Steep Fines of Up to 20 Million VND for Unreported Rooftop Solar Installations

The Ministry of Industry and Trade is currently seeking feedback on a new draft decree regarding administrative penalties in the field of electricity and efficient energy use. This draft includes several notable provisions.

Specifically, the ministry proposes that for self-generated and self-consumed power projects connected to the national grid with a capacity below 100 kW, failure to submit the required notification or non-compliance will result in a warning.

If the violation persists within 10 days of the initial penalty, individuals or organizations will face fines ranging from VND 500,000 to 1 million for systems under 20 kW, and VND 2-3 million for systems between 20 kW and 100 kW.

For projects with a capacity of 100 kW or higher, stricter penalties apply, with fines ranging from VND 10-20 million. These penalties address various violations, including failure to submit development notifications, operating without a registration certificate, non-cooperation with power units on technical connections, non-compliance with authority requests, unauthorized electricity sales, and disregarding dispatch orders, which may compromise safety.

Notably, failure to dismantle wind or solar power plants as requested by authorities may result in fines of up to VND 80-100 million.

In addition to fines, the Ministry of Industry and Trade proposes corrective measures with “maximum deterrence,” including the mandatory dismantling of wind and roof-based solar power plants for severe violations, and enforcement of investment condition commitments within approved timelines.

Previously, in draft amendments to Decree 57/2025 on direct electricity purchase agreements between renewable energy generators and large consumers, and Decree 58/2025 on renewable energy development, the ministry suggested procedural adjustments for rooftop solar installations.

For systems not connected to the national grid, individuals and organizations need only notify the local commune-level People’s Committee.

For systems connected to the national grid (even if only for self-consumption without surplus sales), notifications must be submitted through the commune-level People’s Committee, which will then forward them to the power unit for monitoring and dispatch coordination as needed.