Solar energy has always intrigued me. The homes that I’ve owned and lived in had already been set with their energy sources, so I’ve never researched it further. I’ve always thought it would be a good way to go if the start up costs could be recouped in a reasonable period if time.
Now that I’m looking to have a home built it would seem a logical time to find out what can be done. That and the rate increases in electricity and gas. The problem that I encounter, and I’m sure this will be a recurring theme, is that I’m not there to find out what’s available first hand. There doesn’t seem to be any good information on the net regarding solar energy uses in the Philippines, at least that I can find. I’ve read an article here and an article there, but to get some detailed information on what is available and some basic pricing – well that I haven’t found.
I’m thinking that I should be able to handle all or almost all of my needs with solar power. Of course I really don’t know that to be true or not. It would be really interesting to see what others have done and to what extent they been able to reduce or eliminate the reliance on electricity.
I’ve got plenty of time and maybe it will become more common and by then there will be more information available. If anyone has sources for this, please let me know.
May 02, 2008 @ 02:11:00
Randy,
I’m also looking for s solar solution for the Philippines. My wife and I will semi-retire in a few years. I want to take advantage of all that sun to power the house. Kevin S
May 02, 2008 @ 06:27:00
Hi Kevin – thanks for stopping by.
Yes, the Philippines seems an ideal place to take advantage of the technology, if it isn’t too expensive to get started. If I find out any useful information, I’ll post it here. You are welcome to do the same.
May 03, 2008 @ 21:17:00
Hi Randy – I am also planning to do some solar power when I build on Samal. When we lived in Woodridge here in Davao, we had solar hot water, and it was great.
I am not certain that solar would be a feasible 100% solution, but it certainly can play a key role in our power needs.
May 04, 2008 @ 07:51:00
Hi Bob – it’s good to know that you will be doing some solar, also. Maybe you can let us in what resources you find or better yet write up an article on your blog.
I’m hopeful that it will become more feasible by the time I’m ready to something. But if not, every little bit helps.
Jul 12, 2008 @ 16:40:00
Hi Randy, hope this article means a positive step forward.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/regions/view/20080712-148111/Green-energy-opens-doors-for-power-cooperatives
Cheers,
Ellen
Jul 13, 2008 @ 18:19:00
Hi Ellen – thanks for the link. I’m happy to see any progress with regards to solar energy in the Philippines. They appear to be very committed to it, even though it was expensive to get going.
It would be really nice to find some solutions that could be used by individuals, though. I guess that might still be down the road a bit. And then there is still the setup cost factor.
Jul 13, 2008 @ 22:46:00
I’ve been checking into this thread hoping to see if someone has started on solar.
I’ve been checking in Canada and US for awhile and the prices (at least there are price lists now)seem to be coming down. Buying there and sending it over through the Balikbayan freight should be ok.
I don’t look at it as how many years’ recovery of the full cost I can get, but as a return on the investment. For ex, US$30K investment will give you approx 5k watts which is more than enough and this allows you to use an aircon. (you can correct me if I am wrong). If I can save US$1200 a year in electricity costs (without even getting any rebates), this is equivalent to 4% on the 30K. Who gives 4% interest nowadays? Not even that many, if any, DOW companies give that much dividend yield anymore :). But of course, lots of things to think about still. 30k is lots of money to invest …
Cheers,
Ellen
Jul 14, 2008 @ 16:10:00
I got a lot of info from this magazine that I ordered. http://www.homepower.com/home/
In the PI, GE has an office which I plan to call sometime – (don’t email, as they do not answer)
another one – http://www.sunpowercorp.com/About-Us/Contact-Us.aspx
Problem with the Philippines is that it is difficult to get information and that they are still not open to this grid-tied system. Maybe one day ….
There is a Philippine forum if you are interested. Just search “solar energy”:
I am still in the researching stage, and finding out how much total watts I need for comfortable living and also not to depend on local electricity needs. As you know, electricity here on Samal is through underwater cable from Davao. I understand there was an accident before by a freighter and power supply was cut off for several days.
We are familiar with solar energy as our boat uses solar panels. Also, we used them for the fish farms in Vancouver Island. In fact, our panels were from the farms and made by Siemens. They are still working well, and hardly any maintenance work.
Good luck,
Ellen
Jul 14, 2008 @ 08:22:00
Hi Ellen – this does seem to be a topic that many are interested in, but as you pointed out no one has posted that they have done it yet. Based off your analysis, it should only be more viable in the future as energy cost rise, and the startup costs presumably decrease.
Ideally what I’d like to find is a company that helps you get set up – provides the necessary equipment and expertise – as one concern is making a large investment and finding out that you don’t have an adequate or usable system.
I’d be interested in looking at the sites that you’ve found, if you have time to post them.
Jul 14, 2008 @ 18:22:00
Hi Ellen – thanks for the links. A lot of good information there, though I’ve just browsed them for the moment. It appears you are further along in the researching then I am. I’ve got a lot of reading to do.
I’m not sure if I understood correctly, do you mean that you live on Samal? I’m pretty sure you would be my first visitor, if that is the case.
Jul 14, 2008 @ 19:06:00
You’re welcome. Happy reading! Yes, I am currently here on Samal. We arrived last Christmas on our sailing vessel. I am a Dabawenya, raised up here, but moved to Canada late 70s. It’s the first time for my husband, a Norwegian, to experience Philippines and it’s an eye opener for me to see the way of life here through his eyes. In fact, he probably knows more of Samal than I do because he bikes around every Sunday, through the trails, up the hills … His name is Joe … just kidding. :))
Back to solar – I am 100% sure solar energy will pick up and prices will start to come down. Btw, I just recently learned that Electric companies here do not come up with money to provide the equipment to bring power to you – you have to invest yourself to have a transformer, electric poles, etc when you want electricity. The cost will then be deducted from your electric bills over time – this means that all the equipment is owned by the company, just financed by you. I have to research more on this …
Cheers,
Ellen
Jul 14, 2008 @ 20:50:00
Hi Ellen – well in addition to all the great info you’ve given, it’s really nice to have a resident of Samal on here. Now someone can correct all the misinformation I provide
Seriously though, please feel free to do so.
What part of the island are you on? Are you going to build there?
Oh yeah back to solar. I’m think I’m going to do another article after I read some from the links. Maybe that’ll bring in some more people that have interest and/or some experience.
Jul 15, 2008 @ 18:25:00
Great idea in posting more on energy conservation. I look forward to reading your article.
Ellen
PS I am temporarily on the west coast of Samal facing the mainland; in fact, right beside the ferry terminal. Planning to build – but that’s it – just plans for now, and researching. If we do not decide to live here, the research is not for naught cuz we can do this anywhere in the world
Jul 15, 2008 @ 22:09:00
Hi Ellen- if you don’t mind me asking, which internet provider did you go with there, and how do you like them? Have you tried more than one?
In regards to the article, it will probably be a bit. I’m going to try to contact a couple of people that seem to be involved in the selling and installing of various products from the gov forums. I’d like to find out what they are doing, and possibly get them to participate in the discussion. Remains to be seen if I’ll be able to or not.
Jul 15, 2008 @ 23:13:00
Hi Randy, I am using the pldt WeRoam – unlimited access. This was the only one that was vista compatible at that time. I’ve never tried anything else. There is no PLDT landline here, everything has to be wireless. The connection seems to be better now. They must have done some upgrades a few weeks ago because I was cut off almost every other day. I also get cut off when the ferries arrive. Very annoying, but I can reconnect quickly. Today I tried something – I moved my table and it seems to be working great :). As for speed, not very fast compared to a broadband connection, but I dont have to read my book while waiting for the page to come out ;).
So, in short, I am happy with it and thankful that I can get internet here. The house here also has cablevision. They came to install an antenna and I get CNN, BBC, Asia news, sports channels, Living, Star, HBO and the other Filipino channels. I am very happy with that too :), just disappointed that I can’t get Bloomberg.
Feel free to ask questions, and I will try to answer or get answers for you.
Jul 16, 2008 @ 20:12:00
Hi Ellen – thanks for the info on PLDT. I had listed the available products for internet, but wasn’t sure which ones were working well for people. I’m sure the speeds and reliability will continue to get better.
When you say cablevision, are you referring to Dream satellite or is there something else available there? I’ll update my post about that, if that’s the case.
I’ve got a bunch of questions about Samal, but I won’t hit you with them all right away. Maybe as they are relevant to my articles.
Jul 16, 2008 @ 21:01:00
I was told my cablevision here is Home Channel and that whole Samal can get it. What I saw them do is to test the reception, and they installed the antennae where the reception was best. I assume they will tell you if there is nowhere in your area that can receive the signal.
Jul 21, 2008 @ 19:51:00
Hi Randy,
Nice to hear from you. The government forum really helped me a lot in introducing the solar power principle in the Philippines. I am really happy if I could help you for more info. regarding solar panels. In the Philippines, there are no manufacturers yet of solar panels except for Sunpower Philippines but they also export them back to the US. They do not sell locally and if they did, it will cost around US$ 9/ watt-peak.
I have been in the industry for awhile – during the lean years, all i can do is pray that people learn to use the Renewable Energy of our country – the sun is good, some parts have good wind situation, we have biogas prospects, etc… and it took almost five (5) years and its only now that it is starting to take off.
While in another company, I had the opportunity to install a 15Kva solar power system in the Spratley’s Island for the Philippine’s Kalayaan Island Group. It’s supposed to provide power to households and the government offices. Just tell me how I can help in your blog, so we can collaborate. do e-mail me at solarkidz@gmail.com or philrenew@yahoo.com for things you want to discuss.
At present, I am in Masbate doing a project for the Dept. of Agriculture called the SPOTS project. Another is in a Power Plants in Pangasinan where they relocated the people affected by their plant construction. I also do residential house solar power- just look at my youtube – search for “solarkidz” and look at some of my company’s installation and tours I made for the Sunpower Plant. Furthermore, i have a suggestion, if you people woule be interested to organize a group of Solar Power enthusiasts, we can make some seminars or basic solar power awareness- not technical yet, it will be an expensive seminar for one. Your group can trailblaze the use of renewable energy in Davao…
Jul 21, 2008 @ 21:25:00
Hi Freidrich – thanks for responding to my request and stopping by here. Any information you can or want to supply is appreciated. The government forum has been a good source of information, but at times I don’t always understand the conversation as much of it is in Tagalog.
I’m hoping to do another post on solar energy soon, providing what information and sources I’ve been able to come up with. It seems your company is the primary source for that information within the Philippines at this time.
I think a lot of people really want to know what it’s going to cost to get set up, where to get the supplies, how much energy they will need, and whether there is any chance of having a grid-tied system. These questions (and others) seem to be difficult to get answers to.
I’m not sure how one would go about organizing an enthusiast group in Davao. The readers here are from all over, not just Davao. There are a few from that area, but I don’t know the interest level of those that currently live in Davao. Maybe someone will pick up on the idea and run with it.
Hopefully others will post their questions, especially after I run another article. Feel free to answer anything you can.
Jul 22, 2008 @ 16:57:00
Hi Freidrich. I am so glad you took the time to post here. I’ve been reading the forum, and get the impression that you are very busy to answer each and every question posted. I for one am very interested to have solar power. The house is not built yet, but I also understand the design of the house is important for incorporating the solar power system. Anyway, the house will be on Samal island, Davao Gulf (lots of sun, hardly any strong wind) and here are my questions:
1. How much do I need to enable me to use at least one airconditioner, keep the fridge and a few lights running, during brownouts? Hopefully the brownouts are just a few hours and not several days!!
2. Can the system be grid-tied so I assume I do not need to have a bank of batteries? (I don’t necessarily need the rebates, but great if they offer that).
3. Do you just do installation services? If I order a whole kit from overseas, will you do the installation?
Thank you for your attention to this post, and to Randy, for bringing this matter up.
Cheers,
Ellen
Jul 23, 2008 @ 16:42:00
Freidrich said: “…we have biogas prospects, etc “
I thought this was funny: Yesterday I read a headline in the Vancouver Sun (Canada) that says:
NATURAL GAS FROM RECYCLED HUMAN WASTE
Seems like UTOT to me
Jul 23, 2008 @ 17:45:00
Hi Ellen- I had to look “utot” up on google. But I believe you are right
Aug 24, 2008 @ 08:47:00
Hi YT – thanks for stopping by and commenting.
I’ve not started using solar yet, as it is a long time until we will start building our house there. I’m still researching it, as are others. It’s still expensive and there are some hurdles (no grid tie) but it’s looking more positive all the time.
I did an update post a little while back, but other than listing some resources I don’t have a lot new at this time.
Aug 24, 2008 @ 07:27:00
Good day. I’m also interested in using solar power in our home. Kindly update us if you already started using one. Where to get the panels, who can install it, and of course, the cost.
My dream is to build a house that is 100% powered by solar energy.
Solar Energy in the Philippines | Journey to Samal
Nov 23, 2008 @ 19:50:29
[…] been meaning to write an update to my previous article on solar energy for awhile now. Research has been slow. Solar energy use in the Philippines is not […]
Aug 26, 2011 @ 18:57:24
Sir Eric,
Have you heard about a Filipino inventor who can generate/amplify One (1) Megawatt of Electricity with just one (1) solar panel. There is an ongoing nego between that inventor and Meralco.
Aug 27, 2011 @ 15:13:50
Hi Rody – I heard not heard of this.
I am not sure what that means and the cost to do so. Anything that furthers the use of solar, and in kind reduces the need for oil, is a positive IMO.
That’s for stopping by. Welcome anytime.
Aug 28, 2011 @ 18:24:30
1 MW from solar panels are doable, no need for any secret negotiation about it but it would requires a huge amount of space and solar panels to get consistent and reliable output. Are you saying that some Filipino discovered some new fangled technology and shortchanged himself by negotiating with Meralco?
Post links and/or additional info because right now this sounds so much like that water-fueled car, or that the Mindanao deep is full of some exotic energy stuff – all hogwash.