Thai government offers incentives to encourage rooftop solar installations in residential homes. (Photo: iStock)
To encourage local development in the solar power sector, the Thai government plans to support mass production of a homegrown solar inverter developed by a local electrician. The initial production target is set at 100,000 units. Officials also pledged to relax rooftop solar installation regulations, enabling more households to access clean energy.
Electrician’s innovation could speed up solar adoption
Sasikarn Wattanachan, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, said that the inventor, Thaweechai Kraiduang, hails from Sakon Nakhon province. Although he lacks a formal engineering background, his extensive hands-on experience led him to develop a grid-tied solar inverter prototype. The device, capable of generating 5,000 watts of electricity from solar panels, has recently passed national safety and efficiency tests.
The government aims to support the mass production of this locally developed inverter, targeting a system cost of 85,000 to 90,000 baht (about USD 2,621 to 2,775). This move not only supports domestic innovation but also seeks to make clean energy more affordable and accessible. The first batch of 100,000 units is intended for low-consumption household users.
In addition to the inverter, Thaweechai has also invented several energy-related devices, such as a rubber and plastic distillation machine that produces benzene and diesel, and a solar-powered, auto-rotating water pump.
Sasikarn added that the government is preparing legislation to accelerate rooftop solar deployment, reduce market monopolies, and increase transparency across the energy sector.
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A Thai electrician developed a grid-tied solar inverter prototype based on hands-on experience. The device can generate 5,000 watts of electricity when paired with solar panels. (Image: Pexels)
Thai pushes affordable solar and transparent electricity pricing
Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga recently announced a series of rooftop solar incentives, including switching from a permit-based to a notification-based approval process for installations, along with tax deductions of up to 200,000 baht (about USD 6,167).
The government is also taking steps to reduce electricity prices. Pirapan pledged that from September to December, electricity tariffs would not exceed 3.99 baht per kilowatt-hour (approximately USD 0.12). In addition to offering lower-cost solar systems, the government also intends to gain better insight into the power generation costs of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT).
Currently, EGAT’s power purchase agreements with private power producers are protected by confidentiality clauses, leaving cost structures opaque. The government is now considering legal reforms to enhance transparency and establish baseline principles that protect the interests of all stakeholders.
Source: Bangkok Post, Money & Banking Online, The States Times
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