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GERRY LOVES HIS ZERO BILL

A Satisfied Solaric Client Shows Us His Solar Home

REGINA ROME
Solar Digital Squad
Manila, Philippines
December 21, 2018

In an exclusive, gated, private neighborhood of a quiet subdivision in the South, stands a majestic, beautiful, 500 square meter, 3-bedroom contemporary Filipino-style solar home. Solaric can absolutely deliver the Zero Bill promise. Just ask Gerry, another satisfied Solaric client.

The choice to go solar

In 2017, Gerry decided to install solar panels at home. He approached Solaric and they conducted a site inspection. His daily household appliances included a washing machine, dryer, two refrigerators, two water pumps, three television sets, 11 air conditioners, and a home theater. His electric bill amounted to an average of 10 to 11 thousand pesos each month. Solaric offered an array of solar options that would give him optimum power at the lowest cost. Gerry selected efficiency and long-term financial feasibility by having 40 rooftop solar panels installed (12 kilowatts).

The reward of going solar

A couple months after installing solar, Gerry received his first Zero Bill (total amount due of Php0.00 in his monthly electric bill).

“The moment the Net Metering kicked in, I got a Zero Bill. Then, all succeeding months were all zero bills!” exclaimed Gerry, as he showed us his stack of zero bills accumulated the past year.

All about the pogi points

When asked to discuss the profitability of his solar power system, Gerry paused for a moment’s reflection. “Yes, I’m able to save 10 to 11 thousand a month. But we don’t talk about ROI (return on investment) in these cases. Anong ROI in buying an expensive car? Pogi points!” Gerry laughs in amusement. “It’s really about utilizing whatever is renewable, and solar was the only thing that was feasible. I’ve been planning on installing solar even before the house was constructed.”

Zeroing in on the zero bill

Gerry brings the zero bill phenomenon unders a different light. “What does the zero bill mean to me? Sure, one part of it is about savings – I have a monthly electric bill that says zero. It makes everyone in the house scream with happiness. On the other hand, my investment pay-off is renewable energy. Sustainability. I care about the environment and the planet. This is my contribution to saving our future. That is what makes solar worth it!”

Leader in rooftop solar

Solaric has established its name across the renewable industry as a proven and reputable rooftop solar leader. Solaric has installed more than 50% of residential rooftop solar in the Philippines and has delivered significant cost reductions in electricity expenses, as well as milestone contributions to a cleaner, greener, and renewable future. Solaric is now zoning in on corporate and industrial projects to offer them the same cost reductions. Welcome to the new generation of solar and turning on the sun.

For more information on solar power systems and solar panel prices, click here.

Visit this page, call +63.5040092, or email info@solaric.com.ph.

Regina Rome is a solar analyst with the Solar Digital Squad Research.

BREAKING NEWS: SOLARIC HITS 5K TODAY

SDS IS CHANGING THE GAME

Introducing the Solaric Digital Squad, otherwise known as the SDS. Solaric has finally gained momentum in generating creative and different Facebook content. SDS gathered its resources and started releasing homegrown productions and content, distinguishing itself from the usual hype and buzz of the normal corporate peeps.

Check this familiar tune out, click here!

CHECK OUT THE ILLEST LIGHT

When the sweltering heat of the Philippines triggers the solar beasts, the result is an original rap song that blows the OGs out of the water. Solaric employees stepped out of their usual comfort zones and released a rap battle about solar energy in the Philippines versus electric power. What made it extraordinary was the fact that they did everything from scratch: lyrics, rap, performance, video shoot, editing. Kudos to a workforce that can work hard and have fun at the same time!

Solaric will never bill you to submission; learn more of this here.

IRON CHEF FRIDAYS

Even the Solaric HR Team switched gears. They dubbed every Friday an Iron Chef cook-off, where the employees group themselves and cook up gourmet meals so delicious that even Bourdain wants to turn over. And, there’s even icing on the cake: cash prize to Solaric’s Iron Chef!

EVEN THE SUN HAS A RIPPLE EFFECT

Aside from the installers being on the go fulfilling those rooftop solar orders, other Solaric personnel is busy attending to matters of the heart – like lighting up a city after a devastating typhoon or helping out the sari-sari store owner across the street. In the past five years, Solaric has paid it forward by doing pro-bono work and subsidizing off-grid solar projects in remote areas with no grid. Recently, their charitable project was grid tie solar for an orphanage, to lower their monthly recurring costs (such as electricity). With solar, the orphanage can now turn on the aircon for the kids with special health needs.

5K MILESTONE

Solar101 participants in last month’s class

When Solaric was born half a decade ago, people didn’t really know much about solar energy or understand the technical stuff behind solar panels. Filipinos needed to learn about their options. So Solaric stepped in and trained them on solar power and solar panel systems through monthly SOLAR101 and SOLAR202 seminar courses. Today, Solaric reached a milestone and hit the 5,000 mark – which is the exact number of people that Solaric has officially trained on solar.

THINK WIN-WIN

That’s a record, because although our sun has been shining for 4.5 billion years, the average person has no idea about its magnificent power, or even how it is the cleanest, most sustainable, and most renewable resource in the world. Now, more people are aware of the fact that solar power can run their air conditioners, heaters, electric stoves, refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, offices, factories, warehouses, farms, and more. Now, they know that if they use solar instead of fossil fuels, they can help save the environment. And even better, it’s economical and cost-effective, because they can lower their power bills and profit from the investment!

For more information on solar power systems and solar panel prices, visit this page or call +63.5040092, or email info@solaric.com.ph

Regina Rome is a solar analyst with the Solar Digital Squad Research.

On Solar Systems in the Philippines: Is It Time for a Solar Revolution?

REGINA ROME
Solar Digital Squad
Manila, Philippines
October 1, 2018

Explain this solar system thing to me

Solar power is the conversion of energy from sunlight to electricity, typically using a photovoltaic system. A solar power system is made up of multiple photovoltaic (PV) panels, a DC to AC power converter (called inverter), and a rack system that holds the PV panels in place. Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels are generally fitted on the roof. The panels should be tilted at particular angles to maximize the amount of sunlight that hits the panels. In the Philippines, solar systems on the roofs of homes and businesses generate clean power by converting the energy in sunlight. Going solar is the new global energy alternative. It’s definitely trending – especially here in the Philippines. Why? Well because it’s clean, safe, green, renewable, and cheaper than electricity.

What happened at Nairobi

In June of 2017, a blackout planted itself for two days at the city hall of Nairobi City in Kenya, due to a SH732 million (Php 393,000,000) electric bill. Three weeks prior, the government had lost a court case that it filed the year before, appealing for Kenya Power to not disconnect their power supply. However, the real horror show was in the hospitals, because that is where the life-threatening situations occur, and that was where power was critical.

Now let’s check out California

With a population of approximately 40 Million, California is known for being a rich and famous state with the glitz and glamour of Hollywood and Beverly Hills. California is referred to as a leader in green energy. In May this year, California passed a law requiring that half of the state’s electricity must be derived from non-carbon producing sources by year 2030. California has been standing in the limelight for years now, as an influencer, trendsetter, and major player in clean energy. As of the end of 2017, California had installed solar capacity that produces 16% of its state power. The question is: how did they do it?

A glance in the rearview mirror

California was the first state to require all new homes to have solar power. California now requires solar panels on new homes and low-rise apartment buildings, the first such mandate in the country and the state’s latest step to limit greenhouse gas emissions. Such initiative is an example of what brings solar power to mainstream like never before. Solar capability is now a selling point for homeowners.

It hit two birds with one stone: “Builders must take one of two steps: Make individual homes available with solar panels or build a shared solar-power system serving a group of homes. In the case of rooftop panels, they can either be owned outright or be leased”.

What the Philippine options are

The Philippines can now follow suit and take on initiatives in the direction of what is referred to as the solar revolution. Invest in mini grid solar power plants. Install solar systems for all new houses and buildings. Require all homes to be powered by non-carbon producing sources (or clean energy). Use net metering to sell excess power to the utility company so that the homeowner becomes a producer AND a consumer (this is the ultimate secret to reducing, if not eliminating, those power bills).

Perhaps it is time for the Philippines to be just as bold and just as visionary. Maybe it is time to take a step towards the bright and solar California dream.

Regina Rome is a solar analyst with the Solar Digital Squad Research.

Every Country in the World is Racing Towards a Nation with 100% Renewable Energy. What About the Philippines?

REGINA ROME
Solar Digital Squad
Manila, Philippines
September 15, 2018

All over the world, the race for clean, safe, renewable energy is on.

In the Philippines, the Renewable Energy (RE) Act of 2008 has led to the development of more energy resources such as a solar panels priced in the Philippines. The law encourages the Philippines to increase energy sustainability and reduce its dependence on fossil fuels. The goal is to shift to using clean and renewable energy. However, ten years later, we are still lagging far behind from the rest of the world.

Figures on renewables

As renewable experts examined the globe in year 2017, they detected that renewable energy investment growth did not matriculate from Europe or North America. Surprisingly, the renewable energy leaders originated from developing nations, such as China, Brazil, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, and Argentina. Reports indicate China as the top of the list, with an increase in its investment from 17% to 36% globally, which equates to a whooping $126.6 Billion in renewable investment. China is, after all, the backyard to half of the world’s solar energy capacity.

What are the goals?

In California, the goal is clear and simple: all energy in the sunshine state should be from renewable sources by year 2045. Although initially ambitious, the state is fast approaching its goal, with 44% of its energy already from renewables.

Solar power for homes

Let us explore the sunshine state’s strategy on their transition to the top of the list in renewable energy. How did California make that leap and become the leader and trendsetter in clean energy?

Well, the state clamored for clean, safe, renewable energy. California was the first state to require all new homes to have solar power. They brought solar power to mainstream and made it the trend, bringing sunshine into the limelight like never before.

Clean energy and solar power advocates emphasized that the reduction in power bills or electric bills actually made the investment wise and sound. What people do not realize is that a solar powered home is worth much, much more, because it represents two elements: lower energy bills and clean, safe, renewable energy. Perhaps the rest of the world should now embrace solar in the same way.

Is it trending?

Well, Australia also launched a plan for its public housing pool, which involved the installation of solar panels and batteries in 50,000 homes within four years.

Solar panel prices in the Philippines and in other countries have dropped by 90% in the last decade and 50% in the last three years. With the rates of solar systems at an all-time low, homeowners are now making that household switch to solar, along with establishments such as schools, factories, malls, farms, and more. What makes the solar switch even better is the fact that homeowners can benefit from the net metering program, wherein they are credited for their excess power.

With solar power as the cheapest source of renewable energy, it only makes sense to harness this sunshine and turn on the sun – especially with today’s low-cost solar panels and affordable solar power for homes. The investment is a win-win, for homeowners and entrepreneurs alike.

Regina Rome is a solar analyst with the Solar Digital Squad Research.

Big Companies that Reached Their Renewable Energy Target

What big companies have already reached their renewable energy target?

LEGO
Apple
Google
IKEA

In the past few years, the world has seen a gradual and constant shift towards using renewable energy sources in order to help save the environment. From the solar system, the Philippines, and the rest of the world, renewable energy is something that can be used and utilized to the fullest. The Philippines is one country that has developed their renewable energy sources. In fact, solar tech in the Philippines is on a steady rise over the past few years.

Aside from that, some of the biggest companies in the world have begun to use renewable energy sources for their facilities in an attempt to lessen the emission of harmful gases that would be released into the environment. Along with these renewable sources, recyclable and biodegradable materials are also being used more widely, which ensures that there would be less waste disposed in landfills or oceans. To further enforce these policies, these companies set their own renewable energy goals, some of which have been met with much success. In an effort to inspire others, here are some of the companies that have reached their renewable energy target:

LEGO

The goal of the famous toy brick company was to have their whole company run on 100 percent renewable energy by 2020. But on May 2017, the company announced that their facilities have already achieved that. In fact, much of the company’s renewable energy comes from wind turbines, with one of these wind farms producing around 260 megawatts of energy. Other than renewable energy in their facilities, LEGO also produces solar powered toys to spread awareness of the benefits of using solar power to the younger generation.

Apple

One of the largest technology companies has also been reaching their target for the past few years, with almost 93 percent of their energy sources coming from renewables by 2015. Apple uses a combination of solar power, hydroelectric power, and wind power to give them the energy that they need. They are also aiming to ensure that their packaging is made out of 100 percent recyclable materials, such as bamboo and waste sugar cane.

Google

From one technology company to another, Google has announced that it will be able to reach its goal of using 100 percent renewable energy in their offices by the end of 2017. The company invested in 44 percent of their renewable energy during 2015, which comes from both solar and wind power.

Other than wind and solar energy, Google has been also looking into hydroelectric energy and biomass as other renewable alternatives in the near future.

IKEA

One of the world’s largest furniture companies, IKEA has committed to use renewable energy in their facilities as well. Their goal is to reach 100 percent by 2025, with most of this energy coming from wind and solar sources. They are also pushing their green agenda to the whole company as well, pushing to use more organic and recyclable materials in their furniture, along with using more cotton and lessening the amount of waste that is disposed.

Key Takeaway

As the world shifts to a greener agenda, these companies make sure that they are at the forefront of this positive change. Thanks to these large companies and industries, it would not be surprising to see the use of renewable energy increase worldwide in the next decade.

What Would Be The World Like If It Ran Only On Solar Power?

In today’s world, more and more countries are now using various forms of renewable energy as a major power source. These forms of energy include geothermal energy, wind energy, tidal energy, and solar energy. These energy sources have been proven to be viable and legitimate power sources, with the high possibility of replacing other non-renewable forms of energy in the future.Some countries have used a combination of these energy sourcesand they are enjoying the benefits of being able to use the same amount of energywhile spending less and keeping the environment clean.

One of the most popular forms of renewable energy is solar power, which has become more available and accessible than before. Solar panels are now being produced at a higher rate in countries like the United States, Germany, and China – whichare also the countries that use up a high amount of solar energy. As solar energy use becomes more common, there are some people that are wondering how the world would look like if it ran on renewable energy sources like solar power.

Renewable Energy Trailblazers

While the amount of renewable energy usage across the world is still minimal compared to the usage of regular forms of energy, there are a number of countries that have been going green on their energy for the past decade. One country that has been leading the way for the past few years is Germany, which is the world’s leading user of solar energy. Germany uses over 35 Gigawatts worth of renewable energyand has been proven to be able to provide a healthy share of energy in various areas of the country.

The United States of America is another example of a country that has been harnessing the power of solar energy. While their renewable energy resources aren’t as large compared to the rest of the pack, the number of projects related to it have increased in number. The country aims to use more green energy by the next decade.

Another country that has been using solar energy for a long time is Japan. Japan was the first country to integrate solar energy into their main power grid. While they may have slowed down with their renewable energy projects in the past few years due to their nuclear program, Japan has been commissioning new projects to increase their usage and reliance on renewable energy.

Another Asian country that has been utilizing solar energy more and more is China, which is one of the leading solar panel providers in the world. Like the United States of America, they have been using conventional power sources for a long time, which has been causing unwanted pollution in the country. With various companies in the country manufacturing a high amount of solar panels, China expects to increase the number of the total solar panels being used as a part of their national power grid.

Other than these four nations, other countries like Italy, Sweden, Denmark, Honduras, Uruguay, and Nicaragua have also made massive strides when it comes to renewable energy usage. With these set of countries leading the way, other nations might want to learn from their practicesand welcome renewable energy in the country.

Producing Results

In terms of numbers being produced, renewable energy has been deliveredand has even satisfied the power neededto their respective countries. Here are some incredible statistics that can help make you see that renewable energy sources would be the future of energy.

With these kinds of statistics, renewable energy is going on an upward trend during the recent years, and with more projects along the way, expect more countries to become reliant on renewable energy.

Solar Energy Milestones

Over the years, solar energy has achieved numerous milestones in terms of usage and development. Here are some milestones solar power has achieved over the years:

A Solar World?

With the various numbers that have been presented in this article, is it possible to have the world that is entirely reliant on solar energy? With so many countries having energy milestones on single types of renewable energy, why not? The advent of solar energy proved to the world that using energy from the sun is not only environmentally friendly and safe, but it also showed that it can be relied upon as a primary source of energy in the near future. However, before envisioning the world that only uses solar energy, let’s try imagining a single country first.

For a country to rely on solar energy alone, they must have an area that is wide enough to place a good amount of solar panels. The farther you spread out your solar panels, the more energy you can get. With the quality of solar panels improving, which leads to higher conversion rates, all you need would be a healthy amount of sunlight regularly. Even without a large land area, solar panels can be installed easily on various types of infrastructure like houses and buildings, which makes them the most convenient form of renewable energy available. With their accessibility and ease of construction, it will not be surprising to see cities covered in solar panels in the near future.

If it is possible for a single city and country to rely entirely on solar energy, it would not be farfetched to see countries adopting it as their main power source. While this is an undertaking that would not happen overnight, it is a project that would see the overall phasing out of traditional power sources, which can take a few years depending on the number of power plants that will be phased out. While this may seem like a Herculean task for the world to do, with cooperation and coordination from the government and various corporations, it can be a project that is highly possible.

Solar Power in the Next Decade

With the rise of renewable energy sources, countries around the world would be looking to phase out their traditional power sources. It will not be surprising to see at least 20 or more countries around the world to rely on renewable energy for 90% of their major power needs. With other green energy trends in different sectors like manufacturing and transportation, a world with efficient energy usage will become a reality.With the recent Paris Conference, countries have been establishing their green energy choices that they should achieve in the next few years.

Solar Energy vs. Fossil Fuels

Solar energy through the use of solar panels is being used not only in the Philippines but also across the entire world. People are now turning to renewable energy in an effort to save the environment from global warming.

However, there are still some individuals and industries that prefer to use fossil fuels to produce the energy they need for their daily activities. If you are unsure about which one to turn to, then you may want to continue reading below as this article will compare and contrast solar energy from fossil fuels.

What is Solar Energy?

Solar energy is an important source of renewable energy. Basically, it comes from the heat and the radiant light the sun produces. A wide range of technologies including but not limited to artificial photosynthesis, solar architecture, solar thermal energy, photovoltaic, and solar heating are able to harness the sun’s energy and turn it into solar power.

The International Energy Agency supports the use of solar energy for it can aid the efforts to decrease the causes of a worsening global warming.

What are Fossil Fuels?

These fuels are made through natural means; anaerobic decomposition of dead organisms is one of them. Anthracite coal, petroleum, and methane can be classified as fossil fuels. These materials can be both volatile and non-volatile.

They are not considered as a form of renewable energy because they take at least a mega-annum to be formed and created. Fossil fuel reserves are also being exhausted much faster than new reserves are being created.

Fossil fuels have high percentages of natural gas, coal, petroleum, and carbon contained in them. Burning them results in a huge amount of carbon dioxide being produced in the environment. This chemical compound heightens climate forcing which then leads to global warming.

Why Should You Use Solar Energy rather than Fossil Fuels?

By now, you have enough information to support renewable energy like solar power than fossil fuels. You could truly save the Earth from global warming and climate change. But if you need more convincing, then here are more reasons why you should make this effort.

Investment – There is a high possibility that you will see an economic shift from fossil fuels to clean or renewable energy. HSBC is predicting that stricter regulations regarding the climate can be put in place. This would mean that companies producing fossil fuels can be restricted from getting unused fuels that can be found underground. Ultimately, this may result into their fall.
Cost and Capacity – Solar panel installations are slowly escalating at a thrilling rate due to its cost drastically dropping. It is expected that this development will continue in the future. On the other hand, the cost of coal and other fossil fuels are rising because of the implementation of sterner environmental regulations.
Jobs – In the United States, the solar energy industry is able to hire more and more people. A total of 20,000 new jobs were handed out in 2013 by the various solar companies across America whereas the industry for fossil fuels is slowly but surely cutting jobs since 2012. This could be another result of stricter regulations being put in place.

All the reasons discussed above should really be enough for everyone to at least consider using solar energy (and other forms of renewable energy). Each and every individual has a responsibility towards this Earth. All of us can work together to produce a cleaner and brighter future not only for the next generation but also for the current one.

Germany and Its Solar Energy

Germany is one of the 177 countries (as of July 2016) that signed Paris Agreement. In it, countries from all around the world have agreed to actively fight global warming by reducing their emission of greenhouse gases. These countries, quite literally, want to save the world. In order to do so, we don’t have to turn to unrealistic solutions and extravagant technologies; the simple way to do it is to juts use more renewable energy.

Renewable energy

There are many sources of renewable energy: solar energy, where energy from sunlight is harvested and converted into electricity using solar panels; wind, which can be harvested using wind turbines (or windmills); tidal, which can be harvested by the turbines that spin from the movement of waves; wave, where seawater movement compresses air and spins the turbine; geothermal, where cold water is pumped into the ground and comes back up as steam which is used to power the turbines to create electricity; hydroelectric, where energy is harvested from the movement of water through bodies of water such as rivers, and dams; and biomass, where energy is harvested from chemically treating animal waste or decaying organic materials, but is only considered renewable energy if crops or organic materials are replanted.

Advantages

One of the advantages of renewable energy is that it will never run out. That’s why it’s called renewable – because the source of the energy is sustainable which allows it to be used continuously. The energy that can be harvested from nature is potentially infinite. Another is that when power produced by converting the energy is used, there is no waste products, unlike non-renewable energy sources that release pollutants or greenhouse gases when burned through to be consumed.

Germany’s surplus of energy

On the 8th of May, all of the power suppliers of Germany, from solar, hydro, biomass, and wind plants, were providing Germany with 55GW of the 63GW, or 87%, of the power being consumed by the market. Because of this overabundance of renewable energy, the prices went negative for a few hours, which means that the power suppliers of the country had to pay the people to use the electricity they were generating.

According to Agora Energiewende, last year, 33% of the power came from renewable energy, and they hope that the number will rise when they launch the wind turbines. Agora has also mentioned that every year, the share of renewable energy rises every year, and 8th of May showed that having a power system that supplies large amounts of power from renewable energy works just fine.

Germany aims to achieve 100% renewable energy by year 2050. Denmark is already generating so much electricity from their wind turbines that they’re exporting the extra to neighboring countries such as Germany, Sweden, and Norway.