Varawut Pushes for Mandatory Thai Industrial Standards for Solar Panels by 2027

Bangkok: Mr. Varawut Silpa-archa, Minister of Industry, has announced a major initiative to elevate the Thai Industrial Standard (TIS) for solar panels to a mandatory status by 2027. The move aims to ensure safety and quality as more households adopt solar rooftop systems for energy efficiency and cost reduction.

According to Thai News Agency, the Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI) has already developed comprehensive standards covering the solar energy system, including panels, inverters, converters, batteries, wiring, system design, installation, and testing. The push for these standards to become mandatory is expected to create a structured roadmap to support Thai manufacturers in fully integrating into the domestic supply chain for solar panel production. Concurrently, a manual on safe solar panel installation will be released to guide users.

Before installing a solar system, it is essential for consumers to research and select the appropriate type-whether on-grid, off-grid, or hybrid-to suit their budget and usage needs. Equipment chosen should have TIS certification or meet international standards to ensure safety and compatibility. Proper wiring and inverters must be used to prevent short circuits and potential accidents.

For the installation process, the use of certified professional technicians is recommended to ensure quality and safety. Homeowners are advised to regularly inspect their systems, including panels, wiring, and control panels, and equip their homes with a CO2 fire extinguisher as a precautionary measure.

The Cabinet has previously approved incentives such as tax deductions of up to 200,000 baht for households installing on-grid solar systems during the 2025-2027 tax years. Additionally, a purchasing rate of 2.20 baht per unit for excess electricity generated by household solar systems has been sanctioned.