As Thailand aims to bolster its renewable energy initiatives, the country’s imports of solar panels have experienced significant growth. Data from Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce and Customs Department reveal that solar panel imports surged by 88.7% year-on-year, reaching a total value of $426.7 million in the first seven months of 2026. This increase is predominantly driven by shipments from China, which account for an overwhelming 99.3% of the total imports.
The influx of Chinese solar panels, valued at $423.9 million, marks a substantial increase of 107.1% compared to the same period in the previous year. Other suppliers, notably Singapore and Hong Kong, contribute marginally, each representing roughly 0.3% of Thailand’s total solar panel import value.
This rise in imports aligns with Thailand’s strategic plan to implement a household solar installation program, which could offer subsidies of approximately THB50,000 per household. The initiative initially targets one million homes, with potential expansion to 1.5 million, emphasizing the country’s commitment to increasing solar energy use among its population.
In tandem with ramping up imports, the Thai government is exploring measures to enhance domestic solar manufacturing capabilities. Efforts include collaborating with the Ministry of Labour to train workers in various aspects of the solar industry, such as assembly, installation, and maintenance of solar panels. Additionally, discussions with the Board of Investment are underway to consider reducing duties on production inputs that are not sourced domestically.
Through these initiatives, Thailand hopes to stimulate rooftop and ground-mounted solar installations, reduce household electricity costs, and foster a robust domestic clean-energy supply chain. These steps reflect a broader strategy to integrate renewable energy sources into the national grid and reduce reliance on traditional energy forms.