As Thailand moves forward with its ambitious plans to boost solar energy, the country has seen a significant increase in solar panel imports, primarily from China. According to recent data from Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce and Customs Department, the value of these imports soared by 88.7% in the first seven months of 2026, reaching US$426.7 million.
China has been the dominant supplier in this surge, accounting for a staggering 99.3% of the total imports, with shipments valued at US$423.9 million—a 107.1% increase from the previous year. Other suppliers, such as Singapore and Hong Kong, contributed minimally, each representing about 0.3% of Thailand’s solar panel import market.
This substantial rise in imports aligns with Thailand’s preparation of a household solar installation program, which aims to subsidize solar panel installations with approximately THB50,000 per household. The initial target for the program is one million homes, with the potential to extend to 1.5 million households, marking a significant push towards sustainable energy solutions.
In addition to importing solar panels, the Thai government is considering measures to fortify domestic solar manufacturing. Efforts include collaborating with the Ministry of Labour to train workers in various aspects of solar technology, such as panel assembly, installation, and maintenance. Moreover, discussions with the Board of Investment are underway to potentially lower duties on production inputs that are not readily available within the country.
Through these initiatives, Thailand aims not only to reduce household electricity costs but also to encourage the development of a robust domestic clean-energy supply chain. By promoting both rooftop and ground-mounted solar installations, the nation hopes to make substantial strides in its clean energy goals.