Thailand has launched the People’s Solar Scheme, targeting 1 million households nationwide
The government expects the initiative to cut household electricity costs by over THB 24.5 billion annually
The scheme supports its clean energy transition and broader efforts to pursue OECD membership
Thailand’s government has officially approved and launched the country’s new rooftop solar scheme, dubbed People’s Solar, targeting 1 million households. The scheme is expected to reduce household electricity costs by more than THB 24.5 billion annually.
Eligible households will receive a subsidy of THB 50,000 per household and generate electricity for self-consumption. Households can feed excess electricity into the national grid to earn additional income. For these reasons, the government calls it a social and economic initiative that will improve the quality of life for its citizens.
With the scheme contributing to the expansion of clean energy use in the country, Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said it would support Thailand’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions and maintain export competitiveness as international markets increasingly emphasize low-carbon production.
“Therefore, promoting the use of clean energy will increase trade opportunities for Thailand, reduce export constraints, and enhance the potential for generating carbon credits,” the administration added.
The government also linked clean energy promotion to Thailand’s bid to join the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), saying the policy forms part of its membership preparations. It expects the OECD membership to create opportunities for economic growth, trade, and investment.
The scheme will be operated by the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) and the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA), supervised by the Ministry of Interior.
The PEA has also published a handbook for the scheme outlining eligibility requirements, registration procedures, installer selection, contract signing, grid connection, subsidy payments, and after-sales services. Registration is open from October 27, 2026 to January 31, 2027. Details are available on its website.
Earlier, the government had proposed THB 75 billion in funding to support solar installations for up to 1.5 million households across two phases (see Thailand Proposes THB 75 Billion For Solar Scheme).
Nevertheless, concerns about installer costs and financial obligations could pose challenges to the scheme’s implementation. The Nation reports that solar installers are ‘resisting’ the program as it requires them to provide multiple bank guarantees of up to THB 50,000 per job, and a seven-year obligation covering installation warranty, fire insurance, and annual maintenance. These will increase their costs and strain working capital. As a result, the report says several solar companies have decided not to participate in the program.
