A lawmaker pushing for the mandatory use of solar energy in government buildings has expressed his strong support for Pres. Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s call to make it easier for Filipinos to install solar panels in their homes.
During his penultimate State of the Nation Address, Marcos appealed to Congress to pass the Sariling Kuryente Act, which seeks to make the installation of solar panels and battery storage systems simple, easy, and affordable for Filipino households.
“I wholeheartedly support the President’s call. Matagal na nating sinasabi na kailangang mabawasan ang pag-depende natin sa non-renewable energy sources at gumamit ng mga renewable energy sources na marami sa atin, gaya ng solar,” Abra lone district Rep. JB Bernos said.
Bernos is the author of House Bill No. 3126, or the On-Grid Solar Energy Systems bill, which mandates the establishment of on-grid solar energy systems in all national and local government-owned buildings and offices to reduce electricity costs.
The lawmaker recognized the need to simplify the process for solar panel installation to allow consumers to capitalize on solar technology and other renewable energy sources.
“If we are to mainstream the use of renewable energy in the country, we have to simplify the processes that allow for their utilization to encourage consumers. People are already willing to explore solar energy because of the high cost of electricity and affordable options being made available but are discouraged by tedious and complex permit requirements and long approval timelines,” he said.
The Renewable Energy Act of 2008 empowers consumers to install up to 100 kilowatts of renewable energy facilities through the net metering program, allowing excess electricity to be exported back to the grid in exchange for bill credits.
Under the program, households with solar panels must register with their local government units and notify their distribution utilities to enable the transfer of excess electricity to the power grid for public distribution.
