Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) voiced strong support for solar panel installations as a tool for energy efficiency while cautioning the public that improper setups pose significant fire and safety risks.
The country’s largest power distributor is expanding solar technology across its own facilities to reduce operational energy use.
Meralco executive vice-president and chief operating officer Ronnie Aperocho said the company aims to practice the resource conservation it encourages among its customers.
“We believe that if a technology can help save resources and improve efficiency, we should also practice it ourselves,” Aperocho said.
Through its Resource Conservation and Efficiency Program launched in 2020, Meralco has installed solar panels at its Pasig City headquarters, business centers and sector offices.
The company also operates a subsidiary, MSpectrum, to help residential and commercial Philippine customers transition to renewable energy.
Meralco spokesperson Joe Zaldarriaga said the utility supports the shift through its net metering program, which lets customers export excess power back to the grid for credit. However, he warned that failure to comply with government regulations can lead to disasters.
“Substandard installations and facilities may cause accidents,” Zaldarriaga said, specifically citing the risk of electrical fires.
The Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Philippines Inc. (IIEE) joined the call for stricter adherence to safety protocols. While the group supports the transition to cleaner energy, it said that the design, installation and maintenance of rooftop solar photovoltaic systems should be handled exclusively by licensed electrical practitioners.
The IIEE raised particular concern over “guerrilla” solar systems. These unregistered units bypass utility coordination and professional supervision, which the group said exposes communities to electrocution and grid instability.
All solar components, including inverters and batteries, should meet Philippine National Standards and Department of Trade and Industry regulations. The IIEE said these requirements follow Republic Act No. 7920 and the Philippine Electrical Code to ensure the industry’s growth remains safe for the general public.
