Vietnam Electricity (EVN) has recently recommended that organizations and households installing rooftop solar power systems for self-consumption—even if they are not selling surplus energy—be required to notify or register these systems. Below, we explain the rationale behind EVN’s proposal, the registration process, and its implications for the energy sector.
Amid the situation where many investors install rooftop solar systems without notifying or registering with the authorities, Vietnam Electricity (EVN) has proposed an addition to the regulations: organizations or individuals who install rooftop solar panels for self-consumption without reporting or registering will be subject to administrative penalties under the electricity sector law.
This proposal immediately sparked strong public reactions. Many people questioned: “If the rooftop solar system is installed for self-use and not connected to EVN’s power grid, why is registration necessary?”
How to register a rooftop solar system?
In an interview with Bao Xay Dung, an EVN representative emphasized that self-consumed rooftop solar not only reduces electricity costs but also contributes to environmental protection.
According to Government Decree 58 of 2025, which details certain provisions of the Electricity Law on renewable energy and new energy development, the registration procedure is clearly defined.
For rooftop solar systems not connected to the national grid, organizations or individuals only need to notify the local electricity provider of the system’s capacity and installation location. The electricity provider will then confirm receipt of the notification, and the owner has full control over the electricity produced.
For systems connected to the national grid, there are two cases:
Case 1: No surplus electricity to sell. The registration procedure includes four steps: submit the application form as specified in Decree 58, have the electricity provider inspect and approve the system (especially for capacities of 100 kW or more), and finally, archive the documents after completing the procedure.
Case 2: Selling surplus electricity to the electricity company. The procedure includes five steps: submit the application according to Article 24, cooperate with the electricity provider to inspect the metering system, collect remote data, and monitor system control. Once technical requirements are met, both parties negotiate and sign a power purchase agreement.
How to register a rooftop solar system?
Mr. Nguyen Quoc Dung, Head of EVN’s Business Department, explained that the requirement to notify or register rooftop solar systems is “to facilitate management and operation.”
He emphasized that registration is not a bureaucratic “permission process,” but a necessary measure to ensure the national electricity system operates stably. He explained that on sunny days, household solar use reduces the load on the grid, but during cloudy days or at night, demand shifts back to the grid. Without accurate information on installed solar capacity, authorities cannot calculate actual load precisely.
“In other words, registration helps restore a true picture of electricity demand, allowing the power sector to prepare a stable supply when there is no sunlight,” Mr. Dung stressed.
An energy expert also pointed out that rooftop solar is highly variable, weather-dependent, and overdevelopment beyond planning can seriously disrupt supply-demand balance, forcing the power sector to maintain costly reserve capacity.Uncontrolled installations also pose challenges for grid operation and upgrades, as sudden power fluctuations may create safety risks.
In addition to notifying the electricity provider, organizations and individuals must inform the Department of Industry and Trade and relevant construction and fire safety authorities for monitoring and guidance.
Lieutenant Colonel Tran Hai Nam, Deputy Head of the Fire Safety Appraisal Department, noted that rooftop solar systems are currently not subject to fire safety appraisal, but this does not allow arbitrary installation. Systems must comply with fire safety standards, avoid obstructing emergency exits, and panels should maintain proper distance from railings and between clusters.
Furthermore, emergency shut-off devices and grounding systems are mandatory, as DC current from panels continues to flow during incidents, increasing the risk of fire and making control difficult.
