Rooftop solar power: Dual benefits for families and green cities

Developing rooftop solar power is part of the green urban development orientation of Hanoi city.

Electricity bills are significantly reduced

As one of the pioneering large-scale projects in energy saving practices, Corner Stone Building (No. 16 Phan Chu Trinh, Hanoi) has proactively installed a rooftop solar power system right on the roof of the building. Exploiting this clean energy source not only helps to significantly reduce monthly electricity costs but also demonstrates the unit's strong commitment to a green, environmentally friendly building model right in the heart of the capital.

On a smaller scale, Mr. Nguyen Hoang Giao's family (Viet Hung ward, Hanoi city) after installing a 6 kWp system combined with a storage battery, has reduced their electricity bill by more than 1.5 million VND per month, especially during the hot season. Not only that, he also advised many people around him to invest in on-site renewable energy systems.

The above are small examples showing the effectiveness of using electricity from the rooftop solar power model. Specifically, this is a system installed on the roofs of buildings such as houses, factories, office buildings, schools... to exploit solar energy and convert it into electricity for direct use. With the advantages of not taking up land area, easy to install, and a system life of up to 20 - 25 years, this solution is increasingly attracting the attention of many households and organizations.

According to calculations, with a 1 kWp solar power system installed on the roof, customers can generate an average of 3.5 - 4.5 kWh/day. A system with a capacity of 5 kWp can generate over 150 kWh/month, equivalent to the average power consumption of a household in Hanoi.

According to the Hanoi Electricity Corporation (EVNHANOI), although the average number of sunshine hours in the city is not as high as in the Central or Southern provinces, with more than 1,500 - 1,700 hours of sunshine per year, the city still has the potential to develop rooftop solar power, especially in new urban areas, industrial factories and areas with favorable installation conditions. Taking advantage of existing roofs to invest in renewable energy systems not only reduces electricity bills but also helps reduce pressure on the grid, especially during peak hours on hot days.

On a broader scale, according to the Northern Power Corporation (EVNNPC), by June 30, 2025, 8,664 customers in 17 northern provinces and cities had installed rooftop solar power systems, with a total capacity of 577.1 MWp. In June 2025, despite unfavorable weather, the output from these systems to the grid was estimated at 52.7 million kWh. In the first 6 months of the year, rooftop solar power output reached more than 226 million kWh. It is expected that in the whole year of 2025, EVNNPC will purchase about 530 million kWh of rooftop solar power, at a cost of nearly VND 1,005 billion.

Towards green, smart cities

Developing rooftop solar power is not only a personal electricity saving trend but also part of the green urban development orientation of Hanoi city. In addition to reducing monthly electricity costs, rooftop solar power also contributes to reducing CO₂ emissions into the environment. It is estimated that 1 kWh of solar power generated will help reduce emissions of about 0.7 kg of CO₂ compared to electricity from fossil fuels. If this model is replicated, the potential to contribute to Hanoi's carbon emission reduction target is huge.

Many businesses and commercial buildings in Hanoi have pioneered the installation of rooftop solar power to demonstrate social responsibility, while increasing brand value towards sustainable development. Some schools, hospitals, and administrative agencies are also researching or putting into use solar power systems to serve the needs of lighting, air conditioning, water pumping, etc., contributing to reducing operating costs.

In order to support customers in the process of accessing and deploying rooftop solar power, Hanoi Electricity Corporation (EVNHANOI) said that the unit has been providing full information, from technical consultation, legal support to operational procedures and payment. With modern infrastructure, a strong digital technology system and a team of experienced engineers, EVNHANOI is ready to play the role of a reliable intermediary between renewable energy generators and electricity customers in Hanoi.

According to Ms. Trinh Thi Kim Ngan, Head of EVNNPC Communications Department, although the average solar radiation potential of the North is lower than the remaining regions, it is still capable of effectively exploiting rooftop solar power. The self-production - self-consumption model not only helps customers save on electricity bills but also supports the Electricity industry in reducing system load during peak hours, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and contributing to environmental protection.

EVNNPC has issued many guiding documents, supporting local power companies to promote the development of this model. The Corporation also called for the coordination of local authorities, departments, branches and organizations in encouraging people and businesses to install rooftop solar power.

Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/dien-mat-troi-mai-nha-loi-ich-kep-cho-gia-dinh-va-do-thi-xanh-715403.html