What are the effective ways to suggest solar power energy in order for more people from the Philippines to use it?
According to Statista, the Philippines’ solar energy capacity increased exponentially over the past decade. From just two megawatts in 2012, this figure reached 1.37 thousand
The rise of renewable energy has been significant in the past few years. In 2012, only two megawatts of renewable energy were generated worldwide. But by 2020, this figure had skyrocketed to 1.37 thousand megawatts, an increase of 68500%. This is a testament to the commitment of governments and organizations across the globe to reduce their dependency on fossil fuels and make a real impact on climate change.
Comparing the Philippines with other Asian Countries
Solar power is becoming increasingly popular in Asian countries, with China, India, and Japan leading the way in solar power installations. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), China and India account for two-thirds of the world’s solar capacity, while Japan has the third-largest capacity. In contrast, the Philippines’ solar capacity is relatively small, with only 0.5% of the country’s electricity coming from solar power.
One of the reasons for the slow adoption of solar power in the Philippines is the high cost of solar panels. According to a report by the World Bank, the cost of solar panels in the Philippines is about 40% higher than in neighboring countries such as Thailand and Indonesia. As a result, the installation of solar panels is more expensive in the Philippines, making it less attractive to homeowners and businesses.
Supportive Policies
To encourage the adoption of solar power, the Philippine government has introduced several policies to support the industry. One of these policies is the Renewable Energy Law, which provides incentives for the development and use of renewable energy sources such as solar power. The law offers a feed-in tariff system that guarantees a fixed price for solar power generated by qualified facilities for a period of 20 years. The Renewable Energy Law of the Philippines, also known as Republic Act No. 9513, was authored by Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri and Representative Juan Edgardo Angara. It was signed into law by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on December 16, 2008.
Another policy that supports the adoption of solar power is the Net Metering Program. This program allows homeowners and businesses to install solar panels and sell excess electricity back to the grid. The program offers credit to the customer’s electricity bill for the excess electricity generated, which can be used to offset future bills.
Affordable Solar Technology
The high cost of solar panels is one of the main barriers to the adoption of solar power in the Philippines. To address this, there are several initiatives that aim to make solar technology more affordable. One of these initiatives is the Department of Energy’s Solar Energy Program, which provides low-interest loans to homeowners and businesses to install solar panels.
Another initiative is the use of community solar projects. These projects allow multiple households or businesses to pool their resources and install a shared solar system. This approach reduces the cost of solar installation for each household or business, making it more affordable.
Solar power has the potential to provide clean and affordable energy in the Philippines. However, the high cost of solar panels and lack of government support have hindered its adoption. The Renewable Energy Law and the Net Metering Program are important policies that support the industry. The use of low-interest loans and community solar projects can also help make solar technology more affordable. With the right policies and initiatives in place, solar power can become a popular and viable source of energy in the Philippines.
Jeoff Solas 