Tracing the Rays of Solar Energy Research and Utilization in the Philippines
By: Charlotte Justine A. Gavina

Discover the remarkable journey of solar energy research and utilization in the Philippines, from the invention of the practical silicon solar cell to the country's impressive significant strides in solar power capacity. Join us as we trace the remarkable milestones of this solar revolution, showcasing the Philippines' commitment to advancing renewable energy and paving the way for a greener tomorrow.

1954: Invention of the Practical Silicon Solar Cell

Scientists at Bell Laboratories in the United States, namely Daryl Chapin, Calvin Fuller, and Gerald Pearson, developed the first practical silicon solar cell [1].

1976: First Solar Panel System in the Philippines

Robert Lopez-Puckett, a Filipino-American entrepreneur, installs the first solar panel system in the Philippines [2].

1980s-1990s: Rise of Solar Power in the Philippines

Solar power has begun to gain traction in the Philippines as a way to address the country's frequent blackouts. Several solar companies are founded in the Philippines, including Equator Energy Corp. (EEC) and Solaready Inc. [3].

2008: Renewable Energy Act Promotes Solar Energy Development

Renewable Energy Act (RA 9513) promotes the development, utilization, and commercialization of renewable energy sources, including solar energy, providing incentives and mechanisms for its growth [4].

2013: Establishment of the Net Metering Scheme

Net Metering Scheme is established, allowing solar energy system owners to offset their electricity consumption by exporting excess solar energy to the grid [5].

2014: Manila's First Solar-Powered University

Manuel L. Quezon University in Quiapo, installed a 96 kilowatt-peak solar panel system becoming Manila's first solar-powered university [6].

2016: Expansion of Solar Power Plants

Three additional solar power plants become operational, including a 135 MW plant in Negros Occidental, a 50 MW project in Tarlac, and a 29 MW project in Davao, adding 214 MW to the country's electrical supply [6].

2016: Largest PV Facility in the Philippines at Robinsons Starmills

Largest PV facility in the Philippines at Robinsons Starmills, San Fernando, Pampanga, with 10,880 solar panels covering 1.75 hectares [7].

2018: Southeast Asia's First Solar-Battery Micro-Grid

Completion of Southeast Asia's first utility-scale Solar-Battery Micro-Grid in Paluan, Occidental Mindoro, aiming to alleviate energy poverty [8].

2019: Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act Enacted

Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act (RA 11285) is enacted, promoting energy efficiency measures and encouraging the use of renewable energy sources, including solar power, to improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions [9].

2020: Solar Capacity Reaches 1 GW Milestone

Solar Capacity Reaches 1 GW Milestone. The installed solar capacity in the Philippines reached a significant milestone of 1 GW (gigawatt), indicating a substantial growth in solar energy adoption. The milestone demonstrated the country's progress in expanding its renewable energy sources [10].

2021 to present: Project SINAG - Advancing Solar PV Technology in the Philippines

Project SINAG, a two-year research project under the Joint Research Project between the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) of the Philippines and the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) of the People's Republic of China, aims to accurately assess the potential output power of Solar PV installations using geospatial technologies and develop forecasting models [11].

References:

[1] L. Richardson, “What is the history of solar energy and when were solar panels invented?,” Solar News, May 03, 2018. https://news.energysage.com/the-history-and-invention-of-solar-panel-technology/

[2] “The Beginning of Solar Power in the Philippines,” solareadyph, Jan. 06, 2020. https://www.solaready.ph/post/the-beginning-of-solar-power-in-the-philippines 

[3] “A History of Solar Power in the Philippines,” Buskowitz Energy, Oct. 03, 2018. https://www.buskowitz.com/a-history-of-solar-power-in-the-philippines/

[4] “Renewable Energy Act of 2008 (RA 9513),” One Planet network, Jan. 17, 2020. https://www.oneplanetnetwork.org/knowledge-centre/policies/renewable-energy-act-2008-ra-9513

[5] “ERC Clarifies Provisions in the Amended Net-Metering Rules - Energy Regulatory Commission,” www.erc.gov.ph.https://www.erc.gov.ph/ContentPage/62004#:~:text=The%20ERC%20implemented%20the%20Net-Metering%20Program%20in%202013%2C

[6] S. Si, “The History of Solar Energy in the Philippines - Solar Panels Philippines | Solaric.” https://solaric.com.ph/blog/history-solar-energy-philippines/

[7] “Robinsons Starmills,” Solenergy Systems Inc, March 04, 2020. https://solenergy.com.ph/projects/robinsons-starmills/

[8] “Solar Para Sa Bayan - 1st Utility Scale Solar-Battery Micro-Grid in SE-Asia,” Solar Para Sa Bayan, Mar. 18, 2018. https://www.solarparasabayan.ph/the-first-utility-scale-solar-battery-micro-grid-in-southeast-asia/

[9] “Everything You Need to Know About Solar Energy Laws in the PH,” solareadyph, Mar. 06, 2021. https://www.solaready.ph/post/solar-energy-laws-in-the-ph#:~:text=They%20signed%20Solar%20Energy%20laws%20last%20April%202019

[10] “63 MW solar project completed in Philippines as part of 5 GW renewables plan,” pv magazine International, Jul. 08, 2021. https://www.pv-magazine.com/2021/07/08/63-mw-solar-project-completed-in-philippines-as-part-of-5-gw-renewables-plan/#:~:text=According%20to%20statistics%20released%20by%20the%20Department%20of

[11] “Project SINAG - ABOUT THE PROJECT,” www.sinag.nec.upd.edu.ph. https://www.sinag.nec.upd.edu.ph/about/about-the-project