Vietnam has rapidly become a prominent player in Southeast Asia's renewable energy sector. Over the past three years, the nation has experienced an astonishing surge in solar energy development, transitioning from a negligible presence to a regional leader, exceeding the expectations of many experts.
Amidst a rapidly evolving energy market in Vietnam, the expansion of solar power is driven not only by policy and investment but also by individual initiatives and novel approaches. Kevin Junker, a foreign entrepreneur, recognized this potential and established SmartSolar in Vietnam. His startup is focused on making solar energy accessible to homes and businesses across the country.
A New Green Frontier: Vietnam’s Place In The Energy Landscape
While clean energy is often linked to developed nations with their advanced technology, ample funding, and established plans, Southeast Asia has become a focal point for energy specialists. This is because the region's electricity needs are increasing at a pace exceeding almost any other globally.
Vietnam has emerged as a standout in this arena. According to a 2020 report from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Vietnam accounted for a staggering 44% of Southeast Asia’s total installed solar capacity. From almost nothing in 2017, the country reached over 16,500 MW of installed capacity by the end of 2020—drawing admiration from investors and policy makers alike.
Still, rapid growth comes with real challenges. The energy grid has struggled to keep up. Planning remains fragmented. And many everyday consumers lack the tools and information to switch to solar power in a simple, transparent way.
Kevin Junker: A Foreigner Establishing Energy Solutions In Vietnam
In 2018, Vietnam captured the attention of Kevin Junker, a Swiss & German consultant bringing a robust technical foundation and global perspective. His initial attraction stemmed not just from the country's economic promise but also from its substantial, largely untapped solar energy reserves.
One question nagged at him: why was a country blessed with more than 2,000 hours of sunshine a year struggling to make use of it? And why was solar power still so out of reach for the average household?
These questions led Kevin to start SmartSolar, with a clear and ambitious goal: to make solar energy both accessible and transparent for everyone in Vietnam.
Building Trust In Clean Energy: The SmartSolar Approach
For many consumers, the barriers to adopting solar energy aren’t just financial—they’re about trust. From vague pricing to inconsistent installation and unreliable service, the process can feel murky and intimidating.
SmartSolar was designed to change that. Acting as a neutral, trusted platform between homeowners and pre-vetted contractors, it aims to simplify every step of the journey.
But SmartSolar is more than just a matchmaking service. It’s a full-fledged tech platform offering tools to assess rooftop potential, compare quotes, monitor system performance, and calculate long-term savings—all with a few taps.
SmartSolar distinguishes itself by offering a fully digital user experience. Through their platform, users can easily:
- Access a solar map to evaluate their roof's solar energy potential using current geographic and weather information.
- Obtain quotes from various SmartSolar-approved partners, who are evaluated based on customer reviews and technical criteria.
- Get immediate predictions for payback period, monthly cost reductions, and system efficiency.
- Monitor their solar system via the app throughout its lifecycle.
The platform gives users the data they need to make informed decisions—and more importantly, it continues supporting them after installation, with system checks and technical assistance when needed.
From Homes to Businesses: Scaling SmartSolar
While SmartSolar began by targeting homeowners, it has since expanded into new markets:
- Office buildings looking to cut utility costs
- Industrial zones seeking to lower carbon emissions
- Schools, hospitals, and non-profit organizations embracing sustainability
The company is also piloting creative financing models—such as "install now, pay later" or shared savings programs—to make solar energy even more accessible. Kevin calls this approach “democratizing solar”—putting clean energy within reach for everyone.
Vietnam: A Potential Frontrunner In Southeast Asia's Green Energy Transition
Vietnam possesses inherent advantages for solar power, a progressively supportive policy framework, and increasing corporate engagement in sustainable practices. However, to genuinely lead in this sector, the nation must expand large-scale initiatives and, crucially, cultivate innovative strategies that connect with individual users and households to foster energy transition from the ground up.
SmartSolar, under Kevin’s leadership, offers a compelling model of how this future can be built—through technology, transparency, and a deep commitment to user experience.
For Kevin Junker, the energy transition isn’t just about macroeconomic policy or advanced engineering. It’s about creating real, tangible solutions that everyday people and businesses can understand and adopt.
With an open-minded and change-ready population, Kevin Junker believes Vietnam is the greatest potential market in Southeast Asia for a solar revolution.