SET-listed power companies are enthusiastic about capturing on- and off-grid power generation projects for renewable energy in line with global trends.
The on-grid power projects are for the purpose of selling electricity to the state grid, while the others are aimed at self-generated power by properties.
But the country's power policy has yet to deregulate laws for renewable power operators, and most renewable resources require investment in large-scale sites.
After the government announced a new version of the power development plan (PDP) for 2018-37, solar power in the form of rooftop panels was the only renewable resource with substantive support for new development.
The new PDP sets a target of power generation from all renewable resources of 19,000 megawatts, but solar rooftops are to make up 10,000MW of renewable power capacity during 2019-37.
Many renewable energy investors believe that the solar rooftop project will play a significant role in the coming years as property owners adopt the scheme and sell electricity to the state utilities.
Preeyanart Soontornwata, chairwoman of the power producer industry club at the Federation of Thai Industries, said energy policymakers have been clear about encouraging households to install solar panels.
"The households can save on their power bills from their self-generated power systems, while solar retail distributors can benefit from the scheme by offering free installation," Mrs Preeyanart said.
Under the scheme, policymakers have set aside 100MW in the pilot phase for local households. Applicants will be granted the right to sell surplus electricity to the state grid at a power tariff of 1.68 baht per kilowatt-hour.
In addition, the household solar scheme will encourage companies to get involved it related power equipment such as energy storage systems from lithium-ion batteries, another key global trend.
Companies pounce
Mrs Preeyanart, also president of B.Grimm Power Plc, said the company has diversified into solar rooftop projects since 2018 and plans to install solar panels with an overall power capacity of 80MW by 2019.
Most solar rooftop customers are educational institutions, warehouses and commercial buildings, she said.
According to the Customs Department, imported solar panels in January 2019 totalled 902,181 units, down from 1.8 million in the same month last year, as importers awaited clarity from the new PDP.
Somruedee Chaimongkol, chief executive of Banpu Plc, said the company entered the local market as a one-stop provider of total solar solutions using advanced technology through its wholly owned Banpu Infinergy (BPIN).
"We are offering all solutions in the form of high-quality rooftop solar systems and solar street lights and accessories, while our services include consultation, system design, installation, inspection and maintenance for companies and houses," Mrs Somruedee said. "We also offer zero-investment installation of solar systems with a lower solar electricity cost, including free maintenance and equipment throughout the contract period of 20-25 years."
She said BPIN is taking cues from solar farms in China and Japan, where the authorities are encouraging energy-related innovation.
Moreover, BPIN holds a 25.7% stake in Singapore-based Sunseap Group, a provider of clean energy solutions, owning 93.3MW of solar capacity.
"BPIN expects to increase energy storage capacity to 182.9MW in Sunseap through secured projects," Mrs Somruedee said.
Sunseap's customers in Singapore include companies and agencies like Apple, the Housing Development Board and Jurong Port.
BPIN has also set up a new business to offer smart city solutions that take into account energy demand from consumers and communities.
Battery booster
Chawalit Tippawanich, president and chief executive of Global Power Synergy Plc (GPSC), said the company is developing production of lithium-ion batteries aimed at power storage from solar panels to serve industrial operators.
"The power storage is more stable than the conventional grid, both in distribution and connection systems," Mr Chawalit said.
GPSC has a partnership with 24M Technologies to use the US firm's technology to produce and distribute lithium-ion batteries in the region.
Furthermore, GPSC has teamed up with Chiang Mai University for a demonstration project of a smart city with on-site power distribution from solar panels and a 17kW energy storage system.
"GPSC can benefit from enhanced knowledge management with Chiang Mai University," Mr Chawalit said.
Bundit Sapianchai, president of BCPG Plc, said the company is eager to launch on-site power distribution by conducting a trial period and applying blockchain technology to manage solar rooftop systems for household consumption and electricity transactions.
"We will provide this service to residential projects of SC Asset, starting in Bang Kadi, Pathum Thani, with the expectation that the new power service will meet the demand of residential communities in the future," Mr Bundit said.
Energy storage technology in the global market should become competitive with traditional power generation within three years, he said.