In a recent development, Dr. Nopadol Kanika, along with a team from the Siam Technology College, has put forward three recommendations to the government and the electricity sector aimed at assisting the public in reducing electricity costs and driving sustainable development in the power industry. This initiative comes after Siam Tech Poll found a keen interest among the public in installing solar panels.
Between April 18th and May 2nd, 2567 B.E., a survey conducted by the Siam Tech Poll, involving 1,330 electricity consumers with bills exceeding 3,000 Baht, revealed that 73.98% expressed interest in installing solar panels in the future, while 26.02% stated otherwise.
Furthermore, the survey indicated that 76.77% were inclined towards solar panel installation to save on electricity costs, 16.09% due to environmental friendliness, and 7.14% for its modern technology. Conversely, reasons for disinterest included concerns about security systems (46.39%), high installation costs (32.78%), structural strength of rooftops (7.90%), inadequate installation space (5.56%), and bureaucratic procedures (7.37%).
Regarding preferences for solar panel types, among those interested, 41.05% favored monocrystalline panels (high price, high quality), 31.65% preferred polycrystalline panels (medium price, good quality), and 27.30% leaned towards thin-film solar panels (low price, sufficient quality).
When questioned about system preferences, 58.20% favored hybrid systems (a mix of off-grid and on-grid systems), 25.71% preferred on-grid systems (daytime electricity use combined with grid electricity), and 16.09% favored off-grid systems (not connected to the grid, with backup batteries for nighttime use).
Dr. Wongsakorn Yoomak, Head of the Marketing Department at Siam Technology College, commented on the findings, noting the growing interest in solar panel installation due to decreasing prices and rising electricity costs. He emphasized the importance of long-term viability, maintenance, and cost-effectiveness of solar panels compared to solely relying on grid electricity.
Dr. Nopadol Kanika, a cybersecurity and risk management expert at Siam Technology College, highlighted the urgency for government and related agencies to introduce special promotions and assistance measures to expedite solar panel installations for households, focusing on the sustainability aspects of Environment, Society, and Government (ESG).
Dr. Nopadol further emphasized that such initiatives could improve environmental conditions by reducing carbon dioxide and greenhouse gas emissions, thereby mitigating global warming and climate change issues. Additionally, it could alleviate the burden on communities affected by high electricity costs, fostering accountability and sustainability in the electricity sector’s value chain.
Officials and attendees present at the discussion concurred with these recommendations, underlining the potential benefits for both the public and the environment in transitioning towards solar energy.
