Solar-power producers optimistic in promoting renewable energy

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SUNDAY, 22 MAY 2011 19:43 PAUL ANTHONY A. ISLA / REPORTER

THE Philippine Solar Power Alliance (PSPA) expressed optimism that it will be able to harness the Renewable Energy Act of 2008 to promote renewable energy and help the country achieve energy independence from expensive coal and oil prices, and to address the insufficient power supply in Mindanao, Tetchi Cruz-Capellan, the group’s president, said.

In an interview, the PSPA head pointed out that solar home systems provide solutions to off-grid communities across the country.

“Over 10,000 homes have been lighted by solar energy, providing electricity to families to improve their lives, which implies the viability of solar energy for residential electricity,” Capellan said.

She added that a 180-kilowatt rooftop installation now stands in the economic zone of Batangas, which demonstrates how solar rooftop installation can mitigate the rising energy demand of industries and factories in these areas.

Capellan cited the first utility-scale solar power plant in Cagayan de Oro in 2004, which was built in partnership between Cagayan Electric Power and Light Co. (Cepalco) and the International Finance Corp. (IFC).

“The 1-megawatt solar plant of Cepalco has developed the local manpower and technical capacity for solar energy. Its seven-year operational experience provided scientific data and hard evidence that enhanced our capability for plant design, engineering and the financial management of a utility-scale solar power plant,” Capellan said.

She added that the first factory of SunPower Philippines was established in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, which has an annual output of 590 megawatt.

Capellan said the need to act fast on energy conservation has evolved into a priority issue that must be addressed by everyone, from governments to industries and, directly, by consumers. 

“There is still much to be done in terms of educating the public on renewable-energy solutions, especially on the long-term benefits of using solar energy,” she added.

From June 1 to 3, the PSPA will hold the first-ever Philippine Solar Photovoltaic Summit at the SMX Convention Center at the Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City to increase public awareness on the benefits of solar technology.

PSPA said the Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Inc. will join them in putting together the event together with the German Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industries. 

PSPA said the summit seeks to enlighten the public on the misconceptions regarding solar energy.

The summit will bring together, for the first time, government, businesses, funding institutions, research agencies, and, most of all, manufacturers, suppliers and power-generation companies engaged in wafer slicing, cell fabrication, panel manufacturing, systems integration and renewable-energy solutions.

The National Renewable Energy Board (NREB) early last week submitted its recommendations to the Energy Regulatory Commission that the FIT rates for solar, ocean, wind, biomass and hydro power would cost P17.95 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), P17.65/kWh, P10.37/kWh, P7/kWh, and P6.15/kWh, respectively.

NREB said it approved a total of 830 megawatts in installation targets of renewable energy to be developed. Of the 830 MW, according to NREB, 250 MW will be from hydro power projects, another 250 MW from biomass power projects, 220 MW from wind, and 100 MW and 10 MW from solar and ocean technologies.