Rising Demand For Solar Power Amid Energy Uncertainty

By Azenith Resurreccion

Solar panels are becoming a prime commodity amid unprecedented demand driven by the global oil crisis, including the Ukraine war and tensions in the Middle East, which continue to fuel economic uncertainty.

In recent months, fears over fuel shortages and rising petroleum prices have affected everything from major industries to ordinary households, increasing the cost of necessities such as food, transportation and electricity.  Residents across Panay Island have already seen growing interest in solar energy investments, especially with the recurring “brownout season” and forecasted increases in power rates.

In past decades, switching to solar power seemed affordable only to higher-income households. Today, however, solar technology is becoming increasingly accessible even to middle- and lower-income families.

Luxury or practical investment?

A friend recently converted a four-story, six-unit apartment-residential property entirely to solar power. Through a mobile app, he can monitor the building’s electricity consumption in real time and immediately identify sudden spikes in usage.

The property now operates on two 12-kilowatt inverters, a 25-kilowatt battery, and 20 solar panels. The setup cost around ₱850,000, including warranties and safety systems. But the owner no longer pays the property’s previous average AKELCO bill of ₱25,000 monthly for roughly 2,000 kilowatt-hours of consumption, and expects a return on investment (ROI) within three years.

For ordinary households with an average monthly electric bill of around ₱2,000, an estimated ₱300,000 to ₱550,000 investment may be needed to maintain the same electrical output through solar, with a projected ROI in about three years. Installation fees can start at around ₱20,000, depending on the number of panels, batteries and system capacity.

OnSolar Boracay, a local solar setup provider, shared that a household paying around ₱4,000 monthly for electricity typically requires a two- to three-kilowatt system. Such a setup can reduce electricity bills by 60 to 80 percent, depending on daytime and nighttime consumption habits. Estimated investment ranges from ₱200,000 to ₱350,000, with possible monthly savings of ₱2,500 to ₱3,500 and ROI within three to five years.

Most companies do not charge fixed monthly maintenance fees. Cleaning of solar panels is usually provided every three to six months, depending on exposure to dust and salt air. Quality solar panels generally last 20 to 25 years, while batteries may last 10 to 15 years.

Solar for homes

After posting inquiries online about solar providers, I received around 15 referrals. Some were established companies operating across Region VI, while others were independent installers serving lower-income households consuming around 100 to 500 kilowatt-hours monthly.

One electrician who has installed solar systems in roughly 50 middle- to low-income households in Aklan advised homeowners to transition gradually by first converting lighting and low-consumption appliances before investing in larger loads such as air-conditioning units.

He estimated that an initial ₱50,000 setup for a four- to six-panel system can already power lighting, electric fans, a rice cooker and a TV for up to eight hours daily, enough to sustain a home during extended brownouts.

He also noted that many households on the island, particularly those unable to secure AKELCO connections due to documentary requirements, have long depended on solar panels for lighting and basic appliance use.

Solar vs. generators

Some residents argue that investing in a generator is cheaper than converting to solar power. A standard household backup generator ranging from 3.5kW to 8.5kW can cost between ₱15,000 and ₱60,000, depending on fuel type, brand and power output.

However, while generators may require lower upfront costs, solar energy has increasingly proven to be the more sustainable long-term option since it eliminates recurring electricity bills and fuel expenses while avoiding the pollution and noise associated with gensets.

One DIY installer attributed the increasing affordability of solar power to advances in technology and large-scale manufacturing. Photovoltaic (PV) cells, he said, have become around 80 percent cheaper over the past decade as more countries shift toward renewable energy production.

Looking Ahead

In the Philippines, the Net Metering Program established under Republic Act 9513, or the Renewable Energy Act of 2008, allows homeowners to sell excess electricity back to the grid to offset their solar investments. AKELCO is still in the process of developing its own on-grid system for consumers.

Solar power solutions continue to offer a practical and sustainable alternative during uncertain times. While the systems require significant upfront investment, they help move homes and businesses toward cleaner and more energy-independent operations.

As of 2026, solar energy is already considered one of the cheapest forms of electricity production, although battery storage costs remain a major factor in total system pricing. With technology continuously improving, solar power may eventually become as common in households as rainwater collection systems, a practical resource harnessed daily at minimal cost.

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Solar Contractors

Disclaimer: The following solar contractors and installers were recommended by members of the Boracay community for informational purposes only. Boracay Sun News does not endorse or guarantee the reliability, pricing or quality of their services.

• Onsolar Boracay — Glenn Alvin Orille: (0966) 775 0333 

• AP Solar-Aklan — Yhad Pamatian: (0908) 518 3980 

• KCT Solar Installation — Cristy Inawasan: (0970) 508 3158 

• ECA Solar Installation and Services — (0946) 984 9250 

• JJK Solar Phil. OPC — (0920) 950 7129 

• Thirdtech Builders Corp. — (0928) 354 6154 

• JM Tutorial / Sherwin Escultor — (0960) 856 1350 

• Chris Loy Nursician — (0977) 637 0078 

• Arius Solano — (0928) 336 7301

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Making the Switch

Aklan-based solar providers AP Solar and OnSolar Philippines outlined the usual process for homeowners considering solar power.

Step 1: Site Survey

Providers first assess the property’s power consumption, household or business requirements and sunlight exposure to determine the recommended system size.

Step 2: Installation

After assessment and approval, installation can usually be completed within a week.

Common Solar Setup Options

• On-Grid: Solar powers daytime consumption while remaining connected to the utility grid for nighttime use.

• Off-Grid: The property runs entirely on solar energy, with batteries storing power for nighttime consumption.

• Hybrid: Solar panels and batteries serve as the primary power source, while the grid acts as backup when battery storage is depleted.