Solar Installation Costs: What to Expect in 2025

In Vietnam, solar installation costs fluctuate significantly due to system capacity, equipment type, and electricity needs, especially from 2025 onwards.

Residential Solar Installation Costs

The cost of installing solar panels for households varies with system capacities from 3 kWp to 10 kWp. Prices include equipment and rooftop grid integration. Hybrid systems are pricier; for instance, a 3 kWp hybrid system ranges from 60-65 million VND. Each kWp can produce approximately 4-5 kWh per day, needing about 6-8 m² of roof space per kWp.

Installing solar power is increasingly popular as it reduces costs and benefits the environment. For both businesses and families, understanding costs and related factors is crucial.

Installation Pricing

• 3 kWp: Installation around 35 – 45 million VND, generating about 360 kWh/month.
• 5 kWp: Cost ranges from 50 – 75 million VND, producing approximately 600 kWh/month.
• 10 kWp: Installation costs 90 – 150 million VND, with potential output of 1,200 kWh/month.

Factors Affecting Installation Costs

Solar panel costs are influenced by multiple factors:

1. System Capacity: Larger systems need more equipment and space, raising total costs.
2. Type of Equipment: The brand and quality of panels and inverters, like those from ABB, Schneider, or Mitsubishi, significantly impact cost.
3. Installation Location: Sunlight absorption and electricity output can vary based on geography.
4. Roof Structure: Roof style and material may necessitate specific installation solutions.

Recommendations for Households

Families should consider a grid-tied or hybrid system if their monthly electricity bill exceeds 1.5 million VND. Selecting a capacity that matches consumption needs is important.

Benefits

Solar power installation offers numerous advantages:

• Reduces monthly energy costs.
• Contributes to environmental protection through renewable energy use.
• Boosts property value with modern solar power systems.

Investing in solar power systems allows any business or household to enjoy long-term energy savings.

Commercial Solar Costs

Commercial solar system installations vary from 10 kWp to 50 kWp, priced between 110 – 650 million VND depending on scale. Average investment costs range from 8.5 million to 16 million VND per kWp. These systems are commonly adopted by enterprises and farms, leading to significant annual electricity savings and emission reductions.

For many companies in Vietnam, investing in solar power is becoming increasingly attractive—not just for cost savings but also for enhancing their green company image. Grid-tied solar systems allow organizations to independently manage their energy usage, reducing reliance on traditional grid electricity from EVN.

Investment Costs Factors

Investment Cost (CAPEX)

• Investment Unit Price: For systems under 500 kWp, costs range from 15 to 19 million VND per kWp. Larger systems over 500 kWp may reduce costs to 14 to 17 million VND per kWp.
• Real-world Example: A 50 kWp system might require an investment of about 800 million VND, while a 300 kWp system might demand around 4.5 billion VND.
• System Size: Electricity output correlates linearly with roof area. For instance, a 300 kWp system needs over 2,000 m² roof space to produce 36,000–45,000 kWh monthly.

Electricity Output and Savings

• Electricity Savings: Solar energy use can decrease operational costs by 70 to 90%, especially effective for businesses operating during peak electricity times.
• Excess Electricity Sales: Surplus electricity can be sold back to EVN at 2,134 VND per kWh for 20 years.
• Cost Reduction: A 5 kWp system saves on average 2.3 million VND monthly, approximately 28 million VND yearly, potentially returning the investment in 4 to 6 years depending on scale and usage.
• Emission Reduction: Solar power systems help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reinforcing green business status.

Estimated Payback Potential

| Size of System | Investment Cost (million VND/kWp) | Payback Period | Expected Electricity Savings |
|—————–|——————————|——————–|————————-|
| <500kWp | 15–19 | 4–6 years | 70–90% annual costs| | >500kWp | 14–17 | 3–5 years | Higher due to scale economies|

Additional Benefits Beyond Cost Savings

• Cooling Effect: Solar panels not only generate electricity but also reduce roof temperatures.
• Stable Electricity Prices: Solar power is immune to fluctuations in wholesale electricity prices, offering businesses price stability.
• Long System Lifespan: With regular maintenance, solar systems can last between 25 to 30 years, making it a long-term investment.

Key Investment Considerations

• Roof Area: Determines system scale and efficiency.
• System and Equipment Quality: Directly affects system performance and durability.
• Legal Policies: Must be carefully reviewed, such as rooftop leasing incentives.
• Warranty and Maintenance: Choosing long-term warranty reduces unforeseen costs.

Investing in business solar systems not only provides economic benefits but also steps forward in environmental protection and enhancing green brand reputation. Factors like investment cost, roof space, and proper equipment choice will dictate effectiveness.

Factors Affecting Installation Costs

Factors Impacting Installation Costs

Elements that influence solar installation costs include system size, geographical location, solar radiation, and additional costs like transportation and maintenance. Larger installations usually have lower costs per kWp. High solar radiation areas enhance efficiency, shortening payback time. Grid-tied systems are less expensive than hybrid or storage systems.

When businesses consider investing in installations, cost-impact factors play a critical role in planning. Initially, material prices and types such as steel, cement, and sand frequently shift with the market. Choosing high or low-quality materials will directly influence total costs.

Construction Terrain can’t be overlooked. Complex terrains like weak soil or mountainous regions require extra foundation work, specialized equipment, and increased labor costs due to extended construction time.

It’s essential to consider project scale and design blueprints. Larger projects are associated with higher material and labor costs. Detailed blueprints, demanding special technical design, will raise total costs. For instance, embedding utility systems or installing specialty equipment can incur costs over 10% more.

Labor Costs depend on skill levels and work quality. While skilled labor might cost more, it ensures project quality and long-term safety.

Moreover, transportation distance of materials and personnel from suppliers to the site significantly affects costs. Projects far from central locations require additional infrastructure and transport investments.

Finally, construction technology strongly impacts costs. Utilizing advanced technology and equipment might increase initial costs but saves construction time and long-term maintenance expenses. Manual or outdated technology might be appealing upfront but poses maintenance challenges.

Solar investment provides benefits in cost savings and environmental protection. Businesses and households should consider factors like geographical location and usage needs to optimize system efficiency.

Contact QuangAnhcons for detailed solar installation advice. Hotline: +84 9 1975 8191

QuangAnhcons offers quality solar consultation and installation services, meeting energy saving and sustainable development needs.