Sean Si, Author at Solar Panels Philippines

Sustaining Progress: Benefits of a Clean Energy Shift

What are the benefits of pushing towards a clean energy shift?

Improves economic progress by aiding the labor sector
Significant ROI
Continuous innovation and milestones

Investing in a solar system in the Philippines is an achievement on its own. This indicates that you are finally ready for the global standard for sustainability and economic progress. But more than that, investing and installing it in your home provides the opportunity for a clean energy shift.

A clean energy shift happens when there has been a significant change in your lifestyle that promotes being environment-friendly. It could be as small as committing to properly storing your wastes, or as big as choosing to install a solar system in your Philippine home and business establishment.

If you are still deciding on the latter, then you might want to consider the benefits that come with it.

Improves Economic Progress by Aiding the Labor Sector

According to a report by Greenpeace, the integration of renewable energy to society can bring about economic progress because green energy projects are responsible for 4 times more job generation as compared to oil or non-renewable energy investments.

The steady increase in jobs in the renewable energy combats those in the fossil fuel economy. In our country, fossil fuels are the primary source of energy but the benefits of renewable energy should promote a change in that standard.

Fossil fuels have been proven as an outdated and environmentally hazardous source of energy, which is not suitable for industries in the long run. The rise in renewable energy projects can exhibit more opportunities for people to secure jobs which will result in a significant increase in revenues and investments.

Significant Return-On-Investments

There is a common misconception that renewable energy sources are insignificant investments because they are expensive and the alternative energy source is cheaper. However, this statement is false.

Investing in renewable energy brings in new jobs to people that can boost a country’s economy. In addition, shifting to clean energy will reduce the county’s costs of energy consumption. The significant impact of renewable energy development can be utilized by homes, industries, and small-scale businesses in both the rural and urban area.

The misconceptions about clean energy shift remain assumptions because one must fully invest in renewable energy sources to come across concrete testaments to its sustainable capabilities and potential.

Continuous Innovation and Milestones

The renewable energy production is experiencing continuous innovation. It is slowly turning to an affordable energy source. This effort recognizes the demand for renewable energy even in third-world countries like the Philippines and Costa Rica. For instance, the latter has 98.53% usage in renewable energy production.

The Philippines is also moving towards it. The Republic Act 9513 (Renewable Energy Law) is the “act promoting the development, utilization, and commercialization of renewable energy sources and for other purposes”. Basically, it pushes the country towards a clean energy shift. Since its implementation in 2008, local industries saw a huge boom in the number of businesses using solar energy as their power source. As a result, more foreign entities are showing interest in investing towards these companies.

Key Takeaway

The benefits listed above will be continuously received by the countries, organizations, and individuals who are moving towards a clean energy shift.

Want to more about renewable energy—most particularly solar energy? Then, Solaric can teach you a thing or two about it. Just click here!

Things You Should Learn About the Environmental Impacts of Solar Power

What are the environmental impacts of solar powers in the Philippines?

Solar power produces less carbon footprint
Solar power reduces greenhouse gas emissions
Solar power is all for sustainability and resilience
Solar power does not harm human health and safety

In the Philippines, solar systems are gaining popularity in the public eye. Not only because they provide a healthy alternative energy source, but also because they offer tremendous impact to the environment and its inhabitants. Sustainability enthusiasts appreciate the fact that, unlike fossil fuels, solar panels do not harm Mother Earth.

Learn more about the sustainable benefits of a solar system to the Philippines here:

Less Carbon Footprint

When solar panels generate electricity, they produce zero emissions, which mean that they do not contribute to climate change unlike traditional sources of energy (e.g. fuel).

As they draw their energy from the sun, they don’t risk depleting resources from the environment. Their abundant resource will always be available and accessible across the world.

Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Burning fossil fuels emits a lot of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere. With solar power, you would not have to worry about this because they do not emit any gas into the environment. They simply transform solar into energy that homes, as well as business establishments, can use as electricity.

As the number of roofs using solar panels increases, the amount of greenhouse gas being released into the air decreases.

Sustainability and Resilience

Solar energy is an inexhaustible energy source. The amount of solar energy received by the Earth can exceed the energy that has been garnered from oil, natural gas, coal, and nuclear sources in the history of the world.

With this, solar energy is highly modular and it is fortunate that they can be implemented on many scales. Solar technology is also low-maintenance and this can be attributed to its potential as an energy resource that can be globally distributed.

Human Health and Safety

Besides emitting greenhouse gases, fossil fuel consumption can bring about many health risks to people. It can pollute air and water, affecting human health on local and regional scales.

On the other hand, solar energy is non-polluting. With the right kind of technology, it can even cut down on noise pollution that is commonly associated with energy generation; photovoltaic solar systems are essentially silent in operation. Solar systems are also safe for humans to operate. Plus, they do not produce dangerous amounts of radiation.

By opting to use solar, you can be assured that no harm will come to your home and family.

Key Takeaway

The lasting effects of greenhouse gas emissions are making people think that perhaps they need to start choosing renewable energy options to power their homes and businesses. The Philippines is certainly one of the countries that want bring more awareness towards solar energy—a source that will not be depleting soon and one that is very much environment-friendly.

Of course, many organizations from across the world are showing their support for this movement. In fact, the International Energy Agency has published a 2014 assessment predicting that by 2050, photovoltaic and thermal energy systems could very well be the largest source of global electricity in private and public sectors.

Reasons Solar Power Could Be the Cheapest in Electricity Production in the Future

In the Philippines, solar energy has been making waves especially because of the benefits it brings to large-scale businesses and residential establishments. A sustainable alternative to energy production from fossil fuels, the potential of solar energy is solidified by its advantages particularly with its promise of a cheaper alternative to electricity production.

You might ask yourself, why is it making its rank as the cheapest energy source of the future? Well, let’s take a look at some of the reasons why solar energy is on its way to being the cheapest energy source below.

Environmental Concern

The production of fossil fuel does more harm to the environment in comparison to solar energy. The Philippines recognizes this; Filipinos are starting to realize that there are environmental consequences when using non-renewable energy sources. The emissions they caused will result in worse conditions for the planet, but thankfully solar energy does not imitate this kind of energy production.

Solar panels – as well as other forms of alternative energy – do not release harmful carbon dioxide emissions beyond what is generated during the production of the equipment used for it. The people, who would want to scale back harmful greenhouse gas production, turn this alternative energy source and maximize the solar arrays for the good that they do for the environment.

Cheaper and More Efficient Materials

There is little doubt that solar energy would be the future of electric production. The increased demand and the developmental resource allocation make this vision possible. As the materials used to build solar panels are getting cheaper, the cost of the energy source will also drop to an extent. Inverter prices are also dropping, although it does so at a slightly lower rate. These lower costs, paired with the increased efficiency of the solar panels, improve the overall value of solar.

Increased Popularity

The broader market reach does its share in increasing the popularity of the solar energy source. The solar panel popularity has surged over the past few years. Expanding solar power use does its part in improving the awareness of the consumers in the market and this results in more capital for the development of cheaper and more efficient panels for everyone.

Net Metering

In addition to saving money from electricity costs, installing a solar power system can also allow the consumers to make money off of the power that their system generates.

Net metering is responsible for this and it is a feature of solar energy that ultimately benefits its user. When they understand that a solar power system will generate more power than used by the residential or business establishment, they can sell the extra energy to the grid. Or if this is not a feasible option, they can also credit the power bill and put it toward next month’s usage. The potential to make a profit by selling power to the grid can also allow the consumers to alleviate the energy crisis beyond their own home or business.

Key Takeaway

More than the allocation of costs from the installation of solar power in your home, it is also a way to save the environment. Knowing this will bring more long-term effects not just on the environment that you are used to, but for everyone as well.

If you consider using solar energy for your electricity production, you can receive these advantages and more.

3 Industries That Can Benefit from Solar Panels

What industries can benefit from solar panels?

Agriculture
Manufacturing
Commercial

With generous grants, tax incentives, and the falling prices of solar panels in the Philippines, industries and businesses of all types are in the best position to reap the benefits of solar energy.

Agricultural operations, commercial businesses, and manufacturing industries alike can save on their electricity costs by installing a solar power system. In addition, they can also reduce their tax burdens as well as get ahead of any potential energy price increase. Here are 3 examples of how these industries can benefit from solar panels.

Agriculture

Common agricultural operations in the Philippines such as rice farms, hog farms, or poultry farms use a lot of electricity. Typically, these operations also have a lot of open roofs and floor spaces available that get plenty of sunlight.

Take a poultry farm for example. The farmers must maintain a consistent temperature throughout the year so that the birds can live and grow comfortably. This is achieved by running electric fans and sometimes even temperature control systems; either way, it costs electricity to run. Installing a solar power system on the roofs of these facilities allows the poultry farmers to switch to a clean source of energy.

Also, depending on the location of the farm, the farmers may receive generous grants and tax incentives from the government—making the switch to solar power a very sound business decision.

Manufacturing

The entire process of manufacturing typically uses a substantial amount of electricity, especially if they operate seven days a week. This makes it a suitable candidate for solar energy. Factories and manufacturing plants usually operate in large buildings with ample roof space which is perfect for installing solar panels.

Manufacturers and factory owners that make the switch to solar energy stand to save thousands of pesos on electricity costs over time. This can also be a way for you to hedge against inevitable energy price increases, ensuring that your company remains effective but competitive. Similar to agricultural applications, manufacturing industries are also eligible to receive certain tax incentives depending on their location.

Commercial

Commercial businesses such as department stores, office buildings, and cold storages can also potentially see a similar return on their investment. In fact, a commercial business that is open during Sundays (e.g. shopping malls, auto dealerships, etc.) can also greatly benefit from solar.

These businesses are perfectly suited for solar power because they typically have plenty of roof space available, which is usually exposed to a lot of sunlight. Large, commercial businesses require a large amount of electricity for lights, air conditioning, and other utilities in order to best serve their customers. Switching to solar can help curb some of these costs in order to reduce your expenses and increase revenue.

Key Takeaway

Industries are quickly learning about how using a clean and renewable source of energy like solar power can help their business become more energy independent as well as cut costs.

As the prices of solar panels here in the Philippines become more economical, companies of all shapes and sizes in almost every industry are now making solid moves towards a more eco-friendly and brighter future.

3 Ways Solar Panels Are Becoming More Efficient

In what ways solar panels are becoming more efficient?

Both sides of the solar cell are used
Cells are more tightly packed on the panels
Improved textures, materials, and antireflective coatings

You have probably heard or read about how solar panels are not at all effective at converting the energy of the sun to electricity. This statement has always been used by those who are critical of solar technology, saying how installing solar panels here in the Philippines does not live up to its potential.

All of these are simply untrue. There is a reason why solar is one of the fastest-growing new sources of energy. In fact, millions of homeowners all around the world have already installed solar panels in their homes. Today, solar energy is mature and ready enough to power the grid and our homes.

This is not to say that there is no longer room for improvement, however. While it’s true that the most efficient solar panels that are commercially available can reliably convert about 24% of the energy of the sun, it is also true that traditional solar cells that are silicon-based only have a maximum theoretical efficiency of 30%.

New technologies are being developed to take the efficiency of these panels up to 50% and more; some of them are only a few years away from being commercially available. To provide more explanation, here are 3 ways solar panels are becoming more efficient:

Both sides of the solar cell are used

Most standard solar panels use a black or white ‘backsheet’ to provide a sturdy backing layer to attach the solar cells. But recently, panels that are being manufactured are clear on both sides—allowing them to absorb light from both sides.

This new technology is sometimes called “Bifacial,” which means that both sides of the solar cell can absorb light.

Cells are packed more tightly packed on the panels

Have you ever noticed white, empty spaces between the cells and along the edges of a solar panel? These white spaces you see are actually wasted solar panel area.

The corners of the solar cells are cut off which leaves empty spaces. Today, solar cell manufacturers are finding new ways to reduce the gaps or eliminate it altogether. Essentially, this would allow the cells to produce more power.

Improved textures, materials, and antireflective coatings

The next time you come across a solar panel, take note of its coloration. If the color of one of the cells in a solar panel is slightly off, this might indicate poor quality.

One of the few indicators of a solar panel’s quality and the ability to produce power is the consistency of the color of the cells. Solar engineers are now developing more consistent manufacturing processes to improve the efficiency of a solar panel.

Key Takeaway

While the technology for solar panels has been around for over 150 years, it is still being developed—albeit faster than before. Solar panels are becoming more efficient, smarter, and cheaper. For homeowners, the choices for solar energy solutions have never been more diverse.

Solar technology has continued to improve at a breakneck pace. Mass production and swift solar panel installation here in the Philippines have made it more appealing as a financial investment, paving the way for the next great leap in technology!

How to Make the Most of Solar Panels During the Rainy Season

How can you make the most of solar panels during the rainy season?

Consider the amount of sunshine for the whole year
Rainy weather is sometimes actually better
Take advantage of “edge of cloud effect”

Unsurprisingly, many of us already know that solar panels generate the most power during clear days with abundant sunshine. Typically, solar panels can produce 10 to 25% of their rated capacity on a cloudy or rainy day (depending on the density of the clouds for that day, the exact amount may vary). The amount of energy produced can also vary depending on the type of solar panel installation in your Philippine home as certain kinds are better at receiving diffused light.

During rainy or cloudy days, ultraviolet rays still reach the surface of the earth in abundance. In fact, if you have ever gotten sunburn at the beach even though the sun isn’t out, you have probably already experienced this firsthand. And while there are some solar cells that are in development which can capture UV rays, these are not yet available on the market.

Either way, you will still be able to generate power on a cloudy or rainy day even with a standard solar panel. Here’s how you can make the most of them during the rainy season.

Consider the Amount of Sunshine for the Whole Year

Consider how much sunshine you are actually going to get over the entire year instead of just a particular day if you are looking at how solar energy is going to help you save money on your power bill.

What this means is that even if you do encounter a few days without sunshine, you are still likely getting enough sunlight over the year for installing solar panels.

Rainy Weather Is Sometimes Actually Better

Did you know that Germany, a country that gets only about as much sunlight as the state of Alaska, has successfully installed solar panels that produce about 25 gigawatts of energy, which is about half of the supply of the entire world?

Solar panels actually work best when it’s not too hot because of the electronics inside them. A city that experiences extreme heat might find that their solar panels are less efficient, so as somebody who is living in the Philippines, you should have nothing to worry about.

Take Advantage of “Edge of Cloud Effect”

If you already have solar panels installed, keep a close watch on your power output during a rainy or cloudy day and you might just come across a strange phenomenon. During days when the sun is partly obscured by clouds, it can actually be possible for you to exceed the rating of your solar energy system and produce more power than you would on a sunny day.

This is known as the “edge of cloud effect.” This happens when the sun passes over the edge of a cloud which magnifies its rays. This intense burst of sunlight causes your solar energy system to temporarily boost its power output and help balance out the losses from full cloud covers. Take advantage of this phenomenon and install components, such as an over-sized solar inverter, and capture these surges in sunlight.

Key Takeaway

The bottom line is you can still make the most of your solar panels even when it is raining. But while energy production is going to be somewhat limited, this is not going to matter in the bigger picture. What matters most is how much sunlight you actually get all year-round.

Cloudy and rainy days will come and go, but for the most part, the odd overcast day here and there is not going to affect the return on investment of your solar panels installations in the Philippines.

4 Reasons You Should Consider Switching to Solar Energy

What are the reasons you should consider switching to solar energy?

It’s great for the environment
It’s a good investment for your home
Power is available all day
You can take your home off the grid

Switching over to solar energy is not a cheap or easy decision to make. This is going to be a major change that will affect you and your family’s quality of life. However, more and more homeowners in the Philippines are installing solar panels on the roof of their homes because they want to take advantage of this renewable and clean way to generate energy.

Before you make this decision, though, there are a lot of things you need about solar energy. Whether your motivations for making the change are environmental, economic, or personal, solar power has something for everyone. Here are four reasons why you should consider switching to solar energy:

It’s Great for the Environment

One of the most commonly known facts about solar power is that it represents a clean, green source of energy. Installing solar panels in your home is a great way for you to reduce your carbon footprint.

There is nothing about solar energy that pollutes the environment and it doesn’t release any greenhouse gases. Aside from needing a constant source of clean water for core functions, it also absolutely uses no other resources.

Solar energy is environmentally-friendly, safe, and self-sufficient. Starting with your home and installing solar panels on your roof is an easy path to contribute to a sustainable future and a great way to show that you care about the environment.

It’s a Good Investment for Your Home

It might be fair to say that most of the home improvements that you are going to make probably won’t add to the value of your house as. On the other hand, solar energy can not only actually save you money from your energy bill each month, but it can also act as the initial investment for your home. This means that if you decide to sell your property in the future, its value will definitely increase.

Power Is Available All Day

One of the few persistent myths about solar energy involves around solar panels and its perceived limitations in generating energy. The truth is, solar energy is generated from daylight, not sunlight. This means that even on rainy or cloudy days, your solar panels are going to be working to produce energy.

All of the energy that accumulates during the morning and afternoon hours, basically the whole time that the sun is up, actually produces more electricity than you can use.

You Can Take Your Home Off the Grid

Installing solar panels in your home actually improves your independence from electricity. In fact, when you make the switch to solar, you are actually protecting yourself against the unpredictable increases in the prices of utilities.

In addition, you can enjoy energy security and cheap electricity because the sun – your source of power, is never going to increase its rates. Once you have your solar panels installed on your roof, you have technically reached an energy-independent status.

Key Takeaway

Renewable energy is the future; going solar puts you ahead of the curve. If you live in the Philippines, the installation of solar panels in your home is a smart choice to make. The benefits you can reap from solar energy are undeniable, but going through with it requires careful consideration and thought.

Consider switching to solar today and find out how it can change your life for the better!

Safety and Performance Tips for Solar PV Owners

For owners of residential and commercial establishments in the Philippines, a solar panel installation in house provides clean and dependable electricity and bankable savings. Rooftop Solar in the Philippines has a proven sub 5 year Return on Investment.

Like all Investments there are risks and mitigating risks is part of responsible ownership and reasonable expectations of returns with good maintenance. Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems offer a large scale of perks, which range from financial savings to environmental advantages and decreased grid energy consumption. They are certainly being enjoyed by those who have solar panels installed on their premises. These PV systems are safe, reliable, and pose a minimum fire risk. It is an extremely rare occurrence for solar PVs to cause a fire if proper safeguards are adhered to.

Safety is defined as no accident. Reputable installers go out of their way to be safe while doing solar installations and ensuring good workmanship is kept in delivering high powered solar systems, annual visual inspection is recommended to check if anything has gone loose, and connections are nice and tight. An important factor in fire safety and site safety is its installation and maintenance. Below, you will a few tips that can ensure that your solar system remains safe from fire risks.

Observe Proper Handling of the PV System

A solar power system has the potential to be energized when exposed to light or even strong light from artificial sources like spot lights. When more than 3 residential panels are series together the potential to shock and injure is already there. Therefore it is strongly recommended that professional installation is needed when installing Solar panels or professional instruction if doing DIY is availed so that safeguards and precautions are observed. Below are some safeguards but not representative of the entire Philippine electric code or common sense practices when dealing with electricity.

Qualified personnel should work on your AC mains or electricity in general. 220V can penetrate the skin and cause heart stopping electric shock. Proper insulated tools are needed when opening electrical cabinets and checking breakers.

Promptly call your installer if you observe anything strange with your solar system, error codes coming out of the inverter, loss of output and such should be reported so that they can check it over. Most Grid tie systems automatically email the owner if there is something that needs to be checked or a flashing red light at the inverter is indicative that something is wrong.

If you have a battery-based system be very careful of fumes and spray from lead acid. Best to wear safety googles or glasses when servicing the batteries. You should also remember that it is not advisable to wear metallic jewelry when working on your PV system. As a rule of thumb, avoid touch it without proper protection and without wearing a safety gear.

After a major storm or a pretty wild New Year celebration in the Philippines where there is potential of foreign object damage, it would be wise to do a visual check of your solar panels or fasteners if they have gone loose. A broken or shattered solar panel is a safety concern that you would want to address quickly

During turnover of your solar system from an installer, ask them to walk you through de energization procedures how to shut down your system in cases of fire or maintenance. It would be a good idea to train multiple people on this walk through and periodically if there is a change of staff.

Use Reputable Installers

At the minimum only consider companies that have at the very least a Qualified Personnel doing the installation. We would define that as either a Master electrician or PV trained electrician or technician who finished a technical training course or a PRC card holder. Reputable solar companies or installers have a license or reputation to protect. They are ethically bound to follow the Philippine Electrical Code and follow important guidelines and wire calculations set forth. Good installers would stop work if they spot an unsafe condition that is not even related to their work and ask that it would be remedied.

Reputable installers should use reputable equipment. Don’t be afraid to ask what brand of panels, inverters and even the wire they are going to use. If you are not impressed with the answer or your scam radar goes up, use Google and fact check the equipment being quoted if its reputable, being sold in other countries that have good product enforcement. Substandard, counterfeit or plain shoddy equipment is never cheap as the true cost could be as low as failed build way before ROI to the catastrophic, a burnt house. An electrical engineer or electrician spent many years of their life learning the mistakes of others and instruction from their professors and industry mentors. An informal worker with a screwdriver may not know the importance of Ohms law, the principles of wire sizing and use indoor speaker wire in the outdoors because it has polarity markings.

Consider the Area for the Solar Panel Installation

It is important to remember that PV systems operate well when fully exposed to the sun. generally shaded areas should not be considered. If say it’s a South facing roof and its shaded 9AM to 4PM, you would be better off not to put panels there or decrease the coverage area. Same goes for morning shade on an Eastern facing array etc.

If you are in an extreme weather coastal area you might want to consider triple railing your solar setup or specify enhanced anodization for your racking equipment. Essentially you have to design your system to withstand the weather conditions it will be exposed to.

If your roof has a lot of leaves or a towering tree over it, consider tree trimming or more frequent cleaning of the panels. Leaf buildup under the solar panel is a fire hazard and also promotes water seepage through the roof in rainy season, not to mention clogged gutters. Also make sure your panels have airgaps and never installed over Nipa or flammable materials.

Aside from this, do not install the PV system in a location where they can be exposed near flammable gases. It is also a smart move to cover your photovoltaic solar panels with an opaque material and make sure that the area underneath your solar panels is clean, clear, and free of foreign objects.

Employ Proper Maintenance for your System

All maintenance should follow the installer’s instructions. Please consult your solar installers turn over manuals as they may have pinpointed specific procedures for your system and maintenance schedules. Devising away from what is advised may result in hazards, this includes modifications to the wiring. But this could easily be prevented by communicating with a solar panel provider and by asking questions about the overall maintenance of the system or you have noticed something different on how it is operating.

The ideal system in inspections and maintenance should include a system-wide monitoring system, out of specification alarm capabilities, thermographic infrared scanning, and hands-on service work for panel cleaning, tightening loose connections, and replacement of frayed wiring from weathering or rodents.

Source: Pinterest

As the owner of the solar PV installation, the system should be properly utilized but not overused. Replace it if it is nearing the end of its lifespan to avoid further risk of fire and electrocution. A quality installation is expected to provide 25 years of reliable power but annual inspections are ideal to spot unforeseen hazards and to make sure external forces from weather, vermin or whatever may be is mitigated.

Key Takeaway

Solar PV systems are not generally known as a large source of fire hazard. Coming from a reliable installation provider, these tips should just be measures that can be undertaken in the event of an occurrence. Nevertheless, it still pays to be careful.

Resilience with Solar: Lessons Learned from Typhoon Yolanda

What lessons have we learned from Typhoon Yolanda?

Basic necessities will not always be available.
Disaster preparedness programs must be recalibrated.
Investing in renewables will help prevent future disasters.

You’re probably wondering how solar power and solar systems from the Philippines fit in with disasters and resilience and we understand the confusion. We’ll get there, though, so just stay with us.

The Filipino people have always been known for their resilience. We’ve been hit by disaster after disaster – earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and typhoons – and at some point, we’ve learned to cope. We smile and laugh in the face of devastation. We exhibit kindness to our fellowmen. We become united to help our country stand back up.

The way we brush off terrible situations and constantly look at the bright side is nothing short of admirable but also equally troubling. In our attempt to power through, we fail to analyze our situation and find out why these disasters are happening. As a result, we move on without ever learning anything valuable.

On November 2018, it will have been 5 years since the Philippines was hit by one of the strongest and most devastating typhoons to ever make landfall – Typhoon Yolanda. As destructive and traumatizing as it was, Yolanda snapped us out of our delusion. We couldn’t just brush it off like any other disaster. We had to know why it happened and how to prevent it from happening again. Finally, we learned.

Dozens of lessons were gotten from this devastating attack and the most important ones are listed below.

Basic Necessities Will Not Always Be Available

In the event of a natural disaster, it is always safe to assume that a total systems breakdown will occur. Communication towers, power grids, and water pipelines may be destroyed while supermarkets, gas stations, and other establishments will be closed. Supply of the most basic human necessities such as electricity, food, water, fuel, and telecommunications will be cut off and each family or person will be left to fend for themselves.

Knowing all this and when the disaster will hit – assuming also that you listen to news and weather forecasts – you should be prepared to stock up on said items. As for the counter to the loss of power, solar and hand-cranked gadgets should be enough to get you through. Sometimes a disaster hits without warning, so it’s best to be prepared even in good weather.

Disaster Preparedness Programs Must Be Recalibrated

In years prior to typhoon Yolanda, access to energy has always been a constant oversight. Many failed to notice that communities suffered mostly due to the lack of access to electricity. Even those who resorted to kerosene lamps eventually ran out of fuel. After the events of Yolanda, however, disaster preparedness programs have been recalibrated to better cater to the needs of the affected.

Coordinators have proposed for portable and solar-powered electricity to be an integral part of disaster-preparedness programs. One device that caught the attention of many is the Solaric Lite, which is a self-contained solar kit that could power 3 light bulbs and charge cell phones.

In an emergency event such as a super typhoon, making sure you have phone batteries could save a life.

Investing in Renewables Will Help Prevent Future Disasters

The importance of energy and access to a better source is perhaps the most important lesson we have learned from Yolanda.

Storms and typhoons are continuously being made; it’s a natural process that cannot be prevented. But there are ways to weaken it and its effects. Global warming is the main reason these typhoons are so destructive. It is believed that a warmer Pacific is able to create stronger storms and Yolanda is an example of that.

So instead of focusing on disaster response and preparedness, why don’t we put our efforts in disaster risk reduction. We can do this by investing in renewable energy sources such as solar power. Doing this will reduce negative impacts of fossil fuels, which is one of our main energy sources.

Key Takeaway

It’s unfortunate that it took such a destructive and devastating typhoon for us to learn our lessons, but by now it’s way too late for regrets. Yolanda has already taken millions of lives, so hopefully, the lessons we learned from it can help us save just as much and more.

Communities should be able to realize the true worth of renewable energy. The possible effects it can have on our environment and the ways it can help those that have been struck by disaster. Solar energy, in particular, has been proved useful in such instances, which is why people have started to invest more in it.

There are many organizations and humanitarian actors that are ready to help those interested in solar power and solar systems in the Philippines. They are always ready to inform the public about solar panels and energy. Families can easily seek them out in order to become more equipped to face and survive disasters.

Benefits in Energy: Peak/Off-Peak WITH Net Metering

What are the benefits of using a peak/off-peak system with net metering?

Solar PV owners have control over their electricity bills
It helps reduce consumption on the grid especially during peak consumption hours
It encourages participation in alternative energy production

You already know the benefits of an installation of a solar system on Philippine residential and commercial establishments as a practical source of energy. Having a solar system in the Philippines is an efficient choice because there is plenty of sunshine to go around in this country.

Net Metering is an efficient program that you can make use of and on a Time-of-Use or the Peak/Off-Peak program, it will generate more savings and is a recommended system for most companies and homes that utilize a solar system. The solar industry makes use of net metering and the peak/off-peak program because they are one of the most important and successful incentive programs that solar panel users can have.

Here are some of the benefits you will receive when you utilize peak/off-peak with net metering:

Solar PV Owners Have Control Over their Electric Bills

Net Metering is an electric policy for consumers who own renewable energy facilities such as a solar panel installation which will allow them to use electricity whenever needed while contributing their production to the grid.

Peak/Off-Peak allows residences or businesses to use cheaper power at night, and expensive power in the daytime. This means when their solar installation is producing in the daytime, it is offsetting expensive power. At the end of the day – the majority of the used energy will be “cheap offpeak power.”

Time-Of-Use program with Net Metering will enable you to produce energy just as much as you consume it. This will open up more opportunities for you to generate savings on your electricity bills and it will help you cope up with high electricity prices.

These programs allow businesses and households to maximize their resources and produce energy for themselves and it is also notable to mention that the load on the utility grid can also be reduced. Generating clean and efficient electricity will allow PV users to export that power to the grid and reduce the amount in electric bills.

Helps Reduce Consumption on the Grid Especially During Peak Consumption Periods

Using the time-of-use program helps you separate the credits you are given for energy exported to the grid.

Take note that this depends on the rate structures and peak and off-peak times of your utility. Talk with the local distributor of electrical power on how to make this work and they would be your partner in expanding the benefits of your solar panel installation.

It Encourages Participation in Alternative Energy Production

By utilizing this program, PV owners can help protect the environment and preserve natural energy resources. There is a larger gain when both private-owned residences and big corporations invest in a reliable solar power system instead of a polluting fossil power generation.

This translates to cleaner air, a more resilient power grid for communities, and fewer harmful emissions for our climate. This will help keep the environment clean and green and do its share in preserving renewable resources.

Key Takeaway

Knowing the benefits of using these programs for your solar panel installation will help you make the most out of it in a significant and resilient way. This will spell huge returns of investment and it will champion renewable energy as a practical source for communities as well.

With this, you will not only help the environment, but you can also help keep your savings in shape.