Tovic Salvador

Residents of Brgy. Coring in Dinagat Islands, CORA Philippines, and Greenpeace install solar panels to the community’s gymnasium on July 15, 2022 to provide clean, reliable power after being devastated by Super Typhoon Odette the previous year. The panels add an additional 4,800 watts of electricity and will power various barangay activities to help the community get back on its feet. Jilson Tiu, Greenpeace handout

Article (news)

Arthur Fuentes

ABS-CBN News

MANILA — The government has issued new rules to streamline the installation of own-use rooftop solar systems, cutting regulatory red tape for households, medical facilities, and small businesses in a bid to accelerate clean energy adoption across the archipelago.Under Department Circular No. DC2026-08-0017 issued by the Department of Energy (DOE), consumers can now generate electricity for their own consumption without exporting excess power to the distribution grid.The policy establishes two distinct categories: Micro-Solar Systems (MSS), covering plug-and-play solar systems of up to one kilowatt, and Self-Generating Facility Zero-Export Solar Systems (SGF ZESS) for larger home and facility connections equipped with grid-safeguard controls.Under the new guidelines, micro-solar installations will no longer require a Building Permit or a Certificate of Compliance (COC) from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), needing only a simple notification to the local distribution utility. For qualifying SGF ZESS units in residences, clinics, and hospitals, the COC requirement is similarly waived, while building permits are exempted if the underlying structure already possesses valid structural clearances.The circular also orders distribution utilities to eliminate pre-installation clearances, technical permits, and inspection charges. Consumers using existing analog meters will be granted a 12-month transition period, allowing immediate system operation without waiting for scheduled meter upgrades, the DOE said. “For many consumers, the requirements involved in installing even a small solar system can discourage adoption. This policy addresses those barriers,” Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said.“By simplifying the process and removing unnecessary costs and requirements, we are opening the door for more households, clinics, and small businesses to generate clean electricity for their own use and reduce their dependence on electricity from the grid.”The DOE said the measure directly aligns with directives from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during his 2026 State of the Nation Address. The government aims to raise renewable energy to 35 percent of its power generation mix by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040, up from 25 percent today.But aside from red tape, high taxes on rooftop solar power equipment are also a concern, according to advocates of home solar systems. They also urge the government to set up financing systems that will make it easier for households to buy solar equipment.The Philippines has one of the most expensive power rates in Southeast Asia. Despite this, power outages remain a concern especially during the hot dry months from April to May.

Installing rooftop solar power systems for households will soon get easier, according to the Department of Energy.

Installing rooftop solar power systems for households will soon get easier, according to the Department of Energy.

Energy dept cuts red tape for rooftop solar to drive home clean energy

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Energy dept cuts red tape for rooftop solar to drive home clean energy

Arthur Fuentes,

ABS-CBN News

Published August 20, 2026 03:56 PM PHT

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Updated August 20, 2026 03:59 PM PHT

Read More:

rooftop solar

clean energy

red tape

DOE

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