Solar Energy FAQ

Currently, solar power is one of the most effective investment solutions in terms of economy and has been approached by many companies.

Question 1: Why should solar power be used?

Vietnam is located in a number of Southeast Asian countries that have a lot of sunshine distribution, so there is a great potential for solar power. With a completely natural energy source from the sun, the use of solar electricity helps to reduce CO2 emissions that cause greenhouse effects and protect human health.

Question 2: How many years will the benefits of solar power last?

One-time investment for solar power benefits over 25 years

• Reducing electricity prices at high levels, especially at level 4,5,6 in domestic electricity (prices from 2,700 VND to 3,300 VND/kw), or during peak hours for manufacturing enterprises.

• Excess electricity that is not used up or on business days when the business does not operate (Sundays, Holidays ..) will be put on the grid and sold back to the electricity.

• Creating aesthetics for the house (make a roof ..); reducing the heat for the factory.

• Grid-connected PV system saves investment costs and recovers capital in 3 to 5 years and has a lifespan of over 25 years

Question 3: What are the disadvantages of using solar energy?

* High initial cost

The initial cost of the solar panel is comparatively high. Although, some subsidy programs as well as government subsidies help balance spending. As new technologies in the solar field emerge, the price of solar panels will continue to fall making the investment more affordable.

*Dependence on sunlight

Solar panels depend on sunlight, especially direct sunlight. As a result, they cannot produce energy at night and are less efficient during cloudy winters.

* Location of solar cells

An incorrect placement of solar panels can be a major impediment to the efficiency of power generation. The people most affected by this are those who live in houses covered with trees and landscape. Likewise, if you live in an area surrounded by large buildings, the efficiency of solar panels will be limited.

Question 4: How should the system be maintained and operated?

Customers need to regularly clean the panels to remove dirt on the surface, helping to improve light absorption to optimize the system's performance. Cleaning cycle is usually about every 2-3 months depending on the area.

Question 5: How will EVN's rooftop solar power purchase price be applied in 2019 and the following years?

– From January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019, the electricity purchase price (excluding VAT) is VND 2,134/kWh

– From 2020 and subsequent years, the electricity purchase price (excluding value-added tax) is determined annually and is calculated in Vietnamese Dong equivalent to 9.35 UScents/kWh multiplied by the rate of the central price of the Vietnamese dong against the US dollar as announced by the State Bank of Vietnam for the last day of the previous year.

Question 6: Is it possible to sell rooftop solar power to EVN?

At present, Vietnam Electricity Corporation has authorized the Electricity Company (EC) to sign and execute power purchase and sale contracts from rooftop solar power projects connected to the power grid under the management of the unit. That is, you just need to go to the Electricity company that is managing the electricity grid in your area to register to purchase and sell solar power.

Question 7: My house has installed a solar power system, what documents do I need to register to sell surplus electricity to the Electricity company?

03 days prior to the expected date of completion of the project installation, the investor shall send a set of documents to request the sale of electricity to EC as follows:

• Application form for selling electricity (available form of EC);

• Technical documents (if any): technical documents on photovoltaic panels, inverters; factory certificate/equipment quality certificate of the manufacturer; test records of technical specifications that meet current regulations by a competent unit.

• For solar PV projects with a capacity of ≥ 01 MWp: the investor needs to carry out additional procedures for solar power development planning and licensing procedures for electricity activities as prescribed in Circular 16/2017/TT-BCT, Circular No. 12/2017/TT-BCT dated July 31, 2017 of the Ministry of Industry and Trade and amendments, supplements and replacement documents (if any).

For any other questions, please contact Gia Dinh Group Joint Stock Company:

Head office address: 566 Highway 13, Hiep Binh Phuoc, Thu Duc City, HCMC

Hotline: 028.37269110