Toward the sun

Had I not been in a penthouse unit in a condominium building in Cebu Business Park last month, I would not have noticed that the large shopping mall down there had adopted solar energy to supplement its power supply.

From what I saw, the mall appears to use an on grid or grid-tied solar setup. During the day, the solar panels generate power for the establishment. When they produce less than what is needed, the utility grid fills the gap. Any excess power is sent back to the grid.

I was reminded of this yesterday after reading this paper’s editorial, “Time to consider renewable energy”, which calls for reducing our country’s dependence on fossil fuels and moving more seriously toward renewable energy. Indeed, as the editorial suggests, renewable energy should not only be seen as an environmental choice; it should also be seen as a practical and strategic one. I hope the trend catches up with many big establishments and installations in the island and the rest of the country.

World Bank Global Solar Atlas data indicate that much of the country receives about 4.5 to 5 peak sun hours per day, with some areas averaging around 1708.3 kWh/m² per year of direct sunlight energy and with the highest levels around April and the lowest around January.

With the oil crisis we are now facing because of the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran, this should prod us to think of solar energy as a potential source of hard power, or at least strategic leverage, if we are able to harness the sun’s energy well. Much like oil in the Middle East, solar power is a resource our country has in abundance.

Even at the household level, we can do our part. I must admit I have developed something of an obsession with solar energy. It began two months ago, when I started my do-it-yourself (DIY) off-grid solar power setup at home. I would advise anyone to consult a professional before doing so, but I did mine on my own, buying materials from local solar power shops and online stores.

With the help of Google Gemini AI and some basic precautions in handling electricity, I successfully set up the system for less than ?10,000. It always feels good to watch television or have my study desk and living room lights on, knowing they are powered by the sun’s energy stored in a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery after a decent harvest of solar power during the day.

Our neighbor bought solar-powered outdoor lamps similar to the road lamps we see along the streets. But I would not recommend them because their light output is too weak. Their built-in solar panel is too small to store enough energy to keep the lights bright for long periods. I know some LGUs are buying solar powered street lamps. They may be environmentally friendly, but they are often ineffective at their main purpose of lighting our roads for the safety and convenience of motorists, and for visual appeal as well.

Still, the limitations of some solar-powered devices should not make us dismiss solar energy itself. The technology is still improving, and it is improving fast. That is how technology evolves: it improves as more people use it, test it, and find better ways to make it work.

Just a few years ago, electric vehicles were rarely seen on our roads, if at all. Today, they are everywhere. The market has grown, and what once seemed niche now feels mainstream. Solar-powered homes and buildings may well be on a similar trajectory.