Extreme heat has reached a peak and households considering rooftop solar installations should not overlook this to avoid financial losses and other risks. When starting a rooftop solar installation, households are required to sign a contract to have a legal basis to address any incidents. In the context of increasingly hot weather and a forecast of a prolonged heat period, demand for rooftop solar to generate electricity and reduce electricity costs has risen. However, without a clear understanding of the legal framework, households may face many risks, especially with Decree No. 133/2026/ND-CP on administrative penalties in the electricity sector, which will take effect from May 25. Under the decree, violations in the electricity sector—particularly those related to renewable energy and new energy—may be fined from 500,000 dong to 100 million dong. Penalties for violations related to operating licenses can reach up to 200 million dong. For rooftop solar systems installed for self-production and self-consumption, if no notification is made or if there are violations of grid connection or power-source registration, penalties can range from a warning to 20 million dong, and up to 100 million in serious cases. Beyond fines, individuals and organizations violating the regulations may have confiscation of the equipment, loss of licenses, or suspension of operation for a period. In an interview with a journalist, Mr. To Huu Quang, Director of Win Win Power Co., Ltd., noted that there are many points to note during the rooftop solar installation process to minimize risk. First, households should sign a clear contract with the installation contractor. This provides a crucial legal basis to protect rights in case of disputes or incidents. Without a contract, seeking compensation or warranty would be difficult. Additionally, avoid cutting corners by thoroughly researching product quality, such as brand, origin, and warranty period, to ensure the system operates efficiently and at the correct capacity. Photo credit: Le Tinh.
