Tiếng ViệtNo longer a fleeting trend, investing in renewable energy is becoming a “key to survival” for factories in the era of sustainable development. As large corporations tighten their green standards, utilizing solar power helps Vietnamese businesses both optimize production costs and affirm their commitment to emissions reduction—a factor that opens up opportunities to enter the global supply chain.
The Pressure of Energy Transition in Industrial Manufacturing
Multinational corporations have now made carbon emission criteria a mandatory requirement within their supply chains. This is compelling many factories in Vietnam to transition their energy models, with solar power emerging as a highly feasible solution thanks to its stable, environmentally friendly energy source and increasingly reasonable investment costs.
According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the investment cost for a rooftop solar power system for businesses now ranges from 12-16 million VND/kWp, a decrease of over 30% compared to the 2020 period. This creates an opportunity for small and medium-sized factories to secure their own power source and reduce their dependence on the national grid.
Balancing Investment Cost and Operational Efficiency
However, to achieve optimal efficiency, businesses need to carefully evaluate three key factors: capacity scale, roof conditions, and actual consumption needs. An excessively large investment can lead to wasted capacity, while a small-scale system may not be sufficient to optimize operating costs.
In practice, a 1 MWp solar power system can save an average of 1.5 – 2 billion VND in electricity costs per year, while also reducing CO₂ emissions by over 1,000 tons. With a panel lifespan of over 25 years, a factory can achieve a return on investment within 4-6 years, depending on the region and whether the electricity is self-consumed or surplus power is sold.
Beyond cost, technical risk is also a major concern. Selecting an inexperienced contractor or a design that is unsuitable for the roof structure can lead to issues like leaks, short circuits, or reduced system efficiency.
Therefore, businesses should prioritize contractors with technical certifications, practical experience, and clear post-installation maintenance and monitoring procedures. Additionally, it is crucial to consider construction insurance and specialized fire prevention systems for areas with solar panels.
Long-Term Value and Brand Benefits from Renewable Energy Investment
In addition to economic benefits, investing in renewable energy also brings significant image and brand value to a business. Using clean energy helps a factory achieve a higher ESG score, expanding opportunities for collaboration with international corporations and for export projects that require “green supply chain” certification.
This is no longer just a trend, but a new benchmark for assessing the competitiveness of Vietnamese enterprises in the global supply chain.
Investing in renewable energy is a comprehensive equation involving cost, technology, and long-term development strategy. With increasingly clear support from the Government and a market trend toward low emissions, solar power is the right direction for Vietnamese businesses to elevate their standing and move towards greener, more sustainable manufacturing.
With experience in implementing numerous industrial solar power projects, INS Energy offers comprehensive solutions to help businesses effectively balance investment, operation, and safety.
Contact INS Energy for a consultation on a clean energy investment model that suits the scale and development orientation of your factory.