6 pointers to harness energy straight from the sun

The Philippines’ location on this planet makes it a prime recipient of sunlight, one of the most abundant and almost inexhaustible alternative energy sources. Never mind the sweat-inducing heat the intense rays of sunlight can bring upon our sensitive bodies; for energy experts and conservationists alike, sunlight is a complete blessing that, unfortunately, Filipino society and governments haven’t fully embraced.

Not that Pinoys haven’t tried. Here and there, we might see evidence of individuals and entities that have been enjoying the benefits of limitless, virtually free solar energy—when we see the familiar panels lined up on the rooftops or on the open fields. But here’s the rub: Making photovoltaic panels costs an arm and a leg, so that prohibitive price prevents the masses from making that solar breakthrough.

The high cost, however, may be all worth it. Solar panels reduce the carbon footprint of a home or establishment, and lower their energy bills. Ultimately, the money saved from lower electricity bills would offset the cost of purchasing or making the solar panels, more so if the panels are installed in an establishment with high energy demands, such as schools and other government buildings.

Architect Froilan Hong, who knows a thing or two about solar energy, shared his “love affair” with solar power with Inquirer Property in a July interview.

Hong said: “My recollections of the move to nonconventional energy sources using solar, wind, waves, biogas and others started during the Marcos era when the first big oil price adjustment in 1975 shocked the entire world. It was Executive Secretary Alejandro Melchor Jr. who was overseeing this project then. Several of us from the University of the Philippines were involved in different research teams formed by the Department of Science and Technology. We saw great promise using natural renewable energy sources. Some small pilot prototypes had been developed to showcase that it was doable.”

In 1981, Hong was commissioned by the Department of Energy to demonstrate how solar panels could power air conditioners, windmills could pump water, and office spaces could be naturally ventilated. The result of this was the Center for Nonconventional Energy building, which still stands, and could be found right behind the new UP Technohub.

Unfortunately, after the oil crisis of the ’70s and early ’80s had settled down, the switches running the alternative energy program of the government were turned off, as well.

“Had the government pursued these projects with determination, we would have been able to continuously improve the technology and make these affordable to everyone, thus releasing us from the overdependence on oil,” Hong rued.

Alternative energy resurgence

But they can’t keep the sun down for too long. Owing much to the global climate change crisis and the prospect of dwindling oil reserves, Hong said there have been renewed efforts to put alternative energy back into the mainstream.

Hong stressed: “I’m really excited that there have been real efforts to harness solar energy, with several solar farms that have been set up recently. I definitely would like to see more architects make solar panels and windmills part of their designs.”

With the inputs of members of environmental advocates Greenpeace Philippines, Hong shared these six tips to would-be solar panel users:

1Solar and LED lighting is the ideal combo. Hong said that the recent developments on LED, or light-emitting diodes, now allow homeowners to power their entire lighting system by solar panels, as LEDs use very little power. Small windmills can be used to run their water pumps, and even aircon units.

As an example, Hong said his group upgraded and expanded the Asian Development Bank cafeteria and changed its lights to LED six years ago.

“The resulting power consumption of the LEDs was only 17 percent of that of conventional lights,” he pointed out.

2Research more about solar power. Greenpeace Philippines, in a statement, said that “it’s always a good idea to get yourself acquainted with new technology, and how others are using it. The use of solar power is no different, and getting behind cleaner, more sustainable energy starts with eliminating any doubts you may have, once and for all.”

For starters, one can watch the “Juana Solar Busts a Myth in Minutes” series online (https://www.iwantsolar.ph) to break the most common renewable energy myths that cast the most doubts on solar energy.

3  Perform an energy audit. Greenpeace Philippines stressed that it would be necessary to first find out how much energy a household or an establishment consumes. Once the amount of power needed is determined, then it would be easier for the preferred power provider to choose between a Partial System and Full System, and an Off-grid setup and Grid-tied setup, and decide on what type and size of panels to use.

4Yes, solar panels can be items subject to financing. Some solar panel providers offer in-house financing in easy installments, while banks like BPI and BDO offer loans specifically for solar home installations. Pag-Ibig also offers loans for the purchase and installation of solar panels to members who want to save on electricity costs using renewable energy through the agency’s Home Improvement Loan, revealed Greenpeace Philippines.

5 Avoid the DIY approach. Placing solar panels isn’t as easy as looking for space to dry your clothes. In order to find that optimal location for solar panels in your home (and rooftops aren’t always the safest place to put panels on), Greenpeace urges that installation should be best handled by the experts to avoid safety hazards. Most solar panel providers can tell the optimal location and orientation of the panels. Log on to https://www.iwantsolar.ph/solarize-your-home for a downloadable list of solar panel providers in the Philippines.

6Reap the benefits, then share your story. “Demonstrating the benefits of solar energy will call attention to the slow progress of renewable energy uptake in the country’s energy mix. This will increase the pressure on newly elected officials to do their part in speeding up the shift to clean, renewable energy, which is also the key to the Philippines’ energy independence,” said Greenpeace Philippines.