Thr ministry noted that rooftop solar has great advantages: it doesn’t occupy land and just connects to existing distribution grid (mainly low-voltage), so there is no need for new 110 kV+ grid investment and no impact on local land use planning.

Additionally, it helps households reduce electricity bills by lowering reliance on grid power and by decreasing electricity costs under the tiered residential pricing system. Operating and maintenance costs are low, while investment costs for solar power have decreased by more than 10 percent annually in recent years. Rooftop solar also contributes to carbon emission reductions.

However, limitations are dependency on rooftop area, weather conditions, and low supply stability (especially when not paired with battery storage systems). The initial investment cost is relatively high, particularly if a battery storage system is included.

In the third draft (dated September 29) of the Prime Minister’s Decision on support policies for households installing rooftop solar systems and energy storage for self-production and self-consumption, the ministry proposed that households operating rooftop solar systems in compliance with regulations receive a minimum support of VND1 million and a maximum of VND1.5 million if no storage system is installed.

For systems with integrated battery storage, households would receive additional support of at least VND1 million, up to a maximum of VND1.5 million.

In addition, the maximum loan support per household is VND40 million (VND20 million for solar panel installation and VND20 million for storage systems). The proposed loan interest rate is 8.4 percent per year, and the overdue loan interest rate is set at 130 percent of the lending rate. The maximum loan term is 36 months.

Regarding the loan source and specific interest rates, in the draft proposal on support policies for households installing rooftop solar and battery systems, the ministry stated that it had worked with agencies, including the State Bank of Vietnam, the Ministry of Finance, Vietnam Electricity (EVN), and the Vietnam Bank for Social Policies (VBSP).

The ministry incorporated feedback and proposed that loan support be offered through VBSP for households seeking funding. Specifically, VBSP suggested a loan interest rate of 8.4 percent per year and an overdue rate of 130 percent of the lending rate.

The VND2–3 million cash support is based on the estimated installation cost of rooftop solar systems, ranging from VND12–15 million per kWp, including energy storage equipment. According to the ministry, this installation capacity aligns with the average electricity demand of households and the tiered residential electricity pricing scheme.

To achieve the target of 14 million households installing rooftop solar systems for self-production and self-consumption under the adjusted Power Development Plan VIII, the total direct support could amount to VND42 trillion between 2026 and 2030, an average of VND250 billion per province per year.

This figure does not include the cost of installing two-way electricity meters (negotiated between homeowners and excessive electricity buyers) or loan support from VBSP.

The ministry emphasized that the support level is the maximum while actual disbursement depends on local budget conditions and household demand.

Prior to that, Lao Cai Provincial People's Committee proposed the Ministry consider expanding support to small business households and agricultural cooperatives needing rooftop solar for production, boosting rural economic efficiency.

However, this proposal was not accepted. Citing clause 2, article 22 of the Electricity Law regarding technical capacity, economic conditions, and the State budget in different periods, the ministry noted that support policies are issued by the Prime Minister and provincial People's Councils. The scope of the draft decision is limited to supporting households installing rooftop solar and battery systems for self-consumption in detached houses.

The ministry has tasked the Electricity Regulatory Authority with reviewing Decree 58/2025, which guides the implementation of the Electricity Law on development of renewable and new energy power sources, with the goal of simplifying administrative procedures.

The ministry emphasized that rooftop solar installations must be reported so that the watchdog agency can track system information and capacity, ensuring appropriate supply planning.

Electricity is a highly technical sector, so public consultation is necessary to help people understand the process. They are encouraged to use online platforms and public service portals to register.

Nguyen Le