The policy is outlined in the third draft (dated September 29) of the Prime Minister’s Decision on supporting households to install self-produced, self-consuming rooftop solar systems and energy storage systems. The draft has been sent for review.

In the previous draft in August, regarding subsidized commercial loan interest rates for household rooftop solar investments, MOIT proposed applying short-term loan rates per Circular No 39 of the State Bank.

For systems without energy storage, the subsidized loan limit in that draft would be at least VND4 million per 1 kWp of peak capacity listed on PV panels, applicable only up to a total peak capacity of 5 kWp.

For systems with energy storage, in addition to the above support, households would receive at least VND2 million per 1 kWh of storage capacity, applicable up to a total capacity of 10 kWh. The maximum loan term is three years from the start of loan disbursement under the credit contract.

In the latest updated third draft, the ministry has further proposed loan amounts with specific subsidized interest rates, including overdue interest rates households must pay.

The total maximum subsidized loan per household would be VND40 million, comprising VND20 million for solar panel installation and VND20 million for energy storage systems.

The maximum loan for self-produced, self-consumed rooftop solar systems without storage would be VND20 million, equivalent to VND4 million per 1 kWp of peak capacity listed on PV panels, applicable up to a total peak capacity of 5 kWp.

The maximum loan for installing energy storage systems alongside self-produced, self-consumed rooftop solar would be VND20 million, equivalent to VND2 million per 1 kWh of storage capacity, applicable up to a total capacity of 10 kWh.

The Ministry proposed a loan interest rate of 8.4 percent per year, with overdue interest at 130 percent of the loan rate. The maximum loan term is three years (36 months).

For direct financial support for rooftop solar installation, the Ministry maintains its previous proposals.

Households installing compliant rooftop solar systems receive a minimum of VND1 million and a maximum of VND1.5 million for systems without storage.

For systems with synchronized energy storage, households receive an additional minimum of VND1 million, and no more VND1.5 million.

Households must commit to operating and using the rooftop solar system for at least three years from receiving financial support.

Support from provincial budgets

The Ministry also proposes that this support funding be sourced from local budgets for development investment. Provincial People’s Councils will set support levels, ensuring alignment with local budgets and demand for household solar development.

The Ministry estimates that with about 28 million households nationwide, achieving the target of 50 percent installing self-produced, self-consumed rooftop solar systems per the adjusted Power Plan VIII could require up to VND42,000 billion in direct support from 2025-2030.

The Ministry notes that an average annual cost of about VND250 billion per province is manageable within local budgets, to be balanced and allocated by the Ministry of Finance in annual budget plans.

At the regular press conference on October 8, Bui Quoc Hung, Deputy Director of the Electricity Department (Ministry of Industry and Trade), stated that there is no reason to cause difficulties for households adopting rooftop solar.

Asked why households are required to register with the watchdog agency when installing self-produced, self-consuming rooftop solar, he explained that most users still rely on the national grid.

According to Hung, during times without sunlight, households need electricity from the Vietnam Electricity Group (EVN). Thus, individuals and businesses must notify local Departments of Industry and Trade so authorities can assess demand and ensure a balanced power supply and demand.

"If rooftop solar users don’t register but want to use electricity, the power supplier cannot respond immediately," he said.

Hung affirmed that the notification process for installing self-produced, self-consumed rooftop solar systems is very simple. Households only need to submit a registration form with a confirmation letter via the local single-point reception portal. Upon receiving the information, the power company will install a meter to manage electricity output.

Duy Anh