DOE teams up with solar energy firms to promote solar usage

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Energy (DOE) has teamed up with local solar companies to promote the use of solar energy in the country on the back of growing energy demand and a looming power supply shortage in the summer of 2015.

At last week’s opening of the National Energy Consciousness Month, Energy Assistant Secretary Jose Raymundo Acol said the DOE is committed to find solutions to broaden the assistance of the government in promoting renewable energy technologies, particularly solar energy, to reach a wider audience.

“Solar technology’s presence in the industry will usher a new chapter that will ensure the gradual greening of power generation and ensure a more sustainable future for the country,” he said.

The DOE’s recent programs aimed at promoting renewable energy include the Household Electrification Program (HEP) and the Solar Rooftop Facilities in Academic Institutions.

For the solar rooftop program, the latest project is the 96-kilowatt solar facility of St. Scholastica’s College – Manila, which makes the school the third educational institution that inaugurated their solar facilities after La Consolacion College – Manila and Manuel Luis Quezon University.

Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla said the DOE would continue with its thrust of promoting renewable energy technologies as part of efforts to ensure energy security and sustainability in the future.

The DOE and the Philippine National Oil Co. – Renewables Corp. also held last week the 2014 Solar Expo, which aims to provide a venue for solar companies to promote their products and services and also for the various government offices and LGUs to be informed of the different solar technologies available to them. 

Six solar companies participated in the event: Trademaster Resources Corp., Transnational Uyeno Solar Corp., Star 8 Solar Philippines, Solaric Philippines, Propmech Corp. and One Renewable Energy Enterprise Inc.