Vietnam to pilot first solar balcony project in Ho Chi Minh City

The project is a joint effort between the German International Cooperation Organization (GIZ), Phuc Khang Mitsubishi Corporation Holding (PKMC)—a venture between Vietnam’s Phuc Khang Group and Japan’s Mitsubishi Corporation—and several other partners.

Inspired by Germany’s successful adoption of balcony solar systems, the model offers an easy-to-install, cost-efficient alternative to rooftop solar.

Besides, it requires minimal space and upfront investment.

The pilot installation will take place at the Diamond Lotus Riverside building in District 8, Ho Chi Minh City.

All equipment, installation, and deployment costs will be covered by the project.

Each system is expected to generate about 52 kWh of electricity per month, equating to roughly 17 percent of the average household's monthly power consumption in the city.

The project’s estimated payback period is six years or less, after which users can benefit from free electricity.

Markus Bissel, project director of BSS4VN, said balcony solar systems are already a proven success in Germany and could bring tangible, community-level benefits to Vietnam.

GIZ is committed to working closely with its partners to bring the model to scale, he added.

Christopher Scholl, Deputy Consul General of Germany in Ho Chi Minh City, noted that the global growth of balcony solar systems has been driven by both environmental concerns and the desire to cut electricity bills.

Between June 2025 and April 2027, the BSS4VN project plans to install up to 100 pilot systems in Ho Chi Minh City, according to Nhan Dan (People) newspaper.