Demand Analysis and Resource Evaluation

Factory Energy Demand

Industrial electricity prices in Thailand are high (around 4 THB/kWh). Solar power can reduce electricity costs by 30%-50%.

An energy storage system can leverage peak-valley price differences (Thailand has a significant peak-valley tariff gap), optimize energy costs, and provide backup power for stable production.

Resource Adaptability

Solar Potential: Chonburi receives 1,500-1,800 kWh/m² of annual solar irradiation, making it ideal for high-density PV installations.

Policy Support: The Thai government promotes solar energy with tax incentives, feed-in tariffs (3-4 THB/kWh for excess electricity fed into the grid), and green industrial zone certifications.

Key Considerations for Solar + Storage System Design

Solar PV System Selection

Capacity: A 10,000m² rooftop can accommodate approximately 1.5-2 MWp of high-efficiency monocrystalline PV modules.

Technology Selection: Bifacial modules or lightweight designs should be prioritized to accommodate roof load limits. A combination of flat and optimized tilt installations maximizes solar exposure.

Energy Storage System Selection

Capacity Matching: A 0.5-1 MWh lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery can support peak shaving for 2-4 hours.

Smart Management: An integrated energy management platform enables solar-storage synergy, load forecasting, and carbon footprint tracking, improving system efficiency by over 20%.

Economic Benefits and Policy Incentives

Investment and Return Analysis

Initial Investment: Approximately $3-4 million, including PV, storage, and installation, with storage accounting for 20%-30% of costs.

Revenue Streams

Electricity Savings: Annual generation of 2.1-2.8 million kWh, with over 70% self-consumption, saving around $500,000 per year.

Government Incentives: Feed-in tariffs (FIT) and carbon credit trading can reduce payback periods to 5-7 years.

Policy Synergy Strategies

Apply for Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) tax incentives to reduce land lease and equipment import costs.

Participate in Thailand's carbon market, converting annual CO₂ reductions of 1,500-2,000 tons into additional revenue.

Localization Strategies and Risk Management

Supply Chain and Partnerships

Component Sourcing: Partner with Chinese manufacturers with production facilities in Thailand to shorten delivery lead times.

EPC Contractors: Collaborate with Thai-Chinese EPC firms with PV system design and construction expertise to ensure project quality and smooth execution.

Risk Mitigation Measures

Climate Adaptation: Address rainy season solar fluctuations with storage balancing and, if necessary, diesel generator backup.

O&M Assurance: Deploy AIoT monitoring platforms for real-time diagnostics of PV panels and battery health, reducing failure rates by 30%.

Case Studies of Successful Projects

SIG Combibloc 4.8MWp Solar Project, Thailand

Located in Rayong Province, this 17,664m² PV plant was built five years ago, featuring 13,161 solar panels and generating 6,445 MWh annually. It remains the largest privately funded PV system in Thailand’s Eastern Industrial Zone.

Unicharm 6MWp Solar Project, Thailand

Situated in Bang Pakong, near Bangkok, Unicharm’s facility spans 30,180m² across four factory rooftops. The installation of 15,000 PV modules (6MWp total) reduces carbon emissions by over 4,300 tons annually.

Conclusion

Designing a solar + storage system for a 10,000m² factory requires balancing resource suitability, technological feasibility, and policy incentives. By adopting a high-efficiency solar + intelligent storage + localized implementation approach, businesses can significantly lower energy costs while enhancing their green competitiveness. Successful cases in Chonburi demonstrate that an integrated solar-storage solution is the optimal path for Southeast Asian industrial parks to achieve carbon neutrality.