Canadian firm harnesses sun for PH toy maker

A Canadian solar power firm has completed a string of projects worldwide, including a 500-kilowatt project for a Philippine toy manufacturer, amid rising corporate demand for alternative sources of electricity.

Toronto-based UGE International Ltd. said in a statement a solar rooftop system for Robin Toys, located in Cebu, “has reached final completion.”

“UGE was selected by Robin Toys, a premium manufacturer of toys, for the development and construction of a renewable energy system in order to offset grid-electricity consumption and get a cheaper rate of electricity,” the solar firm said.

The project, which started in 2018, offsets over 650,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity sourced from the main power grid. UGE said this reduced Robin Toys’ operating expenses due to lower cost of electricity.

UGE’s other recently completed projects are spread out across New York City and Maryland in the United States, Peterborough in Canada, and in Nigeria.

“As UGE expands and brings its solar expertise to new markets, we open up new possibilities for more communities worldwide to benefit from solar,” UGE director of engineering Erik Coverdale said.

In the Philippines, UGE’s portfolio includes solar installations for Calamba Doctor’s Hospital in Laguna (150 kw), Perry’s Farm also in Laguna (90 kw), Nature’s Spring 1 in Cebu (475-kw phase 1 and 1,265-kw phase 2) and Astoria Palawan in Puerto Princesa City (10 kw).