The Thai government is preparing to introduce a landmark reform bill aimed at accelerating rooftop solar adoption across the country. Designed to simplify administrative procedures and reduce installation costs for households, the legislation represents a major step toward democratizing access to clean energy. However, industry stakeholders have voiced concerns about the scope of authority the bill may grant to the Ministry of Energy.

Government Pushes Solar with Legislative Overhaul

Thailand’s Ministry of Energy is leading efforts to streamline the approval process for rooftop solar installations. Currently, individuals must obtain permissions from five separate government bodies—an obstacle the new bill seeks to eliminate.

Government spokesperson Sasikarn Wattanachan stated that the aim is to improve the adoption rate of solar systems by making the process more user-friendly and financially accessible.

The bill proposes five key reforms:

1. Permit-Free Installations – Replacing the permit system with a notification-based model to speed up installation and prevent retroactive denials.
2. Financial Incentives – Introducing tax benefits and low-interest financing options to make rooftop solar more affordable for households.
3. One-Stop Service Center – Establishing a centralized platform to assist both government bodies and private stakeholders throughout the installation process.
4. Unified Safety Standards – Enforcing national standards to ensure installation quality and technical safety.
5. National-Level Legal Framework – Implementing the law at the central level to ensure equitable access to solar generation for all citizens.

“Solar power is no longer a distant solution—it is a practical energy option for every household,” said Sasikarn. “This bill aims to lower electricity costs, enhance household energy security, and foster sustainable community development.”

Concerns Over Centralized Energy Oversight

While the initiative has been widely welcomed, concerns have surfaced over the concentration of regulatory power. Some energy leaders argue that the draft legislation could give the Energy Minister excessive influence over key aspects of the rooftop solar market.

Under the proposed framework, the minister would be tasked with setting technical standards, approving technologies, determining eligible buyers, and fixing purchase prices. Critics argue this could lead to unilateral decision-making without adequate oversight.

One leading solar developer expressed concern that the bill, though progressive in intent, risks undermining transparency by consolidating too much control within a single ministry.

Industry Calls for Balance and Clarity

Others within the solar sector take a more optimistic view. According to the head of a leading photovoltaic industry association, the bill’s structure still allows for the involvement of multiple agencies, which prevents complete centralization.

He acknowledged that while the draft lacks operational clarity, its broader framework reflects the government’s intent to reduce market entry barriers—especially important for small and medium enterprises grappling with high energy costs during economic slowdowns.

Next Steps

The Ministry of Energy concluded public consultations on the draft in late May. A revised version is expected to be submitted to the Cabinet this month, with parliamentary discussions anticipated in July.

As Thailand moves toward a cleaner, more decentralized energy future, the upcoming legislation could redefine household energy generation and governance—offering both opportunity and challenge as stakeholders weigh innovation against regulatory balance.