Khon Kaen Residents Express Disappointment Over 'People's Solar' Program
Local residents in Khon Kaen have criticized the government's 'People's Solar' program, citing restrictive criteria that they claim favor wealthy homeowners over those with smaller electricity needs.
On October 28, 2026, residents in Khon Kaen voiced significant dissatisfaction with the government’s 'People's Solar' initiative during a visit to the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) office. According to a report by Khaosod Online, many applicants feel the program’s requirements are overly complex and effectively exclude lower-income households.
One resident, a 60-year-old woman, noted that for her household, which consumes approximately 1,000 baht of electricity per month, the required investment of 140,000 baht for solar installation is financially unfeasible and lacks a clear return on investment. Critics argue that the current structure of the program favors larger homes and wealthier individuals who can afford high upfront costs. Suggestions have been made for the government to introduce smaller, more affordable packages—such as a 60,000-baht installation option with partial state subsidies—to better accommodate households with lower energy consumption.
For residents and potential homeowners in Thailand, this feedback highlights a perceived gap between government energy policy and the practical financial realities of average citizens. While the program aims to promote renewable energy, the current implementation has sparked a debate regarding accessibility and equity. It remains to be confirmed whether the government will adjust the program's criteria or introduce tiered packages to address these concerns and broaden participation among smaller households.
