proposal is moving forward, the final number of eligible households and the specific implementation details remain subject to further review by the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Interior.
