Deputy Interior Minister Plapee clarified the "People's Solar" program, requesting small-scale installers not to accept more work than they can handle, implementing bank guarantees and insurance to protect the public.
On 5 Nov 2026 during a morning session at the House of Representatives at the Parliament, Mr. Plapee Suwanchavee, Deputy Minister of Interior (Interior Ministry No. 2), responded to a live question regarding details of the "People's Solar Program." He stated that the project does not require any deposit fees, but private companies must provide a bank guarantee of 50,000 baht with 1% interest, or 500 baht per year, to protect citizens by ensuring service providers install systems on time as promised.
He further explained that if a company can install for 100 households within 6 months but accepts 500 contracts, those registered from 101 to 500 will question whether they will receive timely service. If delays occur without service providers available, can citizens withdraw from contracts or registrations? If switching providers, will it still meet the government's 11-month policy deadline? These measures aim to ensure providers meet deadlines and citizens receive their entitled service.
Mr. Plapee added, regarding electricity connection or sales, he has set a policy to complete connections within 7 days. If not achieved, an additional 3 days are allowed for quality checks of installation and service. If service centers fail to respond promptly, they should be relocated elsewhere. For the insurance requirement, about 65,000 households have registered, with 40% intending to use loans. Therefore, it is necessary to protect citizens by ensuring solar panels remain functional throughout the 7-year loan interest period. The panels must operate efficiently and safely to prevent loss of livelihood or income. Providers must take responsibility.
"If this project meets the government's target of 1 million households, citizens will help reduce the country's overall electricity cost by about 24 billion baht annually. This is a long-term vision. I sincerely apologize for setting these protective measures. While I accept feedback from service providers, today I want to say that small providers capable of servicing 10 households should do just that before taking on more. Currently, everyone sees the 1 million household target and wants to serve excessively, which could lead to negative outcomes for citizens."