A pro-solar energy lawmaker has urged the government to crack down on fly-by-night solar power providers amid growing interest among Filipino households in shifting to renewable energy.
The government must ensure that consumers are protected from unscrupulous operators taking advantage of the rising demand for residential solar systems.
“Of course, we fully support this shift to renewable energy, which is friendlier both to our environment and our wallets over the long term as we rely less on non-renewable sources,” Abra Rep. JB Bernos said
But he warned that the transition to solar energy should not expose consumers to unsafe installations, substandard equipment, and providers that disappear after collecting payments.
The Abra solon called on the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Energy (DOE), and Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to take a more proactive role in monitoring and going after unqualified or fraudulent solar providers.
The lawmaker issued the appeal amid reports of poor-quality solar panels, lack of maintenance and post-installation services, and systems being installed without proper registration with authorities.
“May mga nababalitaan tayong solar installations na nasusunog, o di kaya mga providers na hindi na mahagilap para sa pagkumpuni ng mga installation o kaya para sa maintenance,” Bernos said.
He also urged consumers to follow the proper process when shifting to solar energy, saying convenience should not come at the expense of safety and accountability.
“We cannot sacrifice responsibility at the altar of convenience,” Bernos said.
“I urge our kababayan to undergo the correct process when shifting to solar. This is not only for legality’s sake, but more importantly, it minimizes risk and ensures our safety,” he added.
The current process for shifting to solar energy includes securing a barangay clearance, building permit, electrical permit, electrical inspection and certificate, and net metering application, including the issuance of a Yellow Card.
Bernos is the author of House Bill No. 3126, or the proposed On-Grid Solar Energy Systems Act, which seeks to require the installation of on-grid solar energy systems in all national and local government offices across the country.