Committee pushes for solar technology

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Council’s Committee on Environment has recommended the use of the Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Technology System as an alternative source of electricity in all buildings the city government owns and maintains.

“In this Committee Report, we favourably endorse the adoption of an eco-friendly

and economically beneficial generation of energy with the use of Solar Photovoltaic

Technology System,” said Councilor Joel Garganera, quoting their committee report, as he moved for its approval before the council.

Garganera is the chairman of the Committee on Environment.

The council earlier requested the committee to study the installation of solar powered systems or other forms of renewable energy sources in all buildings owned and maintained by the city government without cost to the city.

The committee stated that the Solar PV Technology System is an alternative source of electricity at a low cost.

“It helps produce electricity by focusing on solar radiation to convert solar energy. This type of system helps us to aid greenhouse gas emissions and lessen our dependence on fossil fuel considering that it obtains clean and pure energy from the sun. There are manufacturers of Solar PV Systems in the Philippines, which are Solar Philippines in Batangas and SunPower in Laguna,” read the committee report.

Last September 8, the Committee on Environment has invited AboitizPower, Cebu Private Power Corporation (CPPC), and Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) for a meeting to highlight another option in obtaining electricity resources through the application of Solar PV Technology System.

The committee said that as per the recommendations of the three companies, the adaptation of the Solar PV System will create a significant contribution in returning investments, not just financially but also for environmental sustainability and public health.

The Solar PV Technology System has the ability to offer substantial cost-efficient, renewable, and sustainable ways to generate electricity by not relying on conventional electricity that gets its resources through the use of fossil fuels that can harm the environment and having an extensive source of energy from the sun and it is more reliable and cost-effective, versus the expensive mining and use of fossil fuels.

The committee said that since conventional electricity or the traditional power has to be paid regularly, investing in solar energy will save the city financially as the installation is a one-time activity, and the product will run efficiently for 25 years or more.

“Being independent from the electrical grid entails being energy independent. In the event of adverse weather or damage to power lines, you can encounter a number of problems if you have no other way of powering your home. Utilizing solar energy relieves you from dependence on unstable power networks at critical times, especially when coupled with a backup battery system,” read the committee report.

With this, the council called for an executive session on October 26 for the AboitizPower, CPPC, and ERC to present their product.

“For the benefit of other governmental organizations and the general public, a presentation of the distributed solar PV system types is required to know how it works and how it is beneficial to the building,” the committee stated.

“Additionally, the integrity and structural stability of the roof must be taken into account while applying this solar PV system, as well as the rising cost of electricity, the lack of electricity during disasters, and other factors,” it added.

Considering the benefit and cost of its adoption, the committee said that it would be commendable if the cost of purchasing the solar PV panels were to be funded.

It, however, stressed that there is still a need for further discussion and consultation with relevant government agencies about this. — GAN (FREEMAN)