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Why Are Notifications and Registrations Mandatory for Rooftop Solar Power Systems?

With thousands of MWp of rooftop solar power installed but not yet registered, compliance with notification/registration requirements is not only a legal obligation but also crucial for ensuring the safety and stability of the national power grid.

Administrator

19 September, 2025

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Installation of rooftop solar power systems. (Image: EVN)

Rooftop solar power is emerging as a popular renewable energy solution in Vietnam, significantly reducing pressure on the national grid and cutting costs for residents and businesses. However, its rapid growth presents challenges in system management and safety. Therefore, registering rooftop solar installations is not only a legal requirement but also a shared responsibility.

This information was highlighted during the seminar “Why is Rooftop Solar Registration Mandatory?” organized by Cong Thuong Newspaper on September 18th.

Lack of data hinders efficient grid management

In recent years, the Vietnamese government has implemented policies to promote renewable energy, particularly rooftop solar power. As a result, hundreds of thousands of systems have been installed, totaling thousands of MWp, significantly easing the burden on the national grid, especially during peak hours.

This clean energy source also contributes to environmental protection, supports the energy transition, and aligns with Vietnam’s net-zero emissions target by 2050. Additionally, rooftop solar helps households and businesses reduce monthly electricity bills and fosters the growth of the renewable energy service market.

However, the rapid expansion of rooftop solar carries risks if not managed effectively. Issues like grid overloading, fire hazards, and power quality degradation have become concerning. To address these, the Ministry of Industry and Trade has proposed decrees for 2024-2025, including Decree 58/2025/ND-CP, which mandates registration or notification for all rooftop solar systems, regardless of grid connection.

Mr. Nguyen Quoc Dung, Head of Business at EVN, stated: “Decree 58/2025/ND-CP is a crucial step, providing a legal framework for self-generated, self-consumed rooftop solar, reducing supply pressure and costs. However, implementation challenges remain.”

Mr. Dung noted that despite 1,300 MWp installed post-2020, few systems have been reported to EVN, leading to inaccurate load forecasting and impacting grid operation planning.

Echoing this, Mr. Nguyen Ba Hoai, Deputy Director of Renewable Energy at the National Power System Operation and Market Center (NSMO), emphasized: “Complete data on self-generated rooftop solar is vital. Inaccurate forecasting complicates scheduling and operation, risking supply-demand imbalances.”

Mr. Hoai also stressed that installation scale data helps predict generation capacity by time and weather, ensuring stable and safe power supply.

Experts at the seminar “Why is Rooftop Solar Registration Mandatory?”. (Image: CTV/Vietnam+)

From a research perspective, Mr. Le Viet Cuong, Vice Director of the Energy Institute (Ministry of Industry and Trade), emphasized rooftop solar’s role in energy security. However, data collection, especially from households, remains challenging.

“Incomplete data directly impacts national power planning, supply-demand forecasting, and grid design,” Mr. Cuong analyzed. Inaccurate data increases risks of local overloads or grid investment inefficiencies, while support policies may become ineffective.

Simplified registration process

Given the importance of registration, simplifying the process is key to effective management and compliance for residents and businesses.

Mr. Tran Hoai Trang, Deputy Director of the Electricity Regulatory Authority (Ministry of Industry and Trade), confirmed: “Decree 58/2025/ND-CP clearly outlines registration obligations. All owners of self-generated rooftop solar systems, connected or not, must notify the provincial Department of Industry and Trade or local power units.”

Mr. Trang explained that the notification form in Decree 58/2025/ND-CP is straightforward, requiring only basic details like name, address, and installation scale. “Notifications are submitted to commune authorities for record-keeping, without requiring approval,” he emphasized.

For remote areas, Mr. Trang suggested that commune authorities and provincial Departments of Industry and Trade provide direct guidance to households and villages.

He urged residents to comply with regulations to help authorities track installation scale and capacity, ensuring safe grid operation, managing household demand, and preventing fire risks. Installation and operation guidelines will also be provided for safety.

EVN has actively facilitated registration through multiple channels, including online portals, apps, and in-person options. Mr. Nguyen Quoc Dung shared: “While we’ve established various channels, raising awareness is crucial. Registration is not just a formality but a shared duty to ensure grid safety and sustainability.”

Rooftop solar development in Vietnam. (Image: TTXVN)

Locally, Mr. Hoang Duc Tien, Deputy Director of Tuyen Quang’s Department of Industry and Trade, assured: “We’re working to reassure residents that registration is not for penalties but to help authorities balance consumption and generation.”

Regarding penalties for non-compliance, experts suggest caution. Mr. Ha Dang Son, an energy expert, emphasized: “If we demonstrate that registration takes just minutes and provides essential data for grid management, residents will cooperate. Encouraging voluntary compliance is better than immediate penalties.”

Mr. Son noted that the government supports self-generated power through incentives. “While Decree 58/2025/ND-CP has simplified procedures, data gaps hinder management and safety. Residents must understand their responsibility to register and share information despite reduced formalities,” he said.

Registering rooftop solar installations is not only a legal requirement but also critical for grid safety, stability, and sustainability. Simplified procedures and effective communication will enhance compliance, aiding authorities in planning and balancing individual and community interests as renewable energy expands in Vietnam.

Hong Kieu

– 14:37 18/09/2025