Solar Digital Squad
Manila, Philippines
April 16, 2019
Hot lethal doses
We live in a world of shortages and blatant climate change. Are solar systems in the Philippines the answer to this issue? Sharing some insider knowledge on the energy industry and how global warming affects the price of power and our ability to keep the lights on. This summer, we are seeing record hot temperatures with Pasay at 40.8 degrees Celsius relative heat and Dagupan at potentially lethal 48.8 degrees Celsius heat index.
The story behind the story
The increased summer heat increases the need for electricity, for air conditioners, water pumping, electric fans, which all lead the carrying capacity of our grid to the breaking point. Last week, there was a massive RED ALERT issued to major power users to shut down facilities, run diesel generators, or curtail output, called the Intermittent Load Program (ILP). It is said to be a last-ditch effort before cascading the implementation of rolling power outages. (Think of the latest version of hell: Metro Manila water fiasco plus power outage in the midst of the hottest summer imaginable.)
ILP translated
What ILP means: 170-megawatt privately-owned diesel generation that HAS to go on for at least 8 hours during the hottest times of the day. Given efficient generators, that is the equivalent of 7,500 barrels of diesel oil.
Alternate universe
On the other hand, if only our grid were encouraged to install 300 MW of solar panels on rooftops of factories, hospitals, warehouses, buildings, malls, homes and other structures and facilities, this modern-day plague and crippling crisis can be avoided altogether. For a frame of reference, if one brand of recognized nationwide malls is covered with solar panels, then that equates to 250MW already. If they were solarized, energized, and generating, then that alone would push red alert to yellow alert without any required intervention and without having to use more expensive diesel fuel. To put things in a clearer perspective, even installing rooftop solar on 1.5% of homes in the Philippines could already be sufficient in tipping the pricing scales of peak power. This will result in a decrease in power rates – for everyone.
Time to let go of old school
“The solutions of the old like relying on diesel gensets need new solutions as there are greater, far more serious problems such as environmental degradation. We advocate for consumer rights in Energy Committee hearings and public policy discussions at Congress, Senate, DOE, and ERC. We are trained not to react when encountering blackouts, but instead, we believe in creating sufficient reserves by using solar energy to cover the weak spots in the Philippine gird. We believe in delivering power at the most critical times,” emphasized Solaric President Mike De Guzman. “What drives us at Solaric is our advocacy. We started off by electrifying relief centers during the devastation of Typhoon Yolanda with our solar tech. We are serious about climate change. I envision a Philippines that is stronger, self-reliant, and powerful enough to deliver everyday solar solutions to Filipinos to combat the climate change battle.”
Turn on the sun
For more information on solar system installations and solar systems in the Philippines, click here. If you also want to #TurnOnTheSun then give us a call at 5040092 or 09178603141 or visit www.solaric.com.ph
At Solaric, we Turn on the Sun.
