Solar Energy Mindanao

I had the same question before. Like many others, I believed Solar Energy in Mindanao was simply another passing trend. I thought it might eventually fade because of its long-term challenges and costs. However, CEPALCO’s management proved me wrong through their efforts and commitment to solar energy.

After listening to the lecture by Engr. Cecilio Sumaoy, we became more informed about solar energy. We realized that it is time for Mindanaoans to recognize its reliability and effectiveness. We should support this development and help promote clean energy throughout Mindanao and its communities.

Mindanao has limited power capacity, while its growing population continues to increase electricity demand. As Mindanao’s economy grows, the electricity demand will also increase. This is an unavoidable reality that we must prepare for. So, how can existing power plants meet these growing demands without causing more frustrating blackouts? The power plants we currently have can probably help meet these demands for now. However, how long can they continue providing enough electricity? Below is part of the news I found in the Philippine Star about Mindanao’s tight electricity supply.

For your information, Mindanao relies on diesel, geothermal, coal, and hydro power plants. These sources have limited supplies and may eventually decline. In contrast, solar energy is naturally available and has been used successfully by many rapidly developing countries.

So Why SOLAR ENERGY?

The biggest reason many people hesitate to support Solar Energy in Mindanao is its cost. They believe solar energy is expensive and impractical. However, here are some important facts to consider.

The cost of solar installation continues to decline as demand increases worldwide. More countries and individuals are adopting solar energy as a reliable power source.

Solar energy can be a cost-effective option for electricity generation. It can also be one of the fastest power plants to build after approval.

For example, a 100-MW solar power plant could potentially be completed within one year. Solar energy could also supply a significant portion of future global energy needs.

Solar technology requires less maintenance and has relatively low operating costs, and solar panels can also last for up to 30 years with proper care.

Electricity generated from solar energy is also covered by the Philippine Renewable Energy Law.

Renewable Energy Technologies Available

The Philippines currently has several renewable energy technologies available. These include wind, ocean, hydro, biomass, and solar energy.

Wind: Most wind power projects are located in Luzon.

Ocean: Existing ocean energy projects are mainly located in Luzon.

Hydro: Hydropower projects are found across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Biomass: Biomass projects are mainly located in Luzon and Visayas.

Solar: Solar projects are found in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Cagayan de Oro already has a 1-MW solar power plant operated by CEPALCO.

Here is an interesting question. Did you know Mindanaoans also contribute to renewable energy development costs?

Many renewable energy projects are located in Luzon and Visayas. However, consumers across the Philippines help support renewable energy development.

This is connected to the Renewable Energy Law and its related charges on electricity bills.

Renewable Energy Law

FiT-All (Feed-in Tariff Allowance) – The FiT-All is considered most relevant among the calculations because this manifests the pass-on effect on the consumers’ electricity bills. ALL electricity end users are required to pay a uniform Peso/kWh charge as a feed-in tariff allowance (FIT-All), which will be placed in a fund from which the payments to renewable energy developers will be paid. This FIT-All, which will be determined annually, will appear as a separate line item on customers’ bills.

It simply means, even if the people of Mindanao chose to do NOTHING, Mindanao consumers will still end up paying for those Renewable Energies already established. So why are we all just sit around opposing the generation of Solar Energy in Mindanao while other consumers from Luzon and Visayas are enjoying their own Renewable Energy, with us here in Mindanao paying at the same time?

Come to think of it, the cost of Mindanao electricity usage through Solar Energy divided by the whole electricity-consuming population of the entire Philippines? Do you still think it’s expensive? We are just talking about the cost issue here. How about its effect on our failing environment? That’s a HUGE bonus! So why say no to Solar Energy in Mindanao? I am a definite YES!