PUBLISHED : 30 Dec 2025 at 07:42
NEWSPAPER SECTION: Business
WRITER: Yuthana Praiwan
Homeowners should not rush into installing rooftop solar panels in the hope of securing tax rebates before the government’s official programme begins, according to MEA Smart Energy Solution (MEAei), a subsidiary of the Metropolitan Electricity Authority.
The government has pledged tax reductions of up to 200,000 baht for 90,000 households that adopt solar technology. However, Poramate Pichitanont, renewable energy manager for MEAei, warned that early installations will not qualify for the incentives.
“In the sluggish economy, contractors are eager to secure business quickly, but they may overlook whether the programme has actually started,” he said.
The Energy Regulatory Commission does not know when the scheme will be formally launched, as the final decision on timing rests with the Finance Ministry.
Energy officials are finalising regulations and eligibility criteria, while the Finance Ministry is working on details of the tax reduction, which is expected to apply to systems with a capacity of 5 kilowatts‑peak.
Participants must seek approval from either the MEA or the Provincial Electricity Authority, as their homes remain connected to the national grid. Typically, households use solar power during the day and switch to state‑supplied electricity at night.
Mr Poramate stressed the importance of choosing reliable contractors. Beyond checking customer reviews, he advised homeowners to investigate the parent company’s track record, business longevity, and any history of complaints.
He noted that electrical control systems and wiring must comply with official standards to ensure safe integration with the grid.
“Chasing discounts without proper checks can lead to costly problems after installation,” he said.
The rooftop solar rebate programme is part of the Anutin Charnvirakul government’s “Quick Big Win” policy to accelerate renewable energy adoption.
Other initiatives include solar‑ powered water pumps for farmers across 700,000 rai nationwide and community‑based solar farms designed to sell electricity back to the government.
The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand also plans to expand clean energy capacity by installing floating solar farms at the Bhumibol, Vajiralongkorn and Srinagarind dams.
These efforts align with Thailand’s broader commitment to achieve a net‑zero target, a balance between greenhouse gas emissions and absorption, by 2050, 15 years earlier than its previous target.
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