Solar may or may not be able to completely replace less environmentally friendly means of energy production one day, but there is no doubt that it is already quickly becoming a significant part of the energy equation in many parts of the world. Why not Thailand?

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/199399/let-the-sun-shine-on-energy-policy

$$$

From the bottom up you'll see that the general public (and private) here only care about today...not tomorrow. There's your answer.

And oh yeah, $$$.

Don't know how it is for big-scale projects but I remember having roughly calculated solar panels and thermal insulation for our house in Thailand. I don't remember the actual figures anymore but with the money that would have needed, I can live with our average electricity bill for decades!

Still, it hurts me a bit knowing the sun is burning on my roof and I don't benefit of it but in the contrary have to fight it inside the house with aircon.

If you care about tomorrow invest in Solar.

UPDATE 2-Thai refiner Bangchak to invest heavily in solar power

Thu, Aug 5 2010

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSSGE67404C20100805

* Two-thirds of budget go to 11 solar power projects

* First 38 MW solar power plant to start in Oct 2011

* Aims to produce at least 120 MW solar power (Recasts with five-year plan)

BANGKOK, Aug 5 (Reuters) - Thailand's Bangchak Petroleum PCL BCP.BK said it planned to invest about 23 billion baht ($716 million) in the next five years, two-thirds of it for solar power plants as part of a drive to expand into green energy.

The oil refiner planned to invest about 15 billion baht to build 11 solar power plants with a combined capacity of at least 120 megawatts, President Anusorn Sangnimmuan told reporters on Thursday.

The company planned to focus on renewable energy and aimed to be a carbon-neutral company, reducing carbon emissions to zero in the next three to five years.

Not everyone has their head in the sand

Unfortunately, in Thailand very hard for "private" person to afford to install solar PV system on their house. The feed-in tariff has been cut off and reduced.

It takes 9 years to pay for solar PV system using Feed-in Tariff 11Baht a unit (kWh) after that Free Juice for another 15 years.

Plus, coming is international carbon credit, you get money for not making CO2

If you have a 100% solar house, except from the windows and doors does the house stay cooler?

@primetime: If you use the solar power for your aircon - YES!

you produce what u need and the over production will be sold ot MEA.

this is how it works in other countries.