Diary of a sun-savvy Pinoy
Imagining a solar-powered Philippines

• Cleaner Skies: Embracing solar energy reduces carbon emissions, leading to cleaner air and a healthier environment for all Filipinos [1].

• Job Creation: The solar industry in the Philippines creates employment opportunities, contributing to economic growth and sustainable development [2].

• Sustainable Savings: Solar energy enables Filipino households to lower electricity bills and save money while embracing a renewable power source [3].

• Energy Independence: Embracing solar energy reduces reliance on fossil fuels, enhancing the country's energy security and reducing vulnerability to price fluctuations [4].

• Empowering Rural Areas: Solar power provides a reliable energy solution for remote and off-grid communities, fostering progress and connectivity [5].

• Public Institutions and Infrastructure: Government offices, schools, hospitals, and public facilities proudly display solar panels, symbolizing the nation's commitment to sustainable practices and serving as centers of clean energy dissemination.

• Commercial and Industrial Buildings: High-rise offices, factories, and industrial complexes integrate solar panels into their designs, not only reducing their carbon footprint but also showcasing a corporate dedication to environmental stewardship and responsible business practices.

• Residential Rooftops: From bustling cities to rural villages, residential rooftops are adorned with solar panels. These panels provide households with reliable, renewable energy and reduce electricity bills, thus empowering families to contribute to a greener future.

• Off-Grid Remote Areas: In the farthest reaches of the archipelago, solar microgrids have brought electricity to remote communities, transforming lives by providing access to modern amenities, education, and economic opportunities previously out of reach.

• Solar Farms: Sprawling solar farms blanket once-unused lands, generating massive amounts of clean energy and boosting the nation's renewable energy capacity. This signifies a shift towards sustainable energy production and energy security.

• ‌Solar Philippines' Island Solar-Battery Micro-Grid

Solar Philippines has completed the largest Island Solar-Battery Micro-Grid in Southeast Asia, providing 24/7 power to up to 20,000 Filipinos in Paluan, Occidental Mindoro. With plans to replicate the model nationwide, the company aims to save billions in diesel subsidies and empower communities to form "Solar Cooperatives," generating electricity at lower costs and promoting employment opportunities in rural areas [6].

• ‌DOST-Davao Launches Solar-Powered Street Lights

The Department of Science and Technology-Davao Region (DOST-Davao) implemented the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) program, installing 165 solar-powered streetlights in Paquibato and Marilog Districts. The 100-watt polycrystalline bulb streetlights, equipped with motion sensors, provide reliable lighting and ensure energy efficiency by dimming when no movement is detected [7].

• "Solar Para Sa Bayan": Lighting Up Remote Towns

“Solar Para Sa Bayan” successfully brought reliable 24/7 electricity to 12 remote towns in the Philippines, benefiting approximately 200,000 Filipinos at zero cost to the government and aiming to end energy poverty in the country by 2022. With the support of Tesla, the initiative installed Southeast Asia's largest Solar-Battery Minigrid, and plans to expand to more towns to provide stable and affordable electricity [8].

• Project Malasakit: Bringing Solar Power to Mangyans"

In 2014, Project Malasakit initiated a long-term plan to empower the remote Mangyan community of Sitio Sawmill in Bansud, Mindoro Oriental. The project's first phase involved providing solar power panels to the area, ensuring access to electricity, and paving the way for subsequent initiatives, including a daycare center for Mangyan children's education and adult literacy classes for parents on weekends [9].

• ‌"Robinsons Starmills: The World's Largest Rooftop Solar Power Plant"

Robinsons Land Corp. has inaugurated a groundbreaking 2.88-megawatt solar power plant on the rooftop of Robinsons Starmills, San Fernando, Pampanga. This solar facility sets a new global milestone for shopping malls, significantly reducing carbon dioxide emissions and contributing to sustainable energy practices, with plans for similar solar plants in other malls across the country [10].

Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Solar [11,12]:

1. Assess Energy Needs: Understand your energy consumption by reviewing past electricity bills. Calculate the average daily usage to determine the right solar system size.

2. Evaluate Solar Potential: Assess your property's solar potential by considering factors such as sunlight hours, shading from trees or buildings, and the orientation of your roof.

3. Research Government Incentives: Check for local or national government incentives, tax credits, and rebates available for solar installations. These incentives can significantly reduce upfront costs.

4. Set a Budget and Financing Options: Determine your budget for the solar project. Explore various financing options like solar loans, leases, or power purchase agreements to find the one that suits your financial situation best.

5. Find Reputable Solar Providers: Research and gather quotes from multiple solar companies. Look for experienced and reputable installers with positive customer reviews.

6. Compare Solar Panel Options: Learn about different types of solar panels, their efficiency, and warranties. Choose high-quality panels that best fit your needs and budget.

7. Choose the Right System: Based on your energy needs, budget, and available space, decide on the type of solar system that suits you best. Options include grid-tied systems (connected to the utility grid), off-grid systems (standalone, not connected to the grid), and hybrid systems (a combination of grid-tied and battery storage).

8. Get Multiple Quotes: Obtain detailed quotes from different solar providers. Compare the costs, equipment, warranties, and financing options before making a decision.

9. Understand the Installation Process: Familiarize yourself with the installation process and ask the installer about the timeline and any potential disruptions.

10. Obtain Necessary Permits: Check with your local authorities about permits required for solar installations and ensure you have them before starting the project.

11. Prepare Your Roof: Ensure your roof is in good condition and can support the weight of solar panels. If necessary, make any repairs or replacements before the installation.

12. Finalize the Contract: Review the contract carefully, including warranties, maintenance, and the total cost. Seek clarification for any doubts before signing.

Tips to Prepare for the Big Switch to Solar [13]:

• Monitor Energy Consumption: Start monitoring your daily energy usage and find ways to reduce unnecessary consumption to optimize the efficiency of your solar system.

• Energy-Efficient Practices: Adopt energy-efficient practices in your home, such as using LED bulbs, installing programmable thermostats, and investing in energy-efficient appliances.

• Plan for Maintenance: Understand the maintenance requirements of your solar system and plan for periodic inspections and cleaning.

• Be Patient with ROI: Remember that the return on investment for solar installations might take some time, but the long-term savings and environmental benefits are worth it.

• Educate Your Household: If you share your home with others, educate them about the solar system and energy-saving practices. Encourage everyone to be mindful of energy consumption. 

• Join Solar Communities: Look for local solar communities or online forums where you can connect with other solar users. Sharing experiences and tips can be helpful as you embark on your solar journey.

References:

[1] “How You Can Reduce Your Carbon Footprint With Solar Power,” Energy Matters, Aug. 16, 2022. https://www.energymatters.com.au/renewable-news/how-you-can-reduce-your-carbon-footprint-with-solar-power/

[2] R. Malhotra, “5 Ways Solar Energy Creates Jobs & Impacts Economies - Earthava,” Earthava, Jun. 30, 2016. https://www.earthava.com/5-ways-solar-energy-creates-jobs-impacts-economies/

[3] E. Mack, “This Is How Much Money Solar Panels Can Save You,” CNET. https://www.cnet.com/home/energy-and-utilities/how-much-money-do-solar-panels-save/.

[4] “The impact of solar energy on energy independence and security - Renewable Energy,” Mar. 10, 2023. https://energco.com/the-impact-of-solar-energy-on-energy-independence-and-security/.

[5] C. Rowe, “The Benefits of Solar Power in Rural Areas,” The Borgen Project, Oct. 13, 2017. https://borgenproject.org/solar-power-in-rural-areas/

[6] “Solar PHL completes largest Island Solar-Battery Micro-Grid in Southeast Asia,” Good News Pilipinas, Mar. 27, 2018. https://www.goodnewspilipinas.com/solar-phl-completes-largest-island-solar-battery-micro-grid-in-southeast-asia/

[7] “Solar street lights now ‘Light Up’ Lumiad in Paquibato,” SUNSTAR, Jul. 11, 2023. https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1966424/davao/feature/solar-street-lights-now-light-up-lumiad-in-paquibato.

[8] “Solar Para Sa Bayan Brings Power to 12 remote Towns in the Philippines,” Solar Para Sa Bayan, Sep. 01, 2018. https://www.solarparasabayan.ph/spsb-brings-power-to-12-remote-towns-in-the-country/.

[9] K. David, “Solar Power for Mangyans of Sitio Sawmill,” Project Malasakit, Jun. 04, 2014. https://projectmalasakit.org/2014/06/04/solar-power-for-mangyans-of-sitio-sawmill-2/.

[10] D. Dumlao-Abadilla, “World’s biggest mall solar power plant rises in Pampanga,” INQUIRER.net, May 30, 2016. https://business.inquirer.net/210675/210675.

[11] “A Beginner’s Guide to Investing in Solar Energy,” SolarNRG, Oct. 28, 2022. https://solarnrg.ph/blog/a-beginners-guide-to-investing-in-solar-energy/.

[12] “Going Solar: A Property Owner’s Guide,” SolarNRG, Aug. 08, 2022. https://solarnrg.ph/blog/property-owners-guide-going-solar/.

[13] “Ready to Switch? 9 Tips to Prepare You for Going Solar,” SolarNRG, Mar. 01, 2022. https://solarnrg.ph/blog/tips-to-prepare-going-solar/.