The government warns the public to beware of substandard solar panels, ordering the Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB) to swiftly investigate and upgrade consumer protections, emphasizing that clean energy must be safe and transparent.
On 15 May 2026 GMT+7, Ms. Lalida Pertwivatana, Deputy Spokesperson of the Prime Minister’s Office, stated that the government under Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul prioritizes consumer protection and public safety. With growing household interest in clean energy systems, the government has instructed all relevant agencies to proactively prevent citizens from suffering harm due to substandard products or services.
The Deputy Spokesperson added that recently Ms. Supamas Isarapakdi, Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office overseeing the OCPB, has ordered the board to urgently investigate complaints about substandard solar panel installation services. These issues include equipment melting, burning smells, fire hazards, and no reduction in electricity bills, causing consumer losses exceeding 500,000 baht.
The OCPB is expediting fact-finding and conducting field inspections nationwide of product labeling on solar equipment, including solar panels, inverters, and batteries. These are legally controlled products that must display complete, accurate, and verifiable labels so consumers can make informed purchasing decisions.
The government emphasizes that electrical equipment related to solar systems directly affects public safety and property. Selling unlabeled products, incorrect labeling, or false claims will result in strict legal penalties, including imprisonment and fines.
In the complaint cases so far, installers have used non-standard equipment and improperly modified electrical systems, such as substituting aluminum wires for copper and converting three-phase systems to single-phase. These practices cause voltage drops, power outages, and fire risks. The cases are currently under legal proceedings.
Additionally, the OCPB plans to upgrade solar installation businesses to "contract-controlled businesses" and designate solar equipment as specifically "label-controlled products" to enhance consumer protection. They will coordinate with the Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI), Metropolitan Electricity Authority, Provincial Electricity Authority, Energy Regulatory Commission, Council of Engineers, and civil society to jointly set safety standards.
The government urges those seeking solar installations to check product labels, the TISI standard mark, manufacturer and importer names, and keep contract documents. It advises avoiding services offering suspiciously low prices or lacking certification to prevent damage to property and personal safety.
“The public will receive stronger consumer protections, clear safety standards, and confidence in using clean energy safely. The government will rigorously oversee energy businesses and related services to prevent citizens from being exploited or harmed by substandard products,” the government stated.