Use it yourself
Each kWh used on site avoids buying one kWh at the applicable retail tariff, which is generally worth more than the export tariff.
Reviewed 18 October 2026
Can you sell surplus solar electricity? B.E. 2569 (2026) edition
You can sell surplus electricity after meeting the eligibility requirements, applying to the Solar for People programme, and completing the approved grid connection. The main principle is to generate for self-consumption first and sell only the surplus.
Short answer
Can I install solar PV and sell the electricity back?
Yes. An eligible residential customer must apply, be approved, sign the contract, install compliant equipment, and pass the connection inspection. The B.E. 2569 (2026) programme pays 2.20 baht/kWh for 10 years and allows an export offer of no more than 5 kW AC per meter.
This information refers to the announcements and PEA system published in B.E. 2569 (2026). Conditions, quotas and procedures are changeable. You should check the agency's website again before investing.
Policy decision on 18 September 2026
The proposed 10,000 MW framework and 20-year term await updated application rules
The National Energy Policy Council approved a 10,000 MW framework, a 2.20 baht/kWh surplus export rate, an export limit of 5 kW per meter, and an extension of the purchase term from 10 to 20 years. It also directed agencies to consider existing contracts. [Thai Government, 18 September 2026]
As of 18 October 2026, PEA’s PPIM application page still lists the current programme as 500 MW with a 10-year contract. Check updated ERC and PEA rules before applying or relying on a 20-year term.
Terms currently shown by PEA
Thailand's Solar for People programme in B.E. 2569 (2026)
| Applicant | Eligible residential electricity customers under the relevant utility's conditions |
|---|---|
| Format | Generate primarily for self-consumption and sell the surplus |
| Offering quantity | No more than 5 kW AC per meter |
| Purchase price | 2.20 baht per kWh |
| Contract term | 10 years |
| Combined procurement target | Not more than 500 MW AC shared in PEA and MEA areas. |
| Commercial operation deadline | SCOD within B.E. 2570 (2027), subject to the programme conditions |
See the original announcement at Office of the Energy Regulatory Commission and details for applying for a PEA area at PPIM system
Understand correctly first.
Selling electricity back doesn't mean the electricity bill is zero.
During the day, the home uses solar electricity as it is generated. Any permitted surplus can flow to the grid. At night, the panels do not generate electricity, so the home continues to buy electricity from the utility as usual.
Sell surplus
Eligible surplus electricity is sold at the rate of 2.20 baht per unit according to the contract of the project year B.E. 2569 (2026).
Designed to fit
Your first goal should be to reduce your electricity bill by using it yourself. Then look at the income from excess electricity as an additional benefit.
Basic features
Who can apply?
- Be a residential electricity user according to the conditions of the local electricity authority.
- The information on the electricity user's name, house number, and type of electricity user on the bill is correct and up-to-date.
- Have rights to the installation location or consent/authorization documents as the case may be.
- The system and inverter pass the electrical regulations.
- The proposed export capacity and interconnection point pass the technical review.
- The procurement quota remains available, and the project can meet its deadline.
For PEA areas, the application page asks for a current electricity bill, preferably no more than three months old, and states that applications are handled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Application process
From submitting an application to starting to sell electricity
Apply and submit information
Create an account in the utility's application system, enter the supply-point details, and upload all required documents.
Application review
The utility reviews the documents and technical capacity, then publishes the approved applicants.
Pay and contract
Approved applicants pay the required fees, submit the documents, and sign the contract by the deadline.
Install the system and request grid connection
Install the approved design using compliant equipment, then apply for grid connection.
Notification of license exemption
Proceed with notification of energy business operations that are exempt according to the ERC's procedures.
Inspection and commercial operation
The utility inspects the system, replaces the meter where required, tests the connection, and approves commercial operation.
Costs
What budget do I need to prepare?
- Cost of purchasing all equipment and installing the Solar Rooftop system
- Cost of renovating the roof or existing electrical system if necessary
- Drawing and document costs, if excluded from the quote
- Inspection and connection fees as charged by the Electricity Authority.
PEA's B.E. 2569 (2026) application page lists a connection-inspection fee of 2,000 baht before VAT, or 2,140 baht including VAT. Confirm the charges for your utility area and application type.
A simple example
How much could 100 kWh of monthly surplus earn?
100 kWh × 2.20 baht/kWh = approximately 220 baht per month or 2,640 baht per year if there is electricity remaining at the same level every month This example does not deduct accounting conditions, taxes or other expenses as the case may be.
Therefore, it can be seen that designing a system to use the electricity itself appropriately is often more important than installing a large system just to sell electricity.
Frequently asked questions
Question about selling electricity back
Can I install it first and then apply?
Do not assume an existing installation will qualify: its equipment, design, and capacity must match the programme requirements and application. Check eligibility and procedure before ordering equipment.
Can a battery be installed with the system?
The B.E. 2569 (2026) programme does not prohibit a BESS, but its installation and operation must comply with the engineering standards of the contracting utility.
Where should a homeowner in Bangkok apply?
Bangkok, Nonthaburi, and Samut Prakan are in the MEA area. Other provinces are generally in the PEA area. You should check the request receiving system of the agency specified in the electricity bill.
Want to know whether your home qualifies and what system size may suit it?
Send the electricity bill to the PTH GREEN team to check the basic information and design it for your own use in a worthwhile manner before submitting a request.
Read more: All installation steps · Calculate savings and payback