On September 22, 2020, the Ministry of Industry and Trade issued Official Letter No.
7088/BCT-DL in 2020 guiding the implementation of rooftop solar power development.
This Official Letter takes effect from the date of its issue.

Currently, there are quite a few questions about understanding what is Rooftop solar
systems, or on what basis the regulation “photovoltaic panels installed on the roof of a
building” is determined on. This has caused many difficulties and shortcomings in the
application to determine the appropriate electricity purchase and sale price. The
promulgation of Official Letter No. 7088/BCT-DL specifically guides the above issues.
what is Rooftop solar systems?

Under Clause 5, Article 3 of Decision No. 13/2020/QD-TTg is defined as follows:
“Rooftop solar system” refers solar system in which solar panels are installed on the roof
of the construction with no more than 1 MW in power and directly or indirectly connected
to power grid with up to 35kV of the Buyers.”

However, in order to be more detailed and ensure that the Rooftop solar system
development is carried out in accordance with the spirit of the policy, in Official Letter
7088/BCT-DL, the conditions for the Rooftop solar system should meet, in particular:
– Rooftop solar power systems must be installed on rooftops of constructions with
independent functions;

– The roof of a construction work must be the roof of the building and the roof of the house-
type structure.

– The roof of a construction work must be suitable to its function and use purpose.

Application of electricity purchase price and signing of Power purchase agreement:

Official Letter 7088/BCT-DL also provides guidance, in some specific cases, the
application of electricity purchase prices and signing agreements are as follows:

– In the case where the investor takes advantage of the roof of the office, operator, kitchen,
employee motels, garage, factory, material warehouse, on the premises of solar power
projects to invest in rooftop solar power and request to install separate meters, sign power
purchase agreement for rooftop solar system, the Electricity of Vietnam (EVN) may sign a
power purchase agreement if it is found in accordance with the regulations on rooftop
solar system.

– In case of solar power with a capacity of not more than 01 MW and not installed on the
roof of a construction with independent functions, when signing a power purchase
agreement, the electricity price for rooftop solar system is not applied according to the
law.

– In the following cases, each rooftop solar system may sign a separate power purchase
agreement and be exempt from the electricity activity license, including:

+ An investor acquires multiple power systems adjacent roof solar panels, with a total
capacity of over 01 MW;

+ Many rooftop solar systems with a total capacity of more than 01 MW (each system with a
capacity of not more than 01 MW) per 01 location (on the same plot of land or roof of the
industrial park) are directly connected. or indirectly, of one or more investors.

Thus, Official Letter 7088/BCT-DL issued has contributed to solving problems and
difficulties for individuals and organizations with rooftop solar systems, as well as more
specific guidance for power buyers – EVN in the application of and determine the purchase
price of electricity.