EDL to Purchase Rooftop Solar Electricity from Households
“Electricité du Laos (EDL), the state power utility, announced a new nationwide policy to purchase electricity generated from residential rooftop solar systems, as part of the country’s push to expand renewable energy use.
The notice, dated 27 April, applies to residential users across the country who install rooftop solar systems connected to the national grid under the solar rooftop program at a price of LAK 992 (USD 0.04) per kilowatt-hour (kWh), under a purchase contract of up to 10 years, reducing dependence on imported electricity.
Under the policy, households using single-phase electricity systems will be allowed to install rooftop solar systems with a capacity of up to 5 kilowatt-peak (kWp) per account, while households using three-phase systems can install up to 10 kWp per account.
EDL said the measure is intended to encourage greater use of alternative energy, support domestic electricity generation, and help reduce electricity imports during periods of high demand.
EDL sets a nationwide purchasing program through the end of 2026, or until the nationwide limit of 50 megawatt-peak (MWp) is reached.
Officials said participating households must comply with EDL’s technical standards for connecting rooftop solar systems to the low-voltage electricity network.
The new policy comes as Laos continues expanding its renewable energy strategy beyond hydropower, which currently accounts for around 70 percent of the country’s electricity generation capacity.
Authorities said the rooftop solar energy purchase scheme is expected to encourage more households to invest in clean energy while supporting Laos’ broader efforts to diversify its electricity supply and strengthen long-term energy stability.
Laos aims to increase the share of variable renewable energy, mainly solar and wind power, to 11 percent by 2030 as part of broader clean energy and climate goals. Officials say the transition is intended to improve energy security, diversify the national power supply, and support long-term economic development.”
