Rooftop solar power proves effective for Dong Nai households

In recent years, many households in Dong Nai have proactively invested in rooftop solar power systems for daily use. The model not only helps reduce monthly electricity expenses but also eases pressure on the power grid and promotes the use of clean energy.

Many households in Dong Nai have chosen to install rooftop solar power systems. Photo: Hoang Loc

The model is also being encouraged by the Government and Dong Nai City as part of efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

Saving millions of dong each month

With abundant year-round sunshine and long daily sunlight hours, an increasing number of households in Dong Nai are investing in rooftop solar power systems to meet both residential needs and small-scale business activities. The model helps households cut electricity costs, gain greater energy autonomy, and reduce pressure on the national grid.

Nguyen Ba Cong, a resident of Tam Hiep ward, is one example. Previously, his family and seven rental rooms consumed electricity at a cost of around VND 3.5 million per month. Since installing a rooftop solar system, the monthly bill has dropped to only about VND 1-1.2 million.

Cong said that in September 2025, his family invested in a system consisting of 14 solar panels and a storage battery. Electricity generated during the day is used directly, while surplus power is stored for nighttime use. When stored electricity runs low, the system automatically switches to the national grid.

“The biggest benefit is that I no longer worry about rising electricity prices. Even during power outages, my family’s daily activities are still guaranteed. In the near future, I plan to install another system for my second boarding house,” Cong shared.

Similarly, the family of Nguyen Thi Thanh Nhan in Tran Bien Ward installed a solar power system with 20 panels and a 30kWh storage battery about 18 months ago for use at both their home and rental rooms. Previously, the family spent between VND 2.5-3 million on electricity each month, but costs have now fallen to just VND 60-100 thousand. As a result, despite fluctuations in electricity prices, Nhan has maintained stable electricity rates for her tenants, helping them manage living expenses more effectively.

In practice, combining solar systems with energy storage devices has enabled many households to become largely self-sufficient in electricity use, reducing dependence on the national grid, particularly during peak demand hours.

Le Duy Hien, Head of the Business Department at Dong Nai Power Company (DNPC), said households and businesses installing solar systems for self-production and self-consumption bring many practical benefits. Customers can proactively secure on-site electricity sources, thereby significantly reducing monthly power bills. For the national power system, this solution helps share supply pressure during peak hours, ensures safer grid operations, and contributes positively to the transition toward green energy.

However, DNPC recommends that residents and businesses consult the electricity sector before investing in such systems to avoid situations where installations cannot be connected to the grid. Equipment such as solar panels and inverters must have clear origins, while installation work must strictly comply with regulations on construction safety and fire prevention.

For systems with capacities of 100kW or more, installations must follow regulatory standards and include remote monitoring equipment connected to the electricity sector.

Promoting clean energy development

Beyond the direct economic benefits to households, rooftop solar power is also considered a key solution in Vietnam’s strategy for sustainable, clean energy development.

Over the past three years, the Politburo, the Government, and the Ministry of Industry and Trade have issued numerous directives to ensure national energy security, including the development of solar power.

Most recently, in late March 2026, the Government issued Directive No. 10/CT-TTg, emphasizing the need to develop a self-produced, self-consumed rooftop solar power model, combined with suitable energy storage systems, to supplement on-site power supply, increase the flexibility of the power system, and contribute to ensuring national energy security.

According to DNPC, by the end of March 2026, nearly 9,300 customers had installed solar systems with a combined capacity of more than 1,200 MWp. Of these, 439 self-production and self-consumption systems accounted for more than 166 MWp.

The directive also requires provincial and municipal authorities to accelerate rooftop solar development, prioritizing installations at public offices, production facilities, businesses, and households. At the same time, it encourages the integration of battery energy storage systems (BESS) to reduce peak-hour loads and improve energy self-sufficiency. The Government has set a target for around 10% of public agencies and 10% of households nationwide to install and use rooftop solar systems annually under the self-production and self-consumption model.

The Government also requires provinces and cities to issue development plans tailored to local conditions, publicize and simplify installation procedures, and study the formulation of People’s Council resolutions to support residents in investing in solar power and electricity storage systems.

In Dong Nai, policies encouraging rooftop solar power development have been implemented for many years. The city has required agencies, units, businesses, and households to use factory and residential rooftops to install on-site systems, helping reduce pressure on the power supply, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and increase the share of renewable energy.

Nguyen Thi Hoang, Vice Chairwoman of the Dong Nai City People’s Committee, said electricity demand for economic growth continues to rise, making rooftop solar not only a cost-saving solution but also an inevitable pathway toward a green, sustainable, and climate-resilient energy system. In Dong Nai, developing renewable energy sources will also help the locality achieve its net-zero goals sooner.

Cao Quang Quynh, Member of the Board of Members of Vietnam Electricity Group, assessed that Dong Nai is a key locality in terms of electricity demand. However, many power generation and grid projects are facing obstacles and falling behind schedule, posing a risk to a stable electricity supply for production and daily life.

For that reason, removing obstacles to accelerate power projects, stepping up electricity savings, and developing renewable energy, particularly rooftop solar power, are urgent and coordinated solutions. This undertaking is one of the key conditions for Dong Nai to meet its double-digit economic growth target and move toward becoming a modern, sustainably developed urban area.

By B. Mai – Translated by M.Nguyet, Minho