As part of the National program on energy efficiency and conservation, Energy Efficiency Office has collaborated with the German Energy Agency, ALTUS AG Company of German and Hanoi University of Science and Technology’s Center of New Energy to start the project "Installation of grid-connected solar system at the headquarters of MOIT to save energy and protect the environment".

This is the first grid connected solar system project to be deployed at the office of a state agency with the capacity of 12 Kwp, or about 18,000 kWh per year. The project aims to promote energy efficiency and conservation in buildings, especially in government offices, through the use of renewable energy sources.

Vietnam is considered to have large solar energy potential, but until now, solar cell technology has been still restricted due to such barriers as investment capital and especially the awareness of the community on this type of energy.

In this context, the construction of the pilot solar equipment projects is essential. The project to install grid-connected solar panels on the roof of MOIT’s headquarters, after being put into operation, will not only provide energy for the building of the Ministry in particular but will be also a good example in many aspects of life.

The project was reportedly deployed in 2008, after the preparation time including searching for sponsors, surveying and designing, the grid-connected solar system is expected to start operation by the end of November 2010.

By Minh Duc