At a recent forum in Ho Chi Minh City, experts and businesses agreed that rooftop solar power is an effective way to meet energy needs for manufacturing and operations. Vo Tan Thanh, vice president of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), highlighted that Vietnam’s Power Development Plan VIII aims for half of all office buildings and homes to install and use rooftop solar power by 2030.
Thanh explained that rooftop solar power, which operates independently of the national grid, offers virtually limitless potential. Unlike other renewable energy sources, it eliminates transmission and distribution losses, making it ideal for on-site energy needs. This approach will not only provide additional clean electricity but also alleviate pressure on the national grid and ensure a reliable power supply for businesses and industrial operations.
To address economic needs and ensure energy security, the Ministry of Industry and Trade is working on new regulations to promote self-produced and self-consumed rooftop solar power. These updated policies aim to encourage the widespread adoption of rooftop solar systems, which can lower business costs, reduce carbon emissions, and ensure stable power during peak periods.
Tran Thien Long, vice president of the Vietnam Industrial Real Estate Association, emphasized the importance of rooftop solar for businesses in industrial zones and export processing zones. He noted the significant potential for rooftop solar power, citing that nearly 2,000 investors in Ho Chi Minh City alone could collectively generate about 2,000 MW. With 428 industrial zones and over 1,000 industrial clusters across Vietnam, the widespread adoption of rooftop solar is seen as crucial for meeting energy demands.
Many secondary investors and exporters in industrial zones are moving toward green and renewable energy but face challenges without green certificates. Tran Thien Long noted that clear, specific, and consistent regulations are essential for the effective implementation of rooftop solar power.
VCCI vice president Vo Tan Thanh pointed out that businesses struggle with unclear and inconsistent procedures from government agencies, making it difficult to invest in and install rooftop solar systems.
Dang Khai Hoang from Solarvest Vietnam Company highlighted the overwhelming number of administrative procedures, which complicates the deployment of renewable energy solutions. Nguyen Xuan Thang, general director of Schaeffler Vietnam, reported issues with connecting rooftop solar systems to industrial zone power grids, as the industrial developer Amata has restricted such connections. He stressed the need for clear regulations to address these implementation challenges.
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