Ho Chi Minh City targets to install more than 1,500 MWp of rooftop solar by 2030, accounting for 29.62% of the city’s total potential, according to the municipal development project on rooftop solar (RTS).

To ensure the operation’s quality and safety, GIZ and Viet Nam Electricity (EVN) worked to organize the training ‘Quality and safety aspects for RTS and their relevance to EVN’ on 14-15 December 2022.

The training was a part of the Commercial and Industrial Rooftop Solar (CIRTS) project, which is implemented by GIZ and the Electricity and Renewable Energy Authority of the Ministry of Industry and Trade. The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

At the course, the technical department of Ho Chi Minh City Power Corporation (EVNHCMC) presented the corporation’s management and operation of RTS power and clarified power companies’ roles and responsibilities in the issue. Regarding fire prevention and fighting, EVNHCMC has issued the safety guidelines on RTS power and worked with the Fire Prevention and Fighting and Rescue Police Division (PC07) on relevant areas.

Mr. Pham Quang Anh – GIZ’s expert – then introduced the handbook “Guidelines for technical risk management and operation of solar power projects”, which aims to help developers and project owners better plan for the most common technical and operational risks in operating solar power projects in the country.

Dr. Dang Manh Cuong from the Ho Chi Minh City Electric Power College talked about the identification of risks and their causes, risk management, safety measures for workers when doing their jobs at rooftop areas, fire prevention and fighting for RTS systems and inverter safety. His colleague, Mr. Nguyen Huu Khoa, also offered detailed recommendations on the use of photovoltaic panels.

Meanwhile, Mr. Aurele Beaugendre – O&M expert from Shire Oak International – shared international experience on RTS operation and maintenance measures. On the last day, all trainees had a field trip to a RTS system in Dong Nam Industrial Park.