The IEEE Power and Energy Society (Thailand) has urged the government to expand its new tax reduction scheme for rooftop solar panel installations to include more households and businesses. The current scheme, set to run from 2024 to 2027, offers tax privileges to 90,000 households purchasing solar panels with a capacity of less than 10 kilowatts and costing under 200,000 baht.
Nipon Ketjoy, a member of the IEEE Power and Energy Society, stressed the need to increase the number of participants due to the rising demand for solar power. He also called for the inclusion of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the scheme, arguing that it could alleviate electricity costs during the economic slowdown.
The Finance Ministry has expressed reluctance to assist SMEs, citing that some businesses can afford solar technology. However, Nipon emphasized that financial aid for those in need could lead to business growth and higher tax revenues.
The scheme, which requires a budget of 20.2 billion baht, is expected to reduce electricity consumption by 585 million kilowatt-hours annually. The government is set to finalize the plan later this year, with the Prime Minister and Cabinet considering whether to adjust the scheme to include SMEs. (NNT)
