Thailand Plans 5 GW Rooftop Solar Expansion to Reduce LNG Dependence

September 2, 2026 — Thailand

Thailand is launching an ambitious initiative to install 5 GW of rooftop solar capacity across one million households within one year, as the country seeks to reduce its exposure to volatile natural gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) prices.

The programme will be supported by a 200 billion baht (approximately US$6.01 billion) energy transition emergency fund. The government plans to provide subsidies of up to 50,000 baht per household, alongside low-interest financing to encourage residential solar adoption.

Solar currently accounts for around 10% of Thailand’s electricity generation, while natural gas contributes more than 60%. More than a quarter of the country’s gas supply is imported, leaving the power sector vulnerable to fluctuations in international LNG prices.

The new initiative is expected to more than double Thailand’s small-scale solar capacity from approximately 3.6 GW at the end of 2025.

The rooftop solar programme will also be incorporated into Thailand’s long-term power development strategy as the government seeks to strengthen energy security and accelerate the transition toward renewable energy.

The move highlights the growing role of distributed solar generation in reducing fossil fuel dependence and strengthening energy resilience across Southeast Asia.