New Mechanism for Selling Surplus Rooftop Solar Power: Optimal Solution for Households and Businesses
The Vietnamese government has issued Decree No. 243/2026/NĐ-CP dated June 26, 2026, amending and supplementing several articles of two important decrees related to renewable energy development. This new decree introduces a groundbreaking mechanism for selling surplus electricity from rooftop solar power systems, marking a significant advancement in the country's renewable energy sector.
Key Provisions of the New Decree
Decree No. 243/2026/NĐ-CP will take effect from January 1, 2027, amending and supplementing several articles of two crucial decrees:
- Decree No. 57/2025/NĐ-CP dated March 3, 2025, on regulations for direct electricity purchase between renewable energy generation units and large electricity consumers
- Decree No. 58/2025/NĐ-CP dated March 3, 2025, detailing several articles of the Electricity Law on the development of renewable energy and new energy
New Mechanism for Rooftop Solar Power
The new decree establishes a mechanism that allows households, production facilities, and businesses with rooftop solar installations to self-produce, self-consume, and sell surplus electricity to the national grid.
Specifically, investors can sign direct electricity purchase contracts with large electricity consumers, or sell electricity to Vietnam Electricity (EVN) under preferential pricing mechanisms.
Comparison of New and Old Mechanisms
The following table compares the previous mechanism (under Decrees 57/2025 and 58/2025) with the new mechanism (under Decree 243/2026):
| Feature | Previous Mechanism | New Mechanism |
|---|---|---|
| Applicable Entities | Limited, mainly large-scale projects | Extended to households and small production facilities |
| Selling Price | Applied at residential or production electricity rates | Applied at preferential, more competitive rates |
| Administrative Procedures | Complex, requiring extensive documentation | Simplified and digitalized |
| Contract Duration | Maximum 20 years | Maximum 25 years |
Significance and Impact of the Decree
For Households and Businesses
The new decree brings numerous practical benefits:
- Increased income for households and businesses installing rooftop solar systems through surplus electricity sales
- Reduced electricity costs for the same households and production facilities
- Encouragement of clean energy use and environmental protection
- Job creation in the renewable energy sector
For the Power Industry
From the power industry's perspective, the new decree:
- Reduces pressure on traditional electricity supply sources
- Increases the proportion of renewable energy in total electricity production
- Improves the power grid system through more rational distribution of electricity sources
Implementation Guidelines
According to Decree No. 243/2026/NĐ-CP, the steps for implementing the surplus electricity sales mechanism from rooftop solar power are as follows:
- Install a rooftop solar power system with capacity not exceeding 10kW for households and not exceeding 1MW for production and business facilities
- Register with Vietnam Electricity (EVN) or direct electricity purchasers
- Sign an electricity purchase contract with the electricity buyer
- Install a two-way electricity meter to monitor electricity production and consumption
- Begin operations and sell surplus electricity to the national grid
Technical Requirements
To participate in this mechanism, solar power systems must meet the following technical requirements:
- The system must be installed at a location owned by the registrant
- Solar power equipment must meet quality standards and have appropriate certifications
- The system must have a two-way electricity metering device, verified and calibrated by authorized authorities
- The system must be safely connected to the national grid
Impact on the Renewable Energy Market
Decree No. 243/2026/NĐ-CP is evaluated as a breakthrough in promoting renewable energy development in Vietnam. According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the target is for renewable energy to account for 15-20% of Vietnam's total electricity production by 2030, and this decree will significantly contribute to achieving that goal.
Currently, Vietnam has great potential for solar energy, especially in the Central and Central Highlands regions. With the new mechanism, many experts predict a boom in rooftop solar installations in the coming years.
Conclusion
Decree No. 243/2026/NĐ-CP introduces a new mechanism for selling surplus electricity from rooftop solar power systems, creating favorable conditions for households and businesses to participate in the renewable energy market. This is an important step in Vietnam's clean energy transition strategy, contributing to greenhouse gas emission reduction and environmental protection.
The simplification of administrative procedures and extension of contract duration simultaneously create strong momentum for the development of the renewable energy sector, particularly rooftop solar power, in the coming years.