Rooftop solar power systems (RSPV – Rooftop Solar Photovoltaic) under the self-generation and self-consumption mechanism have become a core solution in Vietnam’s energy development strategy, particularly as outlined in the Power Development Plan VIII (PDP VIII).
For factories and industrial enterprises, the transition from the traditional power purchase model to the self-consumption model requires a clear understanding of the legal framework, implementation procedures, and investment principles to ensure both regulatory compliance and economic efficiency.
1. Summary of Core Legal Regulations
The policy orientation from PDP VIII and draft decrees issued by the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) have defined three fundamental principles for self-consumption rooftop solar systems: No capacity limit, Utilization of existing grid infrastructure, Risks related to surplus power sales.
- No Capacity Limit Policies encourage the development of self-consumption power sources without capacity restrictions. Factories are allowed to install rooftop solar systems according to their maximum load demand.
- Grid Connection Conditions The system must make use of the existing electrical grid without requiring upgrades. Factories are required to implement technical solutions, such as a Zero Export Device* to ensure that no surplus electricity is exported to the national grid.
*Zero Export Device (ZED): A control and metering device that prevents rooftop solar systems from feeding excess electricity back into the national grid.
- Surplus Power Sales Mechanism Any surplus electricity may only be sold at zero or negligible value, depending on future policy mechanisms.
- The government aims that by 2030, 50% of public buildings and 50% of residential households will use self-consumption rooftop solar systems.
- Licensing Conditions Rooftop systems below 1 MWp connected to the grid (or those operating off-grid) are generally exempt from power operation licenses.
