Can rooftop solar be installed on apartment buildings to reduce electricity costs?

As temperatures rise and electricity bills increase, interest in rooftop solar for apartments is growing. Many residents are considering installing solar systems—sometimes even on balconies—to make use of available space. A key question remains: can rooftop solar be installed on apartment buildings to reduce electricity costs?

Legal framework: not banned, but not tailored to apartment buildings

Tran Van Hoi, CEO of Anh Duong Power Co., Ltd., said rooftop solar installations in apartments are not prohibited. Vietnam’s current regulations do not distinguish between housing types when applying rooftop solar rules. Policies such as Decree 58/2025/ND-CP continue to promote renewable energy, including rooftop solar.

However, while the legal framework does not ban apartment rooftop solar, practical implementation is difficult.

Main obstacle: rights to use the roof

The biggest challenge is the “roof usage right.” In apartment complexes, the roof is usually common property, typically owned by the developer or managed by the management board. As a result, installation decisions are not simply the responsibility of individual residents.

Because rooftop use involves multiple stakeholders, residents cannot proceed independently. Top-floor residents may be able to install a solar system, but they must obtain consent from the developer or management board and ensure the installation does not affect building structure, waterproofing, or fire safety. Unauthorized installation could trigger legal disputes.

Alternative approach: balcony solar systems

If rooftop installation is not possible, many households consider balcony solar systems. This model is being explored in major urban areas, particularly for units with wide, well-ventilated balconies.

Even so, balcony installations have limitations:

• Balcony space is small, so system capacity is typically only a few hundred watts to around 1 kW.

• Performance depends heavily on sun orientation. South- or southwest-facing units perform better, while north-facing units are almost not feasible.

• Surrounding buildings can cast shadows on panels, and grid-connection challenges may arise without proper equipment.

• Not every balcony can physically accommodate solar panels.

Untapped potential, but policy and coordination gaps remain

Despite these barriers, apartment buildings still have significant untapped potential for rooftop solar development in Vietnam. If rooftops on high-rise buildings are used effectively, electricity output could be substantial.

However, current obstacles include unclear rules on shared-area rights, a lack of a mechanism to share benefits between residents and developers, and no specific guidance for rooftop solar in apartments.