Sky-high power bills push Pinoys to go solar
For many Filipino families living from paycheck to paycheck, the electricity bill arrives as a monthly reminder of just how expensive it has become to live decently in the Philippines.
Sky-high power bills have driven many Filipino families to embrace solar energy as a solution to their financial struggles. For retired overseas Filipino worker Mariano Lerit, the monthly electricity bill of nearly P12,000 forced him to make difficult choices and postpone basic necessities. After saving his SSS pension and personal funds, Lerit installed a solar power system at his home, which reduced his bill to around P1,000 to P2,000 per month during the rainy season.
The solar system also enabled his family to use more electricity for cooking and even added air conditioning to their living room.
Another resident, Manuel Catanduanes, also experienced the benefits of solar power. Despite the high cost of a 5.8-kWp system, which he financed through a loan and net metering, Catanduanes' electricity bill dropped from P7,000 to P1,900. The net metering program allows households to send excess solar power back to the grid, earning credits on their bills and helping them pay off their loan.
However, obtaining net metering approval can be a lengthy process, with some households facing delays due to bureaucratic hurdles and strict requirements.
Written by urgent.news from Philippine Star Business's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
