Thailand’s solar panel imports have seen a significant increase, surging 88.7% year-on-year to reach $426.7 million in the first seven months of 2026, according to data from Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce and Customs Department. China remains the dominant supplier, accounting for 99.3% of the total imports, with its contributions alone climbing 107.1% to $423.9 million.
This spike in imports comes as Thailand gears up for an ambitious household solar installation program. The initiative, which plans to offer subsidies of approximately THB50,000 per household, initially targets one million homes, with potential expansion to 1.5 million. The goal is to encourage the adoption of rooftop and ground-mounted solar systems, thereby reducing household electricity costs and fostering a domestic clean-energy supply chain.
While China leads the supply chain, Singapore and Hong Kong contribute marginally, each making up about 0.3% of Thailand’s solar panel import value. In response to this reliance on imports, the Thai government is considering strategies to bolster local solar panel manufacturing.
Efforts are underway to equip the domestic workforce with the necessary skills for solar panel assembly, installation, and maintenance. Collaborations with the Ministry of Labour are focused on training initiatives, while discussions with the Board of Investment aim to lower duties on essential production materials not available within the country.
Thailand’s forward-looking solar initiatives reflect its commitment to sustainable energy solutions, positioning the nation as a growing player in the renewable energy sector while addressing both environmental and economic concerns.