Energy Ministry plans to buy solar energy generated by public under new project

[webfact]

Energy Ministry plans to buy solar energy generated by public under new project

By THE NATION

 

 

The Energy Ministry aims to launch a new public solar energy project with an annual target of 50 megawatts and the pilot phase to be completed in 60 days, Minister Sonthirat Sonthijirawong said.

 

“The ministry will work with the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand [Egat], the Provincial Electricity Authority [PEA] and the Thai Energy Reform Network to design a model project for the pilot phase 60 days from now,” he said. “The target is to buy solar energy generated by the public at 50 megawatts per year for the next five years with the aim to increase community income and promote clean energy use.”

 

Sonthirat also said that in the next two months a ministry task force will work with project partners to design the project’s parameters, designate locations, the budget, subsidies, incentives and other measures to motivate people to produce solar energy for their own use and sell the extra energy to the PEA or Egat.

 

“The ministry had proposed a similar project back in 2019, with a target of 100 megawatts per year, but only a handful of people were interested and we received registrations to produce only 1.8 megawatts per year,” he said. “This time we have had to reduce the target and will add additional incentives to attract more candidates to produce solar energy. One of the main strategies is to increase the buying price from the current rate of Bt1.68 per unit.”

 

Thai Energy Reform Network representative Rosana Tositrakul said the public solar energy project would not only promote the production and use of clean energy but also create jobs for new vocational graduates who can get work installing rooftop solar panels.

 

“Many graduates are having a hard time finding a job due to the impact of Covid-19, and this project could help them accumulate experience for a future career,” she added.

 

Source: https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30390521

 

-- © Copyright The Nation Thailand 2020-06-30

 

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[johng]

6 minutes ago, webfact said:

“The ministry had proposed a similar project back in 2019, with a target of 100 megawatts per year, but only a handful of people were interested and we received registrations to produce only 1.8 megawatts per year,”

Didn't they try this before 2019 too ?..had to be "approved" equipment installed by "approved" companies

then  shortly after people had invested in all the equipment  the buy back rate of electricity was substantiality reduced..no wonder not many are interested.

[spidermike007]

Anything, absolutely anything to propel Thailand in a forward direction, a progressive direction, is desperately needed. The nation is sorely in need of alternative energy. Nearly two thirds of the nations energy is produced by natural gas. 

[Grumpy John]

Sounds interesting.  We had enough space on the house for 15-18 kilowatts of solar panels and another 20 on the big shed behind the house...26 it we use the verandahs on each end with tracking solar.  Wonder how financing the deal would work out??? 

[jaiyen88]

I looked at the economics a couple of years ago. Typical break even payback was about 15 years. Panels should last 15-20 but batteries if required only last 10. So financially this a lose. In USA typical payback is 5-7 years because government rebates 30-35% of equipment and installation costs on day 1. If the government is serious about this they need to look into rebate programs.

 

[tracker1]

I have always wondered why there isn't more solar use in Thailand not as if they don't get enough sunshine !

[bodga]

18 minutes ago, jaiyen88 said:

I looked at the economics a couple of years ago. Typical break even payback was about 15 years. Panels should last 15-20 but batteries if required only last 10. So financially this a lose. In USA typical payback is 5-7 years because government rebates 30-35% of equipment and installation costs on day 1. If the government is serious about this they need to look into rebate programs.

 

You dont need  batteries? Dont you  feed  straight back into the grid, I  know  my friend in the Uk did  this  about 12  years  ago and did  well  out  of  it.

[AhFarangJa]

A friend of mine had a large panel array in his garden. One day I watched the meter going backwards as he put power back to the grid. That was about 5 or 6 years ago. Then all of a sudden it was scrapped, though I am at a loss as to why. He was simply told no can any more.......

[holy cow cm]

Yeah, my friend in the USA is in the solar industry at high level. We discussed Thailand and it just wasn't worth the investment if you are expecting it to be able to pay itself off. Only bonus is it is good for the environment. I probably would have to replace my roof to tiles that will last 30 years as well and if they installed it on my roof I would think they are going to bust some somewhere as well.

[Grumpy John]

It has to make some money or no one will be interested.  I know I  won't be!   The worrying part is they are talking 5 years......depending on what the offer will be that seems to be a short time for such a commitment.  I won't fund it so the wife will need to go to the BAAC to secure the finance and I am guessing they will be wondering about a 5 year contract too!  

[johno49]

16 hours ago, jaiyen88 said:

I looked at the economics a couple of years ago. Typical break even payback was about 15 years. Panels should last 15-20 but batteries if required only last 10. So financially this a lose. In USA typical payback is 5-7 years because government rebates 30-35% of equipment and installation costs on day 1. If the government is serious about this they need to look into rebate programs.

 

Yes Same payback time in Australia and wait and see what package they come up with this time, but Vanadium Batteries last 20 years + and a much better storage solution.