Mechanisms to Encourage Self-Consumption Rooftop Solar Power in Vietnam

The Ministry of Industry and Trade is currently seeking public opinion on a draft decree concerning policies and mechanisms to encourage the development of self-consumption rooftop solar power systems.

The draft decree emphasizes prioritizing the allocation of funds for the installation of rooftop solar systems at administrative office buildings.

According to the draft, the development of rooftop solar power must comply with the plans established in the national power development plan and the provincial power development plan.

The total capacity of self-consumption rooftop solar systems connected to the national grid in each locality must not exceed the capacity allocated in the national power development plan.

For self-consumption rooftop solar systems not connected to the national grid, this model is prioritized for development without capacity limits.

The development of rooftop solar power must adhere to legal regulations related to electrical safety, investment, construction, environmental protection, and fire safety.

To encourage the development of clean energy and environmental protection, agencies, organizations, and individuals will be facilitated to proactively invest in and develop rooftop solar systems, contributing to energy security and resource conservation.

The draft decree also specifies prohibited actions in the development of self-consumption rooftop solar power systems, including:

• Developing systems contrary to the principles and procedures specified in the decree.

• Installing and operating systems exceeding the capacity approved by competent authorities for self-consumption rooftop solar systems connected to the national grid.

• Exploiting the development of self-consumption rooftop solar power for commercial purposes or selling electricity to third parties without complying with the regulations.

• Other violations under relevant laws will also be addressed.

The draft decree further encourages the development of rooftop solar power systems at administrative office buildings and public institutions through supportive policies, such as:

• Self-consumption rooftop solar power systems are considered compliant with the provisions of the Electricity Law and are exempt from obtaining electricity operation licenses.

• Buildings with self-consumption rooftop solar systems are not required to adjust or supplement energy land and function planning according to legal regulations.

• Organizations and individuals will be supported through a one-stop-shop mechanism for resolving administrative procedures related to the development of rooftop solar power systems.

• The integration of energy storage systems with rooftop solar power systems is encouraged to enhance self-sufficiency in production, business, and electricity use.

Additionally, the state budget will prioritize funding for the installation of self-consumption rooftop solar systems at administrative office buildings, public institutions, and buildings classified as public assets.