As of 2023, Myanmar has installed solar power capacity, with a total of 181 MW.⁵

Myanmar has set a target of 2,150 MW for grid-connected solar PV capacity through ongoing and future projects.⁶

The average costs of various electricity generation sources in Myanmar in 2022 were as follows :(latest data unavailable):⁷

• Government-owned hydropower plants: $0.0057 per kWh
• Private-owned hydropower plants: $0.0343 per kWh
• Natural gas plants: $0.0714 to $0.0905 per kWh
• Solar power plants: $0.0929 per kWh

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• During peak demand periods, load shedding has been spread throughout a 24-hour period, leaving a significant portion of electricity demand unserved.
• The average daily availability of electricity from the national grid in Myanmar has been severely impacted by acute shortages, particularly during the dry season (January-May), before monsoon rains help refill hydropower reservoirs.
• The shortage has led to widespread power outages, with load shedding and system breakdowns affecting daily power availability.

Latest data is not available, however;

• From 2016 to 2020, a total of 434,480 households were electrified through solar home systems and mini-grids.¹⁰

Projected installations ¹¹

Myanmar’s National Electrification Plan (NEP) aims to achieve universal electricity access by 2030, targeting the connection of approximately 7.2 million households.

The plan is structured in two phases:

• Phase 1 (2015–2020): Connecting 2 million households.
• Phase 2 (2021–2030): Connecting an additional 5.2 million households.

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Installed Solar Farms

• Myanmar has six grid-connected solar power plants

Projected Solar Farms

• Myanmar currently has 13 solar projects under construction.

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Current Situation:

• Myanmar’s off-grid electrification sector is facing significant challenges due to political instability, economic hardships, and crises that began following the 2021 military takeover.
• Fuel prices have skyrocketed, tripling in cost, which has severely impacted mini-grid operators and led to service disruptions in off-grid communities.
• Additional issues such as a shortage of skilled labor, electricity theft, inflation, and depreciation of the national currency have further undermined the sustainability of existing mini-grids.
• Despite these struggles, the National Electrification Plan (NEP) has provided a foundation for off-grid electrification by establishing 73 mini-grids, installing solar home systems for over 421,000 households, and supplying solar power to rural clinics, schools, and public streetlights.
• However, security concerns and armed conflicts in regions such as Sagaing, Rakhine, Shan, and Kayah States have made many mini-grids inaccessible, limiting their operational capacity and ability to monitor progress.

Future Prospects:

• Myanmar’s off-grid solar potential remains significant, with great opportunities for expansion, particularly in underserved and conflict-affected regions. To strengthen the resilience of mini-grids, efforts should focus on improving financial models, expanding solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery storage capacities, and ensuring reliable monitoring systems.
• The government aims to electrify the country by 2030, and one key priority should be connecting the 9,434 unserved households within existing mini-grid areas.
• Scaling up renewable energy solutions is essential to reduce dependency on diesel generators and mitigate associated costs.
• Efforts to update electricity tariffs and provide financial support to mini-grid operators will be crucial for ensuring their long-term sustainability and meeting Myanmar’s ambitious goal of universal electricity access by 2030.
• Additionally, projects like those from Sunlabob, installing solar mini-grids in remote villages in Shan and Chin provinces, are part of a government-backed scheme to electrify the country, where only 16% of rural homes had power in 2014.
• Sunlabob’s systems allow households to power low-voltage electrical items like lights, mobile phones, and small televisions, providing much-needed energy to rural Myanmar.

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Current On-Grid Solar Market Demand in Myanmar:

• Myanmar’s on-grid solar market is in the early stages of development, with the majority of electricity generation traditionally reliant on hydropower and fossil fuels. However, recent years have seen a growing interest in solar energy as a means to diversify the energy mix and address electricity shortages.
• In 2020, Myanmar initiated a tender for 29 ground-mounted solar projects, totaling 1.06 GW of solar power capacity. However, following political changes in 2021, many of these projects were canceled by 2022, with only three projects progressing in development.
• Despite these challenges, the solar industry in Myanmar has experienced significant expansion. By some estimates, the off-grid solar business sector for private residences and industry has grown tenfold over a nine-month period, driven by frequent power outages and rising diesel costs.
• Additionally, the government has set a plan to electrify the whole country by 2030, with renewable energy, including solar, playing a significant role.

Future On-Grid Solar Market Demand in Myanmar:

• Looking ahead, Myanmar’s energy consumption is projected to grow at an average rate of 11% annually until 2030. The World Bank forecasts that peak electricity demand will rise to 8.6 GW by 2025 and 12.6 GW by 2030.
• To meet this increasing demand and enhance energy security, the government aims to integrate more renewable energy sources into the national grid. The Solar Energy market in Myanmar is projected to grow by 2.33% between 2025 and 2029, resulting in a market volume of 137.30 million kWh by 2029.
• However, challenges such as regulatory barriers, political instability, and the need for infrastructure improvements persist. Addressing these issues will be crucial for scaling up solar energy deployment and achieving the country’s electrification and renewable energy targets.

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• Lowest average salary: ~$1,297.48 USD per year
• Average salary: ~$2,822.19 USD per year
• Highest average salary: ~$4,486.29 USD per year

Myanmar 2025 population is estimated at 54,850,648 people.¹⁶

Estimate for Factory Rent

Monthly Average Warehouse Rental Cost ¹⁷

The cost of renting a warehouse in the Tharketa Industrial Zone, Yangon, Myanmar, is approximately 739 USD per month for a space of 5000 ft² (464.5 m²).

Key Components of Administrative Costs

Salaries and Wages: ¹⁵

• Lowest average salary: ~$1,297.48 USD per year
• Average salary: ~$2,822.19 USD per year
• Highest average salary: ~$4,486.29 USD per year

Commercial electricity rates ³

The electricity price for businesses is USD 0.051 per kWh.

Monthly Rents for Office Space ¹⁸

• Lowest Rent: $1,500 per month (Commercial Unit in Golden Valley, Bahan Township)
• Highest Rent: $6,788 per month (UFC Office Tower, Downtown)

Electricity Generation ¹⁹

• In Myanmar, natural gas is the dominant source of electricity generation, contributing about while hydropower is on second number.
• This indicates that the majority of the country’s electricity is generated from a combination of natural gas and hydropower, with limited input from other sources such as solar or coal.

Transmission & Distribution ²⁰

• Myanmar’s electricity transmission and distribution (T&D) network is managed by the Electricity Supply Enterprise (ESE), a state-owned entity under the Ministry of Electric Power.
• The country has developed high-voltage transmission lines to transport electricity from power plants to substations. These lines are essential for delivering electricity over long distances.

Energy Access ²¹

• In 2022, approximately 73.7% of Myanmar’s population had access to electricity, marking a 1.2% increase from the previous year.

Energy Exports ²²

• Burma’s primary exports include Precious Stones ($4.13B), Petroleum Gas ($3.49B), Dried Legumes ($1.62B), Non-Knit Women’s Coats ($1.24B), and Rice ($1.01B).
• The country predominantly exports to China ($9.62B), Thailand ($3.48B), Germany ($1.68B), Japan ($1.52B), and the United States ($1.15B).

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Myanmar’s solar energy sector is supported by several key regulatory frameworks aimed at promoting renewable energy development, including:

Regulatory and Investment Framework

• Investment Framework: Foreign investors must obtain a permit from the Myanmar Investment Commission (MIC) to develop power plants. This includes protection against nationalization and potential tax incentives.
• Regulatory Framework: While specific regulations for rooftop solar installations and net metering are still developing, the National Energy Policy emphasizes the need for renewable energy expansion, including solar power.
• Building Codes: Solar panel installations must adhere to local building codes ensuring structural integrity, electrical safety, and fire safety, which may vary by region.

Environmental Regulations:

• Environmental Conservation Law (2012): Provides the foundation for Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), Initial Environmental Examinations (IEE), and Environmental Management Plans (EMP). The procedures for EIAs were issued in December 2015, along with the National Environmental Quality (Emission) Guidelines.
• Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation: Oversees the environmental matters related to solar energy, including compliance with EIA procedures and ensuring projects do not negatively impact the environment.

These regulations reflect Myanmar’s commitment to fostering a conducive environment for solar energy development, supporting its renewable energy goals.

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Government Initiatives in Solar Energy in Myanmar

Myanmar’s government has initiated several key measures to promote solar energy, including investments and subsidies, particularly in the agricultural sector.

Smart Power Myanmar’s Solar Initiatives

• Smart Power Myanmar (SPM), in partnership with USAID and other private sector partners, is deploying solar systems to rural enterprises to enhance agricultural productivity.
• By 2030, SPM aims to deploy 300 solar systems with a combined generation capacity of about 109 MW of electricity, directly impacting 13,000 jobs and benefiting 160,000 livelihoods.

Pioneer Facility’s Investment in Solar Microgrids

• Additionally, initiatives like the Pioneer Facility, an impact investment fund, support solar microgrid projects in Myanmar. For example, Techno Hill received a loan from the Pioneer Facility to expand solar mini-grids in Southern Myanmar, which will provide electricity to 700 households and 23 businesses.
• This investment is a part of the National Electrification Plan, aiming to provide clean and affordable energy to underserved rural communities.

Financial Incentives and Exemptions

• The Union Tax Law 2023 (UTL 2023) offers customs tariff exemptions on essential solar energy equipment, including photovoltaic panels, charge controllers, inverters, and battery boxes.
• These exemptions reduce the import costs of solar equipment, further encouraging sector growth and renewable energy adoption.
• Additionally, the Myanmar government provides income tax exemptions for small and medium-sized solar energy startups. These businesses are granted exemptions on the first 6,900 USD of revenue for the first three years of operation, offering financial relief and fostering the development of solar energy enterprises in the country.

Current Projects

Minbu-GEP Solar Park (220 MW) – Myanmar ²⁸

• Location: Magway, Myanmar
• Capacity: 220 MW
• Project Status: Partially Active, under development in multiple phases
• Expected Commissioning: June 2019 (Construction completed)
• Project Description: The Minbu-GEP Solar Park is a large-scale, ground-mounted solar PV project located in Magway, Myanmar, covering an area of 344 hectares. Once completed, it will generate approximately 350,000 MWh of electricity annually, providing clean energy to around 210,000 households. The electricity generated will be sold to Electric Power Generation Enterprise under a power purchase agreement (PPA) at a rate of $0.127 per kWh for a 30-year period, with a total of 170 MW capacity to be procured.

Nabuaing Solar Power Project (150 MW) ²⁹

• Location: Nabuaing Township, Myingyan District, Mandalay Region
• Capacity: 150 MW (Phase 1: 25 MW, Other Phases: 125 MW)
• Inauguration Date: Project Start: FY 2019-2020, Project End: FY 2021-2022
• Project Description: The Nabuaing Solar PV Power Plant aims to establish a solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant with an installed capacity of 150 MW and an average annual generation of 305 GWh. The plant will be connected to the grid via a 132 kV double circuit transmission line, connecting to the Myingyan 132 kV substation, located approximately 27 miles from the site. The plant will help meet electricity demand, particularly in the dry season, using globally leading technologies and practices in solar power development.

Wundwin Solar Power Project (150 MW) ³⁰

• Location: Wundwin Township, Meikhtila District, Mandalay Region
• Capacity: 150 MW (Phase 1: 25 MW, Other Phases: 125 MW)
• Inauguration Date: Project Start: FY 2019-2020, Project End: FY 2021-2022
• Project Description: The Wundwin Solar PV Power Plant will be a 150 MW solar photovoltaic power plant located in Wundwin Township, Meikhtila District. It will generate an average of 305 GWh annually. The plant will be connected to the grid via a 230 kV double circuit transmission line to the Thapyawa substation, the largest in the country. The solar plant will help meet the growing electricity demand in the Mandalay Region, especially during the dry season, using advanced global technologies and best practices in solar power development.

Taungdaw Gwin Solar PV Project (20 MW) ³¹

• Location: Taungdaw Gwin, Myit Thar Township, Kyaukse, Mandalay Region
• Capacity: 20 MW
• Inauguration Date: November 2022
• Project Status: Completed
• Project Description: The Taungdaw Gwin Solar PV Project, located on an 80.9-hectare site, is the second large-scale solar PV project by Gold Energy Company Limited. It features 6,807 piles for solar tracking to optimize energy capture from 45,980 solar panels. The project generates 25.1 MW of direct current (DC) or 22.9 MW of alternating current (AC) annually. About 14% of the energy produced is supplied to the nearby Kyaukse town, while the rest is connected to the national grid through the Thapyay Wa substation, via a 6.05-mile 33-kV transmission line.

Future Projects

Letpanhla Solar PV Park (40 MW) ³²

• Location: Mandalay, Myanmar
• Capacity: 40 MW
• Project Status: Under Construction
• Project Description: The Letpanhla Solar PV Park is a ground-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) project that is currently under construction. Once completed, it will contribute significantly to Myanmar’s renewable energy capacity. The project is designed to generate clean electricity, and it will be developed in a single phase.

Buddhakone Solar PV Park (40 MW) ³³

• Location: Mandalay, Myanmar
• Capacity: 40 MW
• Project Status: Dormant
• Project Description: The Buddhakone Solar PV Park is a 40 MW ground-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) project that is currently in the dormant stage. Once developed, the project will provide a significant boost to Myanmar’s renewable energy capacity. The park is planned to be developed in a single phase, contributing to the country’s efforts to transition to cleaner energy sources. The project is designed to generate clean electricity and support Myanmar’s long-term sustainability goals.
• Inauguration Date: TBD (To Be Determined, as the project is currently dormant)

Edycom Solutions

Website: https://edycom-solutions.com/
Locations:

Myanmar: Office No. 104, 1st Floor, Royal Yaw Min Gyi Condo, Yaw Min Gyi Road, Yangon, Myanmar

Products and Services:

1. Electricity & Power Connection: AC/DC power equipment, batteries, and grounding services.
2. In-Building Solutions: End-to-end solutions for global clients, providing tailor-made packages.
3. Fiber Optic Rollout: Comprehensive fiber optic solutions for telecommunications networks.
4. Green Energy-Solar Fields: High-quality solar energy solutions.

Indigo Energy

Website: https://www.indigoenergy.net/
Location: No. 37-A, Room No. 301, 2nd Floor, Thiri Mingalar Road, Kamayut Township, Yangon, Myanmar

Services:

1. EPC Services (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction)
2. Engineering Services
3. Project Development Services
4. Solar EPC Projects
5. Home and Office Projects
6. Operation and Maintenance Projects

Myanmar Solar Power Trading Co., Ltd.

Website: https://myanmarsolarpower.net/

Locations:

Yangon Branch: Office – No.(145/A2), Thiri Mingalar Street, 4 Ward, 8 Miles, Mayangone Township, Yangon, Myanmar

Products and Services:

1. Solar PV Designs and Installations: Designs, calculations, consultations, installations, and repair and maintenance services for residential, industrial, and large-scale solar projects
2. DC Solar Pumping System: Solar-powered pumping solutions for various applications
3. Pressurized Preheated Solar Water Heater: Efficient solar water heating system