With the world facing the challenges of climate change and the urgent need for an energy transition, the German International Cooperation Organization (GIZ), Phuc Khang Investment and Construction Joint Stock Company (Phuc Khang Corporation), and their business partners have officially launched the “Balcony Solar Systems for Vietnam” project.
This event, which took place in Ho Chi Minh City on June 19, 2025, marked a significant step forward in promoting urban renewable energy solutions in Vietnam.
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According to Mr. Christopher Scholl, Deputy Consul General of Germany in Ho Chi Minh City, the Balcony Solar Systems for Vietnam project is implemented by GIZ under the develoPPP program funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The develoPPP program encourages collaboration between the private sector and the public sector to promote sustainable development in developing countries.
A prerequisite for support under the develoPPP program is that businesses must have a long-term orientation in the country and bring sustainable development benefits to the local people.
The Balcony Solar Project will bring not only environmental and economic benefits but also contribute to building a sustainable urban energy ecosystem in Vietnam.
“Utilizing balcony spaces, which are often left empty, for clean energy production is an innovative solution that fits the rapid urbanization and growing energy-saving needs. Through practical implementation, policy development, and awareness-raising, the Balcony Solar Project aims to lay the foundation for a widespread movement of balcony solar energy use in Vietnam in the near future,” shared Mr. Christopher Scholl.
Mr. Markus Bissel, Project Director of “Balcony Solar Systems for Vietnam” (GIZ), believes that balcony solar is not just a technical solution but also represents a shift in energy mindset: from dependence on centralized supply to proactive on-site energy production and consumption.
This practical solution aligns with the Vietnamese government’s orientation in the Power Development Plan 8, which aims to increase self-produced and self-consumed solar power. This ultra-small solar system, such as balcony solar, can be considered an accessible and suitable solution for many Vietnamese households.
According to Mr. Markus Bissel, along with GIZ as the public partner, there are several Vietnamese and international companies as private partners in this project, including SolarBK, REEPRO, 365 Energy, Tona Syntegra Solar, Blueberry Energy, SmartSolar, and Phuc Khang Corporation.
The first balcony solar system of the BSS4VN project will be piloted at the Diamond Lotus Riverside building, a typical green project developed by Phuc Khang Mitsubishi Corporation Holding (PKMC), a joint venture between Phuc Khang Corporation and Mitsubishi Corporation (Japan).
This green building features a 44% reduction in energy consumption compared to the baseline, a 35% reduction in water usage through efficient fixtures, 21.6% landscape area to mitigate the heat island effect, and 100% recycled water usage for irrigation.
SUSTAINABLE URBAN ENERGY ECOSYSTEM SOLUTION
The balcony solar system installed at the Diamond Lotus Riverside building is fully supported by the BSS4VN project in terms of equipment, installation, and implementation. A balcony solar system is expected to produce an average of 52kWh of electricity per month, meeting approximately 17% of the average electricity consumption of a household in the building. More balcony solar systems will be piloted with other project partners in the coming months, covering various housing types such as townhouses and villas in Ho Chi Minh City.
Ms. Luu Thi Thanh Mau, CEO of Phuc Khang Corporation, shared: “We believe that balcony solar is not just a technical solution but also a part of our green and sustainable living strategy.”
With over 16 years of development, Phuc Khang Corporation is a pioneer in the field of Green Construction in Vietnam. Green Building products are designed, constructed, and operated to meet criteria and standards for efficient energy use, resource conservation, and occupant comfort, always incorporating ecological elements to create a green environment and a happy community.
Analyses show that Vietnam’s electricity demand, especially in urban areas, increases by about 10% annually. The current grid system cannot absorb the additional renewable energy output, leading to a significant amount of excess renewable energy going unused, while power shortages still occur during peak months, resulting in frequent power outages.
With electricity prices tending to adjust upward, the solution of a self-produced and self-consumed energy system in apartments or office buildings, especially in densely populated urban areas with high-rise buildings, is practical, attractive, and sustainable.
“The BSS4VN project is inspired by the balcony solar model, which has achieved impressive successes in Germany. In 2024 alone, over 800,000 balcony solar systems were installed across Germany, demonstrating the feasibility, effectiveness, and scalability of this model. In Germany, people can buy balcony solar systems directly from supermarkets or manufacturers’ websites, install them without technicians, and easily monitor energy production and consumption through a mobile app.”
Mr. Markus Bissel, Project Director of Balcony Solar Systems for Vietnam – BSS4VN, GIZ
To develop and adapt the balcony solar model to the Vietnamese market, Mr. Markus Bissel shared that from June 2025 to April 2027, the BSS4VN project will implement a series of activities.
First, install and monitor up to 100 balcony solar systems in Ho Chi Minh City.
Second, develop policy recommendations for the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Vietnam Electricity Group (EVN) based on project implementation experiences and German best practices.
Third, research and introduce suitable business models to promote the balcony solar market in Vietnam.
Fourth, organize workshops to share project results and impacts with the community and stakeholders.
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