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Renewable energy transforms communities
Renewable energy transforms communities
SIKAT
Published May 24, 2024 12:04 PM PHT
Renewable energy sources like solar power are known for their environmental benefits such as reduced greenhouse gas emissions and a smaller carbon footprint. But for many households and communities, the advantages extend far beyond the environmental impacts.
Renewable energy sources like solar power are known for their environmental benefits such as reduced greenhouse gas emissions and a smaller carbon footprint. But for many households and communities, the advantages extend far beyond the environmental impacts.
Cost savings, improved quality of life, and increased safety are just a few of the personal benefits experienced by those who have embraced solar power.
Cost savings, improved quality of life, and increased safety are just a few of the personal benefits experienced by those who have embraced solar power.
A common misconception is that solar energy systems are expensive and only accessible to affluent households. However, real-life stories prove otherwise. The cost of solar technology has decreased significantly over the years1, making it a viable option for many, regardless of income level. Community programs have also made solar energy accessible.
A common misconception is that solar energy systems are expensive and only accessible to affluent households. However, real-life stories prove otherwise. The cost of solar technology has decreased significantly over the years1, making it a viable option for many, regardless of income level. Community programs have also made solar energy accessible.
Bringing light to a community
Bringing light to a community
In the remote island community of Isla ng Hilabaan in Dolores, Eastern Samar, the absence of reliable electricity has long shaped the daily lives and challenges of its residents.
In the remote island community of Isla ng Hilabaan in Dolores, Eastern Samar, the absence of reliable electricity has long shaped the daily lives and challenges of its residents.
Jocelyn Sugalon, a local rice cake vendor, reflects on the challenges that their family faced. "We only had batteries and a lamp that we still needed to buy gas for. Sometimes, they last for a week. But when I use them as I make rice cakes, they often run out. I used to always wish we had light because my son was having a hard time doing his modules," she shared.2
Jocelyn Sugalon, a local rice cake vendor, reflects on the challenges that their family faced. "We only had batteries and a lamp that we still needed to buy gas for. Sometimes, they last for a week. But when I use them as I make rice cakes, they often run out. I used to always wish we had light because my son was having a hard time doing his modules," she shared.2
Life without electricity meant that Jocelyn's nights were consumed by the dim glow of a lamp, which once even caused a fire in their home and destroyed many of their belongings.
Life without electricity meant that Jocelyn's nights were consumed by the dim glow of a lamp, which once even caused a fire in their home and destroyed many of their belongings.
The lack of lights in their community not only hampered daily activities but also posed safety risks.
The lack of lights in their community not only hampered daily activities but also posed safety risks.
However, hope arrived with the Just Energy Transition (JET) project, led by Oxfam Pilipinas and its local partner organization Sentro para sa Ikauunlad ng Katutubong Agham at Teknolohiya, Inc. (SIKAT). This initiative introduced solar energy solutions to the island and transformed the community's access to power.
However, hope arrived with the Just Energy Transition (JET) project, led by Oxfam Pilipinas and its local partner organization Sentro para sa Ikauunlad ng Katutubong Agham at Teknolohiya, Inc. (SIKAT). This initiative introduced solar energy solutions to the island and transformed the community's access to power.
"We designed the project to power 120 households with 2 light bulbs per household, and community charging stations for batteries, cell phones, and flashlights. The panels' guaranteed lifespan is 25 years. Solar energy harnesses sunlight, converting it into energy. We store it in the batteries then distribute it to the loads. Solar energy is affordable and it is easy to deploy." explained Engineer Kenneth Abellanosa of Solar Solutions.2
"We designed the project to power 120 households with 2 light bulbs per household, and community charging stations for batteries, cell phones, and flashlights. The panels' guaranteed lifespan is 25 years. Solar energy harnesses sunlight, converting it into energy. We store it in the batteries then distribute it to the loads. Solar energy is affordable and it is easy to deploy." explained Engineer Kenneth Abellanosa of Solar Solutions.2
The project also empowered the women of Hilabaan by involving them in the management and maintenance of solar energy systems.
The project also empowered the women of Hilabaan by involving them in the management and maintenance of solar energy systems.
For Jocelyn and many others, solar power has not only illuminated their homes, but also helped improve their quality of life. "Maganda. Sabi nila mahal daw. Kahit na, kaysa nagpapa-charge ako. Maganda ang solar. Araw at gabi yan. Ang benepisyo sa solar sa akin, nagbibigay siya ng liwanag sa amin. Sa pag-mo-module ng mga anak ko, sa paggagawa ko ng kakanin," Jocelyn expressed. (It is good. They say it is expensive, but I think that is better than relying on charging. Solar is better because it can be utilized day and night. Solar power gives light. It helps my children finish their school modules and it helps me when I make rice cakes.)2
For Jocelyn and many others, solar power has not only illuminated their homes, but also helped improve their quality of life. "Maganda. Sabi nila mahal daw. Kahit na, kaysa nagpapa-charge ako. Maganda ang solar. Araw at gabi yan. Ang benepisyo sa solar sa akin, nagbibigay siya ng liwanag sa amin. Sa pag-mo-module ng mga anak ko, sa paggagawa ko ng kakanin," Jocelyn expressed. (It is good. They say it is expensive, but I think that is better than relying on charging. Solar is better because it can be utilized day and night. Solar power gives light. It helps my children finish their school modules and it helps me when I make rice cakes.)2
Through collective efforts and the spirit of Bayanihan, the community of Hilabaan has embraced solar power. The JET project shows how renewable energy may help marginalized communities, and it proves that even the most remote areas may access the benefits of modern technology and sustainable development.
Through collective efforts and the spirit of Bayanihan, the community of Hilabaan has embraced solar power. The JET project shows how renewable energy may help marginalized communities, and it proves that even the most remote areas may access the benefits of modern technology and sustainable development.
Solar street lights bring fisherfolk home safe
Solar street lights bring fisherfolk home safe
The solar powered streetlight serves as the navigational guide for fisherfolk at sea as well as an additional protection measure that allows the community to walk on a well-lighted street at night. Photo source: SIKAT Inc.
The solar powered streetlight serves as the navigational guide for fisherfolk at sea as well as an additional protection measure that allows the community to walk on a well-lighted street at night. Photo source: SIKAT Inc.
Noli Pomida, a 34-year-old fisherman from Hilabaan Island, shared how solar-powered navigation lights have transformed his community. Previously, fisherfolk relied on faint blinkers, which often led to accidents due to poor visibility. With the installation of solar-powered street and navigation lights, fisherfolk like Noli may now safely navigate their boats, even in bad weather.
Noli Pomida, a 34-year-old fisherman from Hilabaan Island, shared how solar-powered navigation lights have transformed his community. Previously, fisherfolk relied on faint blinkers, which often led to accidents due to poor visibility. With the installation of solar-powered street and navigation lights, fisherfolk like Noli may now safely navigate their boats, even in bad weather.
A solar panel installed on a fishing boat helps fisherfolks find their way home. Photo source: Geraldine Grace Hoggang/Oxfam Pilipinas
A solar panel installed on a fishing boat helps fisherfolks find their way home. Photo source: Geraldine Grace Hoggang/Oxfam Pilipinas
"The navigation lights addressed one of the most basic needs of our community. It eases our way of going to the sea and returning to this island. We can also easily transact when we want to sell our catch because the surroundings are well-lit," said Pomida.3
"The navigation lights addressed one of the most basic needs of our community. It eases our way of going to the sea and returning to this island. We can also easily transact when we want to sell our catch because the surroundings are well-lit," said Pomida.3
Solar power lightens the burden on rural women
Solar power lightens the burden on rural women
Angelica Legria, a 25-year-old mother, describes how a solar-powered home system has changed her daily life. Previously reliant on kerosene lamps, which provided dim and unreliable light, Angelica now enjoys bright, consistent lighting. This change has extended her productive hours, allowing her to do household chores efficiently and spend quality time with her family.
Angelica Legria, a 25-year-old mother, describes how a solar-powered home system has changed her daily life. Previously reliant on kerosene lamps, which provided dim and unreliable light, Angelica now enjoys bright, consistent lighting. This change has extended her productive hours, allowing her to do household chores efficiently and spend quality time with her family.
"I now have time to do all these care work duties because of all the other little tasks I can do at night instead," said Angelica.4
"I now have time to do all these care work duties because of all the other little tasks I can do at night instead," said Angelica.4
Her husband, Anecito, has also become more involved in care work, helping their children with their schoolwork at night.
Her husband, Anecito, has also become more involved in care work, helping their children with their schoolwork at night.
Paying it forward
Paying it forward
Angelica and Anecito decided to install a light on a dark and unpaved pathway after an elderly neighbor tripped and twisted her ankle. They also extended the light to their elderly neighbor's home for free, as she lives alone. "This solar home system is a big blessing to our family. The least we can do is share it with our neighbors who are also poor like us," Angelica said.4
Angelica and Anecito decided to install a light on a dark and unpaved pathway after an elderly neighbor tripped and twisted her ankle. They also extended the light to their elderly neighbor's home for free, as she lives alone. "This solar home system is a big blessing to our family. The least we can do is share it with our neighbors who are also poor like us," Angelica said.4
Giving students hope with light
Giving students hope with light
For 14-year-old Danny, the installation of a solar-powered home system marked a turning point in his academic journey. Previously, studying by the dim light of a kerosene lamp strained his eyes and limited his study hours. With bright, reliable solar lighting, Danny may now focus on his studies and participate more actively in class.
For 14-year-old Danny, the installation of a solar-powered home system marked a turning point in his academic journey. Previously, studying by the dim light of a kerosene lamp strained his eyes and limited his study hours. With bright, reliable solar lighting, Danny may now focus on his studies and participate more actively in class.
"I am now inspired to study harder and participate better during class recitations. Like my classmates, I can now be on the honor roll," Danny said.5
"I am now inspired to study harder and participate better during class recitations. Like my classmates, I can now be on the honor roll," Danny said.5
The solar system has not only improved his academic performance but also reduced his family's financial burden by eliminating the need for costly kerosene and battery charging.
The solar system has not only improved his academic performance but also reduced his family's financial burden by eliminating the need for costly kerosene and battery charging.
Clarita Cabreros, Danny's English teacher in Grade 7, said students who have electricity at home perform better in school than those without.
Clarita Cabreros, Danny's English teacher in Grade 7, said students who have electricity at home perform better in school than those without.
"Solar-powered electricity improved the students' class performance because they could study well even when there was a power outage, unlike before," she said.
"Solar-powered electricity improved the students' class performance because they could study well even when there was a power outage, unlike before," she said.
Another teacher, Arturo Tegero noted that students are no longer afraid to visit their classmates' houses at night to discuss their lessons or work on group assignments.
Another teacher, Arturo Tegero noted that students are no longer afraid to visit their classmates' houses at night to discuss their lessons or work on group assignments.
"Solar-powered lights provide the students with a sense of safety and security. They can also stay up late at night to study lessons or do their homework or school projects because they feel safe. They are now also unafraid to sleep with lights on, unlike when they were still using kerosene lamps, which may cause fire," he said.5
"Solar-powered lights provide the students with a sense of safety and security. They can also stay up late at night to study lessons or do their homework or school projects because they feel safe. They are now also unafraid to sleep with lights on, unlike when they were still using kerosene lamps, which may cause fire," he said.5
Empowering women through solar energy
Empowering women through solar energy
In Sitio Linao in Dolores, Eastern Samar, the establishment of a solar-powered microgrid system has empowered local women to start a hog-raising business through a self-help group (SHeG). The initiative, led by Oxfam Pilipinas and SIKAT, aims to create economic opportunities and reduce women's unpaid care work.
In Sitio Linao in Dolores, Eastern Samar, the establishment of a solar-powered microgrid system has empowered local women to start a hog-raising business through a self-help group (SHeG). The initiative, led by Oxfam Pilipinas and SIKAT, aims to create economic opportunities and reduce women's unpaid care work.
"Mothers are burdened because they need to finish the household chores during the day. But if there is electricity at night, they will be able to do some of the tasks in the evening," shared Shirley Voces, a member of SHeG.6
"Mothers are burdened because they need to finish the household chores during the day. But if there is electricity at night, they will be able to do some of the tasks in the evening," shared Shirley Voces, a member of SHeG.6
Voces also highlighted how access to solar power has helped lessen their dependence on expensive diesel-run generators and batteries. The microgrid system not only provides reliable electricity but also supports the community's economic activities by powering small enterprises and reducing operational costs.
Voces also highlighted how access to solar power has helped lessen their dependence on expensive diesel-run generators and batteries. The microgrid system not only provides reliable electricity but also supports the community's economic activities by powering small enterprises and reducing operational costs.
Solar is for everyone
Solar is for everyone
The stories of the residents of Hilabaan and Sitio Linao show that solar energy offers a practical and life-changing solution for households and communities. With decreasing costs and increasing accessibility, solar power is poised to benefit more areas, from remote island communities to urban households.
The stories of the residents of Hilabaan and Sitio Linao show that solar energy offers a practical and life-changing solution for households and communities. With decreasing costs and increasing accessibility, solar power is poised to benefit more areas, from remote island communities to urban households.
These stories show that the transition to renewable energy is not only environmentally necessary but also socially and economically beneficial. The message is clear: solar energy is for everyone, and its adoption may lead to brighter, safer, and more prosperous communities.
These stories show that the transition to renewable energy is not only environmentally necessary but also socially and economically beneficial. The message is clear: solar energy is for everyone, and its adoption may lead to brighter, safer, and more prosperous communities.
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