Thailand’s rooftop solar initiative is facing resistance from installers over guarantee rules that the industry association says may put smaller firms at a disadvantage, the Bangkok Post reported.
The Bangkok Post reported that the cabinet-approved People’s Solar initiative is designed for 1 million households. It provides 50,000 baht in support per household and allows participants to sell surplus electricity to the national grid.
Chaphamon Chantarapongphan, president of the Thai Photovoltaic Industries Association (TPVA), told the Bangkok Post that the group is preparing an objection to the participation rules on behalf of solar contractors, particularly small and midsize firms. For systems valued at up to 150,000 baht per rooftop, contractors must provide 50,000 baht in cash security and set aside another 10,000 baht for a seven-year maintenance obligation, he said. The requirements tie up 60,000 baht per project.
The TPVA says the security is too large relative to contractors’ actual profit margins and disputes the 30% to 40% level it says policymakers assume. Chaphamon also said installers have to buy panels and inverters, while supplier credit generally runs only 60 to 90 days. He said inspections, coordination with officials and final verification can delay subsidy payments or project approvals, tightening contractors’ cash flow.
The rules could affect businesses differently. Chaphamon said larger contractors with more capital may absorb the pressure, while smaller operators and new entrants face a harder path into the program. The TPVA says it supports solar expansion but wants the guarantees adjusted to more realistic levels, using standard government procurement contracts for comparison. The Bangkok Post said the association represents roughly 100 members, including contractors of different sizes and solar panel and inverter manufacturers.
Chaphamon said the group expects to finish its objection within one or two days and send it to government officials during the week, including the Energy and Interior ministries.
