Rizal, Nueva Ecija — The tens of thousands of local government units (LGUs) in the Philippines hold the secret key for the country to unleash its abundant solar energy and to achieve energy independence: their rooftops, according to a new study by People of Asia for Climate Solutions (PACS).
“We are blessed with some of the world’s brightest sunlight and richest solar potentials, and yet we are plagued with the least affordable electricity and the most frequent blackouts in Southeast Asia,” said Jasmine May Sabado, Energy Campaigner at PACS. “The solution is right above our heads, and the catalysts are our barangay captains.”
Utilizing these spaces could generate clean, reliable power, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and save local governments a significant amount of their budget.
Case studies in Rizal, Nueva Ecija show that solarizing public buildings delivers both immediate relief and long-term financial gains for LGUs. Using Barangay Bicos as an example, a PHP 200,000 budget can install an 11-kW system which can generate around1650 kWh in a month. Under the Net Metering Program (NMP), this can save more than PHP 12,000 per month for the barangay, with a payback period of only 15 to 20 months.
While NMP works within a barangay’s specific budget, the Expanded Roof-Mounted Solar Program (ERSP) maximizes the full potential of usable public rooftops. Should there be sufficient funding, Barangay Bicos could fully tap its 1,520 square meters of usable rooftop space to install a 336.24 kW rooftop PV system, complemented by 168.12 kW of energy storage, forming a "community microgrid." This setup would enable to generate more than 50,000 kWh per month, enough to power over 255 households based on the average monthly consumption of 200 kWh. Despite a higher upfront investment under ERSP, with an initial total cost of PHP 10,000,000, Barangay Bicos could still break even in about three years, while selling stable solar electricity to barangay households at a much lower price than distribution utilities.
In both models, LGUs gain access to stable, affordable power and generate long-term savings that can be redirected to essential services such as education, healthcare, and disaster risk management. “This proves that rooftop solar is not only technically feasible, but financially smart and socially beneficial,” said Sabado.
Local governments are signaling readiness. Barangay LGUs in Rizal, Nueva Ecija have expressed willingness to pilot rooftop solar under their climate and energy strategies, and other LGUs are beginning to explore similar steps. For many, the question is no longer “if,” but “when.”
“Every peso we save from electricity is a peso we can redirect to other urgent needs like health, safety, education. For small LGUs, solar isn’t just an environmental decision. It’s a financial strategy. Instead of watching our budget disappear into power bills, we want to invest in our people,” said Captain Victor dela Cruz of Barangay Bicos, Rizal, Nueva Ecija.
Researchers stress that the NMP model is readily implementable, offering LGUs a practical way to unlock gigawatts of clean energy while shielding communities from volatile coal, gas, and diesel markets. But they also note that the ERSP pathway, though requiring stronger policy and financing mechanisms, represents the ideal scenario, enabling LGUs to maximize rooftop potential and deliver benefits at a much larger scale. This vision aligns with national priorities to expand solar access to millions of households and illustrates how LGU-led action can help deliver on that goal.
The report urges the national government to accelerate support by streamlining permits, expanding financing, and ensuring grid readiness. Without decisive action, the country risks losing billions in potential savings and the chance for a cleaner, more resilient energy future.
“We fully support PACS’ advocacy of advancing renewable energy. If we want LGUs to save more and serve more, we need to give them the tools to invest in solar. Supportive financing mechanisms, whether soft loans, subsidies, or national programs, can unlock thousands of rooftops across the country. The potential is enormous, and the benefits go straight to Filipino communities,” said Councilor Christian Mangapis, on behalf of 2nd District of Nueva Ecija Congressman Mario “Kokoy” Salvador.
“LGUs can and must become the pioneers to lead the national renewable energy transition. While world leaders at Belem failed to cut ties with fossil fuels, people on the ground must take the leadership. And we are,” Sabado concluded, referring to the weak outcome of COP30 that ended in Belem, Brazil on Nov 23.
Read the full report: https://www.paaacs.org/ReportCenter/EmpoweringLocalEnergy
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