Solar Rooftop Potential in the Philippines

1. The Potential is Massive

• According to the Philippine Department of Energy (DOE) and independent studies:

  • The Philippines has a solar rooftop potential of over 15–20 GW.

  • That’s enough to power millions of homes and businesses sustainably.

  • Metro Manila alone has over 2.5 GW of technical potential just from rooftops (per ADB and IFC reports).

2. Why It’s a Strong Fit

• High solar irradiance: 4.5–5.5 kWh/m²/day average

• Year-round sunlight

• Rooftop availability: Many flat or accessible roofs, especially in urban and suburban areas

• Grid struggles & brownouts: Especially in islands, making solar + battery systems attractive

• High electricity rates: Among the highest in Southeast Asia — a key incentive

Current Adoption & Status

🇵🇭 Installed Capacity (as of recent data)

• Total installed solar: ~2.1 GW

• Rooftop solar: <500 MW

• Less than 5% of total potential has been tapped.

📉 Barriers

• High upfront costs (though prices are falling)

• Limited awareness of ROI and financing options

• Bureaucratic grid connection & net metering challenges

• Resistance or delays from local distribution utilities (DUs)

Market Opportunities

🏡 Residential

• Net metering makes it possible to export excess energy.

• Savings up to 50–70% on electric bills.

• Demand growing in middle-class areas and subdivisions.

🏢 Commercial & Industrial (C&I)

• Malls, offices, warehouses, schools: ideal for large rooftop systems.

• C&I sector can easily install 50 kW to 1 MW systems and offset peak daytime usage.

• Quick ROI: 3–5 years, especially if financed.

🏝️ Off-Grid and Island Areas

• Perfect for solar + battery setups to eliminate diesel generator reliance.

• DOH, LGUs, and NGOs actively exploring solar for health centers, schools, and barangays.

💼 B2B/B2G Opportunities

• Solar EPC companies: installation, monitoring, maintenance

• Financing providers: lease-to-own or zero-down offers

• Marketplace aggregators: SolarSwitch, for example, can offer product + service bundles

• Partnerships with LGUs and cooperatives for rural electrification and barangay rollouts

Future Trends and Opportunities

What Needs to Happen

• Streamline net metering process nationwide

• More aggressive government targets beyond 2030

• Tax incentives or green loans for households and SMEs

• Education & awareness campaigns to highlight long-term savings

• Private sector push with brands like SolarSwitch offering full-service packages