Philippine Carabao Center signs up for solar power

The Philippine Carabao Center is the first among agencies attached to the Department of Agriculture to adopt solar power. (Photo from the PCC website)

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Carabao Center (PCC) has partnered with two entities to install a 1.05 megawatt-peak solar photovoltaic (PV) project by September, aiming to lower electricity costs, particularly during the summer season.

The PCC signed a memorandum of agreement with Malaysian firm MAQO Engineering and Davao-based Solaraze Konstruct Development Corp. (SKD) to formalize the solar project.

“The agency spends a significant amount on electricity each month, and this cost is likely to rise even more during the summer,” PCC executive director Liza Battad said.

“With this achievement, we can reduce our energy expenses and embody the resilience of the carabao by adapting to a climate-smart environment,” Battad said.

SKC chief executive officer Alexander Arce said the firm is targeting to install solar panels on the agency’s rooftops by September this year.

“With the installation of a 1-megawatt solar system, the agency will not only reduce its energy cost but will also take a firm step towards a low-carbon energy-resilient future,” MAQO business development director Vernon Foo said.

First among agriculture agencies

The PCC will become the first attached agency of the Department of Agriculture to commit to transforming electrical sources to solar energy, according to Edwin Atabay, PCC’s OIC deputy executive director.

MAQO managing director Kong Kok King said the solar project at the PCC office is projected to generate 1.5 gigawatt-hours of electricity yearly and reduce carbon emissions by 1,200 tons.

The parties involved will finalize the timeline and schedule of the planned solar power project following the recent MOA signing.

In the meantime, SKC will evaluate the roof structure and stability, finalize the design and concept for the electrical works, and prepare and deliver the necessary materials.

MAQQ is a solar power company headquartered in Selangor, a state on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It provides clean energy solutions to residential homeowners, full-scale commercial and industrial solar energy system, and solar farm projects.

SKD, on the other hand, is a Filipino company that offers high-quality and affordable solar PV systems at competitive prices.