Burma Solar Energy

Burma’s (Myanmar’s) electricity generation mainly depends on gas and hydropower, while renewable sources such as solar and wind contribute merely one percent to the overall output. However, residential solar systems have gained significant popularity and widespread adoption since the year 2022. 

Due to the recurrent occurrence of power outages, a growing number of factories and residences are opting to adopt solar energy systems. The domestic market has experienced a notable increase in the demand for solar panels and solar-powered devices due to the prolonged blackouts. Certain affluent households opt for residential solar power systems, and the factory, which previously received a mere two hours of electricity from the grid daily, transitioned to a fully solar-powered system. Some rural areas lacking access to electricity employ solar energy as a means of facilitating irrigation, utilizing water pumps, and supplying illumination to fish farms and poultry farms. Solar products sourced from neighboring countries such as China and Thailand are subject to significant demand within the market. 

The solar marketing industry is experiencing significant growth, which is a promising development. Solar renewable energy is widely recognized for its environmentally friendly nature, sustainability, and positive environmental impact. The solar industry in Myanmar has experienced a significant expansion of ten times its previous size within the last year. Solar panels are classified as priority products for import, alongside other commodities such as medical supplies and fuel.

Importers in the potential growing market exhibit a preference for high-quality products and advanced technologies to effectively compete with counterparts from China and Thailand. U.S. companies operating in the solar industry are advised to establish partnerships with domestic importers to successfully enter the expanding market.

Visit our Burma office page for the latest updates on sanctions, export controls, and the investment climate for Burma. For more information, please email the U.S. Commercial Service in Burma (Myanmar).