I'm walking on sunshine, woah ~ As a tropical country, the Philippines largely experiences hot and humid weather. While we aren’t always the biggest fans of the country’s scorching heat index, it’s also a blessing that we enjoy an abundance of sunshine almost all year round — thanks to its geographical location.
As such, this makes solar energy the most cost-effective and reliable electricity source for the country. Through solar power, Filipinos can say goodbye to skyrocketing electricity bills and unreliable power sources. Curious to learn more? Read on as we uncover its potential and share practical and expert tips on how we can harness the sun’s energy.
Exploring solar energy and its growing potential
Making the switch to more sustainable solutions, such as using solar energy to power up devices and homes, comes with several considerations. But this transition towards renewable energy is much smoother than we think. To explore this further, Filipino architect and YouTube content creator Oliver Austria released a video titled ‘Is Solar Worth It In 2024?’, highlighting the simplicity and effectiveness of the process of installing solar energy.
In the video, Austria highlights the numerous benefits of harnessing the sun’s energy and emphasises that solar is the most cost-effective and reliable electricity source in the Philippines as it is perfectly suited for the country’s tropical weather.
Ping Mendoza, President and Board Member of PSSEA, spearheads Shell’s renewable generation business in the Philippines.
Industry insiders have weighed in on the upsides of tapping into solar energy for the Philippines as well. Renewable energy expert Ping Mendoza endorses Austria’s video, stating that solar energy is a clean and abundant renewable resource for the country. According to him, Filipinos can rely on solar installations as they are built to withstand harsh weather conditions, making them ideal for homes nationwide.
“Thanks to our country’s proximity to the equator, we have consistent sunlight throughout the year and across most areas in the country”, the expert added.
Recognising solar energy and its power to combat environmental concerns
A bird’s eye view of a sprawling solar farm atop a factory complex, showcasing the industry’s embrace of sustainable energy.
Did you know? Despite the weather’s suitability for solar, the Philippines still heavily relies on coal, which poses a huge concern due to its environmental and health-causing problems. “Coal and other fossil fuels are very unstable sources of energy because we could run out of coal [anytime],” shared Austria.
Aside from its health risks, coal-fired power generation also releases harmful carbon dioxide, which is a major contributor to the worsening condition of climate change.
Men installing modern solar panels. (Photo from: Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities)
What does this mean for Filipinos? When we embrace the endless benefits of solar energy, we are harnessing a resource that is always present and potentially less vulnerable to the control of market forces or rising geopolitical tensions. As Austria puts it, “The sun is always here for you”, emphasising the dependable nature of solar power and its potential to transform the country’s energy landscape.
3 practical and expert tips for going solar
1. Start small with solar-powered lights
A rooftop with solar panel systems. (Photo from: Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities)
The negative impact of coal makes switching to solar an attractive option. But you may be curious about its affordability and how Filipinos can get started.
In Austria’s video, he recommends viewers start small by opting for practical solar-powered products such as power banks and lights. For those considering installing solar panels, he shares that a return on investment can be achieved within just five to six years.
2. Find solar solutions that fit your budget and needs
A roof is installed with solar panels.
Mendoza also backs this point, explaining that solar solutions can be tailored to fit different budgets and energy needs. He stresses that selecting the right system size for each home is crucial, as it has the potential to reduce one’s electricity bills by 30 to 50 per cent.
3. Check out reliable sources to find your ideal supplier
Consider powering up your home with solar power. (Photo from: yuda.com.ph)
In need of resources to find the right supplier? Mendoza suggests checking out YUDA, a valuable resource that compares installers and their offerings. The website also includes detailed information on pricing, products, and services, allowing you to make an informed decision that best suits your budget and needs.
By unlocking the full potential of solar energy, Filipinos can look forward to more cost-saving electricity bills and a greener future for the Philippines. Remember, even a small step can go a long way toward a brighter tomorrow!
Next, read on as we debunk some of the common myths about solar energy.
Comments, questions or feedback? Email us at [email protected].
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