BANGKOK, Thailand – Thailand is preparing to enforce mandatory safety standards for solar panels in October 2026, with manufacturers and importers of non-compliant products facing up to two years in prison and fines of up to 2 million baht. Industry Minister Varawut Silpa-archa has instructed the Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI) to accelerate the introduction of the requirements while ensuring businesses can obtain product certification quickly and legally. The measures come amid growing interest in rooftop solar systems among households and businesses seeking to generate their own electricity through renewable energy.
According to the Industry Ministry, the new rules will require manufacturers, importers and sellers to deal only in products that meet the prescribed standards once the relevant ministerial regulation takes effect following publication in the Royal Gazette. Under the penalties outlined by the ministry, manufacturing or importing products that fail to meet the standards carries a maximum penalty of two years’ imprisonment, a fine of 2 million baht, or both. Selling non-compliant products carries a maximum penalty of six months’ imprisonment, a fine of 500,000 baht, or both.
Deputy Permanent Secretary for Industry Phasakorn Chairat said the ministry and TISI were in the process of publishing the regulation in the Royal Gazette. It will take effect immediately after publication. Solar panels will be tested for safety characteristics including heat resistance, electrical disconnection, performance at high temperatures, protection against electrical leakage and resistance to fire spread when exposed to heat or sparks. Their mechanical properties will also be assessed. The ministry is also preparing seven additional standards covering key components of solar power systems. These include DC cables, lithium batteries, fuses, inverters, DC circuit breakers, electrical connectors and combiner boxes.
The expanded standards are intended to improve safety across complete solar installations rather than focusing solely on the panels themselves. The government says the measures will help build public and business confidence in solar energy while supporting safer access to clean electricity.
