More than 30 participants from public and private sector participated in the roundtable meeting held on December 14, 2006, in Bangkok, Thailand, to discuss issues on government policy, equipment supply, quality and market potential for solar thermal in Thailand. The meeting was divided into 2 sessions; the morning session was designed for decision makers and policy and research related institutions such as Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency (DEDE), Energy Efficiency Institute Thailand Foundation (EEIT), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), UNIDO, King Mongkut’s University of Thonburi (KMUTT), Silpakorn University, and School of Renewable Energy Technology, Narasuan University. Participants agreed that the potential in energy saving and peak demand reduction in the evening hours are attractive and should be further emphasized to the high level decision makers. Although, currently there is no direct support for solar thermal from the Thai government, large solar thermal systems are eligible for the available Government’s Revolving Loan Fund.
The afternoon session focused on the private sector, for an in-depth dialogue about the market potential and quality issues. Ten solar companies had voluntary provide their annual sale for the estimation of market potential for solar water heater in Thailand. In 2005, the sale of solar system was approximately at 6,000 m2 (area of collector) and expected to increase at 25% annually. For more information, please visit the project website at www.soltherm-thailand.net or contact Sirikul Prasitpianchai at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .