Businesses in Dong Thap province in the Mekong Delta are investing in solar-powered equipment and rooftop solar systems. The measures cut electricity costs, reduce reliance on the national grid during peak hours and support greener production.
The solutions also improve factory working conditions and help businesses meet environmental standards increasingly required by export markets.
P&K Development Co. Ltd.'s Dong Thap branch in Tan Thanh commune processes medicinal herbs into tea, incense and other products. Electricity consumption, especially during drying, previously placed considerable pressure on operating costs.
Branch director Nguyen Thi Bich Van said the company used fan-assisted drying machines continuously for six or seven days after washing freshly purchased medicinal herbs. The process consumed large amounts of electricity.
In 2021, the company invested in a solar-powered drying machine that improves temperature and humidity control, cuts drying time to 12 hours and improves product quality. Each cycle saves more than 200 kWh compared with the traditional method, she said.
Cai Lay Veterinary Pharmaceutical Plant, known as Mekovet, has operated a rooftop solar system for more than six months.
The system has an installed capacity of 173.6 kWp and 280 panels covering more than 1,400 sq.m of rooftops. Its average annual output of about 582.89 MWh meets around 65% of the plant's electricity demand and reduces reliance on grid power during peak production hours.
The plant representative said solar power supplies production lines, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems for cleanrooms, medicine storage facilities, laboratories and supporting equipment.
The system helps optimise operating costs, maintain stable power for sensitive equipment and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Mavin Austfeed Dong Thap, an animal feed producer in Phu Huu commune, is building a rooftop solar system expected to begin operation in November 2026. Plant representative Truong Thanh Liem said it could cut energy costs by 25–30% compared with conventional electricity and free funds for production efficiency.
Rooftop solar is attracting interest from seafood and agricultural processors, rice dryers, mills and cold-storage operators. Hybrid systems with battery storage can keep cooling equipment, aquaculture aerators and packaging lines running during grid disruptions.
Dong Thap Power Company reported that as of September 2026 the province had 6,150 rooftop solar customers with total installed capacity of 287.09 MWp. Of these, 751 customers operated self-produced and self-consumed systems with combined capacity of 42.76 MWp.
Rooftop solar systems fed 20.58 million kWh into the grid in September, bringing the total for the first nine months of 2026 to 206.82 million kWh.
Provincial authorities are promoting energy-saving measures and encouraging businesses to install rooftop solar systems, battery storage and solar water heaters.
Vice Chairman of the provincial People's Committee Nguyen Thanh Dieu said the province would continue implementing Government Decree No. 58/2025/ND-CP on renewable and new energy development under the Law on Electricity.
The measures support the goals of Politburo Resolution No. 70-NQ/TW on national energy security and a green energy transition.
Sources: VietnamPlus / Vietnam News Agency
