Solar glossary for Thailand

kWp is system size, a unit (kWh) is what you are billed for, and net billing means selling surplus power at 2.20 THB/kWh separately from the power you buy. More terms you will see on quotes are below.

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Terms

kWp (กิโลวัตต์พีค)
Peak panel output under standard test conditions, used to state system size. In Thailand 1 kWp produces about 140 kWh a month.
kWh (หน่วย)
The unit of energy on your bill; one "unit" (หน่วย) equals 1 kilowatt-hour.
On-grid (ออนกริด)
A system tied to the utility grid: you use the power first and export the surplus. No battery, and it shuts down in a power cut.
Hybrid (ไฮบริด)
An on-grid system with a battery that stores power for night use or outages. More expensive.
Inverter (อินเวอร์เตอร์)
Converts the panels’ DC output into household AC power; usually replaced before the panels.
Net billing
Selling surplus power at a buy-back rate (2.20 THB/kWh) separately from the power you buy at the normal tariff; not 1:1 netting.
Net metering
Offsetting exported and imported units one-for-one. Thailand uses net billing, not net metering.
อัตราก้าวหน้า
Progressive tariff: the price per unit rises with use, so solar first cuts the most expensive units.
ค่า Ft
The fuel adjustment charge added on top of the base tariff, revised with fuel costs.
COD
Commercial operation date: when the utility inspects and officially switches the system on.
Smart meter (มิเตอร์อัจฉริยะ)
A two-way meter that records both the power you buy and the power you export.
มอก. 61730
The Thai Industrial Standard for crystalline silicon panel safety, mandatory under a ministerial regulation dated 26 Oct 2026.
MEA / PEA
Metropolitan Electricity Authority (Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Samut Prakan) and Provincial Electricity Authority (all other provinces).

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Frequently asked questions

What is kWp?

Peak panel output under standard test conditions, used to state system size. In Thailand 1 kWp produces about 140 kWh a month.

What is the difference between on-grid and hybrid solar?

A system tied to the utility grid: you use the power first and export the surplus. No battery, and it shuts down in a power cut. Hybrid: An on-grid system with a battery that stores power for night use or outages. More expensive.

What is net billing in Thailand?

Selling surplus power at a buy-back rate (2.20 THB/kWh) separately from the power you buy at the normal tariff; not 1:1 netting.

Sources

  1. Khaosod English: Thailand approves electricity bill cuts, boosts rooftop solar
  2. ประชาชาติธุรกิจ (Prachachat): Ministerial regulation: solar panels must meet TIS 61730
  3. Naewna: Output and savings by system size

Methodology and sources