A recent installation in Lopburi Province proves Thailand's credentials as a magnet for large-scale solar developers, and the pace of expansion is unlikely to flag.

As a country, Thailand benefits from strong year-round solar radiation with the largely rural northeast Isaan region of the country benefitting most. It is not surprising then that Solar Power Company (SPC), a Thai developer, has plans for 34 solar plants in Isaan totalling 204 MW by the end of 2012. But while SPC will likely be the major player in Thailand’s fast-developing solar sector, the honour of developing the largest solar plant to date will go to Natural Energy Development (NED), a cooperation of local and foreign financial institutions together with manufacturer Sharp Corporation.