SM Bacoor switches on 1.3 - mw solar rooftop

MANILA, Philippines — SM Supermalls and solar power provider Green Heat Corp. have switched on a 1.3-megawatt (MW) solar rooftop project on SM City Bacoor, the mall developer’s 11th solar-powered shopping center to date.

SM City Bacoor’s solar rooftop is SM’s first in Cavite with 3,114 solar panels installed on the 6,230-square meter roof of the property.

Producing a daily average of 1.13 MW of power or a monthly average of 128,000 kilowatt hours of electricity, the solar rooftop system can save SM City Bacoor an estimated P10.3 million in electricity cost each year and reduce its dependence on the power grid, Green Heat general manager Roberto Martin said in a virtual press conference.

He said the project, which can power 800 homes, would allow SM City Bacoor to help reduce carbon dioxide emissions by an estimated 8,493 metric tons on its first year.

The solar rooftop facility adds to the environment-friendly measures that SM City Bacoor has implemented over the years.

“SM recognizes its impact on the environment and continuously takes measures to prioritize the efficient management of its resources, which in this case is our mall’s vast rooftop space that, aside from its use as shelter, is now a reliable source of power,” SM Supermalls AVP for Operations for South 1 Region Lorenzo Leon Calingasan IV said.

In 2014, the mall converted its lights to light-emitting diode lighting. It is also reusing wastewater to ACVS and flushing of comfort rooms for efficient water consumption.

SM has also implemented a trash-to-cash campaign, a clean air program for smoke-free establishments within its community, and an energy program using its enterprise building automation system.

SM focuses on responsible solid waste management, information and education programs and community partnerships to promote the care of the environment.

“Our group guarantees providing top quality systems that will perform for many years for our partners, who in turn can expect to make significant savings while making a lasting impact on the environment,” Green Heat director Glenn Tong said.

Green Heat accounts for over 40 percent of the solar rooftop installations in the country, of which 85 percent are commercial installations while the rest are residential installations.