As the Philippines continues to grapple with a struggling energy system, experts are now expecting more potential power shortages in 2023. Given this unfavorable scenario, it’s high time to consider shifting to a better, more sustainable solution like solar energy.
LONGi Solar (LONGi), a global solar technology leader and the largest supplier of solar panels worldwide, breaks down the top five reasons to shift to solar energy.
- It significantly helps households save
The most significant and practical benefit of installing solar panels on rooftops is the cost savings. This benefit is valid as long as your business or home consumes all the solar energy generated, compared to using power from utilities. While the initial investment for a basic solar home installation is around Php 100,000, the savings accumulated through the years makes this initial investment worth it – allowing households to reallocate their funds to other necessities.
A homeowner is likely to break even in 3 to 5 years, and the system will work for at least 25 years. The financial institutions providing loans to cover the initial investments are also increasing linearly with the additional demand for banking services that cover renewables.
Homeowners also have the power to decrease their bills further via the net metering scheme, allowing those who own or have installed renewable energy facilities to use electricity while providing their production to the grid.
- It decreases the heavy burden on the power grid
As more Filipinos use electricity, the power grid ultimately becomes burdened; but when more households switch to solar energy, the overall demand for electricity on the system decreases. This situation is critical during the summer months when electricity demand is higher – homes and businesses kick their air conditioners into overdrive, and appliances like freezers and refrigerators work twice as hard to maintain the same baseline level of cooling. Electricity also becomes more expensive to produce and purchase in the mid-afternoons of hot days.
With solar energy, longer sun hours allow the panels to produce near their maximum output. Solar reduces the overall demand for electricity on the power grid, reducing the power grid’s stress while lowering consumer electricity spending.
- It helps reduce harmful gases in the atmosphere
The emission of toxic gases into the atmosphere, such as nitrous oxide and methane, contributes to air pollution and intensifies the greenhouse effect, exacerbating global warming. If more households go solar, fossil fuel demand decreases, thus curbing greenhouse gas emissions and global warming.
In this light, homes with solar panels can substantially and positively impact the environment as there is no need to burn fossil fuels which have damaging emissions that pollute the environment. From an energy generation view, solar is one of the cleanest energy sources.
- It is reliable
Solar energy is relatively free and readily available in the Philippines, unlike fossil fuels, which are running out fast. It makes sense to reduce dependence on limited resources and instead take advantage of a plentiful, abundant resource. Here is the most compelling reason for going solar: it’s currently cheaper than any fossil fuel generation.
A study done by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) showed that solar panels, in general, are reliable. In 2017, they monitored 54,500 solar panels over 15 years. They found that only five panels out of 10,000 failed each year.
The study shows why it’s also essential to consider the quality of solar panels. High-quality solar panels from industry leaders, such as LONGi, significantly decrease the likelihood of panel failure.
To date, LONGi supplies more than 42 GW of its latest Hi-MO 5 series modules worldwide. Some of the company’s projects include Ocean Park Hong Kong and Chulalongkorn University in Thailand.
- It can be customized according to individual household needs
Solar installations are installed following the existing roof plan. The number of solar panels will depend on the household’s average energy requirements, roof area, and irradiation, that is, radiation exposure; hence, the initial investment will vary per household.
In this regard, LONGi offers diversified product types for residential solutions. The company can match the perfect module for any rooftop, including flat, sloped, or mixed rooftops and villas.
Here’s how you can get started with solar energy
Suppose you’re ready to have some power generation independence. It would be best to determine your energy needs first. You must look at your average energy requirements, current usage in watts, the amount of irradiation and the type of climate in your area, and the efficiency of the solar panels you’re considering.
Next, you must choose the right supplier and distributor. LONGi is known for manufacturing quality monocrystalline silicon products that are now known to be synonymous with value, reliability, and efficiency. The company also has a robust distribution system in the Philippines that can cater to any order. It also accepts local payments, amplifying customer convenience.
LONGi has achieved overall leadership in several new high-efficiency cell technologies. These include n-type and p-type TOPCon and n-type and p-type HJT, continually pushing the limits for commercial use of solar energy applications to new levels.
“Our innovative technology and exceptional quality have allowed us to maintain a leading position in the industry for reliability and stability. As LONGi is recognized by all financial institutions worldwide, our quality speaks for itself,” said Jonathan Xu, Asia Pacific Marketing Manager of LONGi.
In addition, having a sustainable energy solution requires excellent after-sales support. LONGi’s professional technical design and service team offers a round-the-clock after-sales response.
“The solar system installation is just the beginning of our customers’ solar journey. Choosing reliable panels like LONGi can ensure your power output is reliable for the next 25 years. And we are extremely committed to being your long-term solar energy partner,” said Viktoria Locson, Country Lead of LONGi Philippines.
For more information about LONGi Solar and its best-in-class solutions, please visit https://www.longi.com/en/.