Democrat MP Denies Solar Price Hike Claims, Criticizes Regulations
Democrat MP Tritrat Sirichanthorophas denied claims he sought higher solar prices for contractors, telling Parliament his talks with Deputy Interior Minister Phlaphir Suwanchawi actually targeted costly regulations like seven-year maintenance and insurance rules. He warned these requirements push up prices while a 140,000 baht sales cap forces installers to cut quality, and urged the Electricity Authority to stop competing with private solar firms.
Democrat Party MP Tritrat Sirichanthorophas denied accusations from Deputy Interior Minister Phlaphir Suwanchawi that he requested higher solar power prices for operators. Speaking at Parliament on November 5, 2026, Tritrat clarified that his discussion with Phlaphir focused on regulatory burdens — specifically the cancellation of guarantee letters and a seven-year maintenance requirement that exceeds the standard by five years, plus mandatory fire insurance for another seven years — which he argued unnecessarily inflate costs for both buyers and sellers.
Tritrat explained that if system prices rise but installers are forced to sell at a capped 140,000 baht, they would have to cut equipment specifications and labor costs. He proposed letting prices float freely without tying approved contractors to a maximum 110,000 baht price, which risks locking in only cheap equipment brands. Instead, consumers should be free to choose installers and decide between budget or premium systems.
He further urged the Electricity Authority to stop acting as an installation contractor competing with small private operators, noting that a regional deputy governor previously admitted the authority lacks rooftop solar installation capacity and relies on subcontractors. Tritrat argued this is not the authority's role and recommended ending its direct installation activities.
