Vietnam Launches First Solar Balcony Project to Promote Urban Clean Energy Adoption

Vietnam has officially launched its first “Solar Balcony” project, marking a major milestone in the country’s push toward decentralized and accessible urban renewable energy. The initiative, titled Balcony Solar System for Vietnam (BSS4VN), was introduced in Ho Chi Minh City through a collaborative effort led by the German Development Cooperation (GIZ) in partnership with both public and private sector players.

The project is modeled after a successful concept in Germany, where between 800,000 to 1.5 million balcony-mounted solar systems are already in use. Designed to cater to high-density urban environments, these compact systems allow individual households to generate clean energy directly from their balconies.

Stakeholders and Project Partners

The launch event saw the participation of high-profile representatives including:

• Christopher Scholl, Deputy Consul General of Germany in Ho Chi Minh City
• Markus Bissel, Director of the BSS4VN Project (GIZ)
• Lưu Thị Thanh Mẫu, CEO of Phuc Khang Corporation and Vice President of the Ho Chi Minh City Green Business Association (HGBA)
• Nguyễn Ngọc Quỳnh, Deputy CEO of SolarBK and member of HGBA

Renewable energy firms such as REEPRO, 365 Energy, Tona Syntegra Solar, Blueberry Energy, and SmartSolar also joined the launch, reflecting strong cross-sector interest in urban solar solutions.

SolarBK Drives Local Innovation

Vietnamese solar company SolarBK is playing a central role in the project, providing both the photovoltaic hardware and digital monitoring solutions. The balcony systems will use IREX solar panels manufactured in Vietnam, optimized for performance in limited urban spaces. Additionally, the ERIS monitoring platform will support real-time performance tracking, remote maintenance, and safety management.

These innovations are designed to meet international standards and demonstrate the technical viability of deploying solar infrastructure on residential balconies in Vietnamese cities.

Pilot Installation at Green Building in District 8

The first installation under the BSS4VN initiative is taking place at Diamond Lotus Riverside in District 8, a green-certified residential complex developed by Phuc Khang Mitsubishi Corporation Holding. Each solar balcony system is expected to generate approximately 52 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per month—equivalent to around 17% of a household’s electricity needs. The estimated payback period is six years or less, making the solution both sustainable and economically practical.

Step Toward Scalable Urban Decarbonization

SolarBK and Phuc Khang Corporation are the first two members of HGBA to pilot this balcony solar model. The project represents a strategic move toward scalable, decentralized renewable energy in urban Vietnam, offering a pathway for households to actively participate in the country’s clean energy transition.

As Vietnam aims to meet its carbon reduction goals and enhance energy security, the BSS4VN project could serve as a blueprint for future urban solar deployments across the country.