EVN installs two-way meters for solar projects for free

On October 26, 2017, EVN’s solar power trading mechanism officially took effect. Families, organizations, and businesses implementing grid-connected solar power systems will receive free installation of two-way meters by EVN to measure the output of solar electricity.

Solar power sold at 1,940 VND/1 kWh for 20 years

Unlike the past, where electricity consumption relied entirely on the national grid, households and businesses can now generate their own clean electricity and sell excess solar electricity at the end of the year to EVN.

Circular 16 of the Ministry of Industry and Trade on the development of solar power projects and power purchase agreements was officially issued on September 12, 2017, and took effect on October 26, 2017. Accordingly, the buyer is responsible for purchasing the entire electricity output from the grid-connected solar power project under the power purchase agreement, which applies for 20 years.

Free assistance with procedures & installation of two-way meters

To accurately record the solar electricity exchanged between EVN and the seller, EVN is installing two-way meters (counters) for free nationwide.

The additional installation of two-way meters will calculate the amount of solar electricity generated. If solar electricity generated by households or businesses exceeds the monthly consumption needs, the excess electricity for the entire year (after offsetting the monthly consumption) will be bought back by EVN at a price of 1,940 VND/1 kWh.

Mr. Hai, the head of a household in District 9, shared, “My family installed solar panels at the time the government issued the electricity purchase mechanism with a 20-year contract. With support from DAT, I completed the procedures to sell solar power and EVN installed the two-way meter for free. With this system, my family is entirely self-sufficient in electricity usage and can easily monitor solar electricity remotely through the application on mobile devices.”

Applicable to grid-connected solar projects

The 20-year power purchase agreement applies to grid-connected solar (rooftop) projects that were operational before June 30, 2019. Therefore, this is the right time for households and businesses interested in solar power to start implementing grid-connected systems and enjoy many benefits from solar energy.

Before investing in a system, to help customers better understand grid-connected solar solutions, DAT shares some additional information:

A grid-connected solar power system includes:

• Solar panels
• Inverter
• Electrical cabinet

Advantages of grid-connected systems:

• Do not use batteries, environmentally friendly
• Simple operation, no maintenance costs
• System lifespan up to 35 years
• High efficiency up to 85%
• Reduces electricity consumption at high prices