Power Cuts, UPS, Generators and Rooftop Solar in Phuket

Outages

Expat guides say outages are more common in Phuket than in Bangkok, particularly in the rainy season from about June to October and in hillside or less developed areas. PEA announces planned outages in advance via notices and its app. Ask your landlord how often the power fails, and see the electricity and mould guide for bills and common faults.

Protecting equipment and working through outages

• Surge protection is the baseline, and whole-home protectors are quoted at about 3,000 to 8,000 baht plus installation.
• A small UPS for your router and laptop is quoted at about 2,000 to 5,000 baht and covers short outages.
• Keep a torch and charged power bank.
• If you work remotely, see the remote working guide for internet backups such as a mobile hotspot.

Generators

Portable petrol generators are cheap but noisy. Guides quote permanently installed automatic diesel generators at around 300,000 to 600,000 baht, which only makes sense for villas with critical needs. Never run a generator indoors, and ask your landlord before installing one.

Rooftop solar

Guides say Phuket gets strong sun and report typical home systems costing hundreds of thousands of baht, for example 330,000 to 540,000 baht for an 8 kW system in one guide, with payback claimed at about 5 to 8 years. Treat these as estimates and get several quotes and reviews. PEA opened applications on 1 July 2026 for a household rooftop scheme that buys surplus power at 2.20 baht per kWh, aimed mainly at self-consumption.

• Grid-tied systems without batteries shut down during outages for safety, so they do not give backup power.
• Batteries add significant cost.
• Tenants usually cannot install solar without the owner's consent and a direct meter, and landlord sub-metering can block grid schemes.
• Check roof strength and wind ratings, and insurance. See the home insurance guide.