Korea expands balcony solar subsidies; market hurdles remain
On October 19, 2026, Korea's Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment expanded its household solar subsidy program to include tenants and allow collective applications. The program targets 100,000 households in 2026, aiming for 2 million by 2035, totaling 1 GW capacity.
Our take
Will opening balcony solar to tenants get Korea's rollout back on track?
Letting tenants in widens the pool for Korea's balcony solar programme, but the 100,000-household target for 2026 remains far off, with demand so far at 13,629 households and LH not taking part.
Tenants still need owner consent, and uptake depends on bill savings, appearance, view and upkeep, even with national and local subsidies combined at 80%. The open question is whether demand rises now that collective application and instalments are allowed.
What the source says
- The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment expanded eligibility for the household solar subsidy program from homeowners to tenants with owner consent.
- The program now allows collective applications for apartment complexes and installment payments for the self-funded portion.
- Initial expected demand from 56 local governments was 13,629 households, representing only 13.6% of the government's target for 2026.
- manufacturer A manufacturer noted that demand in the first year has been lower than expected, making it difficult to view the market optimistically.
- Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH) The Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH) is not participating in the balcony solar program for new public rental housing, citing varying sunlight, detachment risks, and maintenance burdens, preferring rooftop solar instead.
- The program's success hinges on the commercialization of 500W-class domestic microinverters that meet KS C 8560 standards for efficiency, durability, and safety.
- Lee Ji-wook Lee Ji-wook, Head of the Building PV Safety Center at the Korea Product Safety Association, emphasized the need for systematic inspection of existing railings for corrosion, weld damage, and bolt loosening, as they bear the additional load of solar equipment.
For investors — Solar equipment suppliers should build bids around supply chain and industry contribution, since the notice requires no domestic process but awards 40 of 100 selection points there.
Solar and wind developers should not count this programme as a volume channel until household demand rises well above the current level.
Watch: Announcement of local government budget allocations and demand figures for balcony solar subsidies in 2027.
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