MOIT is drafting the Prime Minister’s decision on a mechanism to encourage the development of rooftop solar power under the framework of a clean and green energy program. 

However, the draft mechanism, as commented by MPI, only gives general encouragement principles, and doesn’t specify detailed regulations that would help persuade investors to install rooftop solar power systems.

MPI asked to clarify the subjects to be covered by the Prime Minister’s decision, such as houses, offices and headquarters of enterprises, and make it suitable to the Enterprise Law and guiding legal documents.

The ministry has asked MOIT and the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment (MONRE), depending on their function, to help people and organizations participate in the investment and building of rooftop solar power systems under specific programs and plans.

They should set up specific goals, quantified in different development periods so as to reach the goal that 50 percent of office buildings and 50 percent of people’s homes will use rooftop solar power by 2030, with no sales to the national grid.

Investors need to be allowed to work with people and organizations that own houses, buildings and office buildings to install rooftop solar power systems under the mode of self-production and self-consumption, with negotiations between the parties.

MPI believes that offering investment incentives will be necessary to develop rooftop solar power. The incentives could be tax and fee remissions.

The Enterprise Law and related legal documents don’t include regulations on certificates on electricity business registration, so MPI suggests removing a tentative regulation on the issue.

On June 10, Deputy PM Tran Hong Ha had a working session with MOIT and Electricity of Vietnam (EVN) and relevant agencies on the implementation of one of the goals of the eighth national power development plan – developing rooftop solar power.

Scientists and businesses all want to encourage rooftop solar power, saying this is a solution to help reduce costs for enterprises in support industries.

Le Anh Tuan from Green Yellow Vietnam warned that if enterprises continue relying on traditional electricity generation sources (thermal and hydropower), they won’t be able to satisfy international partners’ requirements on using green energy. 

An effective energy management program would help enterprises save 25 percent of costs and reduce carbon emissions by 7-20 percent.

Luong Bang