Topic Overview:

What is Solar Energy?
How Does Solar Power Work?
Advantages of Solar Power Adaption
Challenges to Solar Power Transition
Is Solar Energy Really Sustainable?
How Businesses Benefit from Solar Power

Solar power has long been hailed as one of the most promising solutions for reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and combating climate change. As a form of renewable energy that comes from sources that are naturally replenished on a human timescale, this means that its source won’t run out, unlike fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas.

Among other forms of renewable energy are wind, hydroelectric, geothermal energy, biomass and ocean. But here in our tropical country, solar is literally shining brighter than ever as a viable option for those who want to save costs and save the planet at the same time. To better inform everyone of the full picture, in this blog, we’ll dive into how this powerful renewable source is transforming the way we use energy, bringing exciting benefits to businesses, and playing a crucial role in protecting our environment– and of course, we’ll lay out its dark sides, too.

But wait, to be clear– what is “Solar Energy”?

Solar energy, derived from the Latin word solāris meaning “of or belonging to the sun” (from sōl, “sun”), is any form of energy produced by the sun. It stands as the Earth’s most plentiful renewable energy source.

Each day, this readily available resource is effectively converted into electricity and thermal energy, providing a clean, emissions-free power source for a diverse range of applications, from residential and commercial properties to large-scale utility operations. Solar technology converts sunlight into electricity using PV panels or concentrated solar radiation, which can then be used directly or stored in batteries or thermal storage.

And How Does Solar Power Work?

Curious how solar panels turn sunlight into electricity? It’s all thanks to the ‘photovoltaic effect.’ When sunlight (made of tiny energy particles called photons) strikes a panel’s solar cells, special semiconductor materials inside absorb that energy. This absorption frees up electrons, causing them to flow and create an electric current. It’s a fascinating process, first observed by Edmond Becquerel way back in 1839!

About 95% of solar cells are made from the element silicon, a non-metal semiconductor that can absorb and convert sunlight into electricity through the photovoltaic effect. Here’s how it works:

Solar cells have two layers of silicon. Each one is specially treated, or “doped,” with phosphorus and boron to create the positive and negative sides of the solar cell, respectively. When photons hit the solar cells, they create an electric field at the junction between the layers.
This electric field knocks electrons loose from the atoms in solar cells, setting them in motion.
The electrons flow through the solar cell and out of the junction, generating an electrical current.
Metal plates on each side of the solar cells capture the electrical current and transfer it to connecting wires.
The electrical current flows through the wires to a solar inverter (or multiple inverters), which converts it to usable electricity for your home.

Learn more on how solar energy works by watching this video

Advantages of Solar Power Adoption in the Philippines

Reduced Electricity Costs

Solar energy can significantly lower electricity bills for consumers, especially in a country known for relatively high power costs. By harnessing the abundant sunlight available throughout the year, households and businesses can reduce their reliance on expensive fossil fuels and grid electricity. This shift not only lessens financial burdens on consumers but also promotes energy independence.

Environmental Benefits

Solar power offers a clean and renewable energy solution that is vital for the disaster-prone Philippines. It significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions, combats climate change, and promotes a sustainable future by lessening the environmental impact of traditional energy. This shift is especially crucial for the Philippines due to its vulnerability to rising sea levels and extreme weather.

Provides electricity to remote areas

For an archipelago with over 7,600 islands, many of which are remote or off-grid, solar power offers a viable solution for electrification. Stand-alone solar systems or microgrids can provide energy access where extending the national grid is economically or logistically prohibitive. This capability not only enhances the quality of life for residents in these areas but also opens up opportunities for economic development and improved education.

The adoption of solar energy in the Philippines is not just a matter of convenience; it is a crucial step towards a sustainable, resilient, and equitable energy future. By leveraging its natural resources, the Philippines can pave the way for a cleaner and more prosperous tomorrow.

Sadly, solar energy adoption could have obstacles along the way…

Below are the challenges one may face when they decide to transition to using solar energy.

High Cost of Initial Investment

While costs are decreasing, the upfront expense of purchasing and installing solar panel systems (including inverters and potentially batteries for energy storage) can be a significant barrier for many households and businesses.

Land Use Conflicts

Utility-scale solar farms require significant land areas. In a country with competing demands for land (agriculture, urbanization), finding suitable and affordable land can be challenging, potentially leading to land use conflicts.

Maintenance in Humid/Dusty Conditions

The tropical climate, with its high humidity and periods of dust, may require more frequent cleaning and maintenance of solar panels to ensure optimal efficiency. However, rainfall can also help naturally clean panels.

With the Philippines’ sunny climate and numerous islands, the Philippines has a lot of potential for solar energy. While there are some challenges, the possible improvement and the help it could give to a lot of communities would still be a question mark if we don’t explore the possibilities it could give.

How Businesses Benefit from Solar Power

Substantial Financial Savings

- Businesses in the Philippines can save thousands on electricity costs. Knowing that the country is situated near the equator, it is ideal for solar power collection and generation.
- The Philippines has some of the highest electricity rates in Southeast Asia, largely due to its reliance on imported fossil fuels. According to Meralco, average commercial rates can reach over ₱10 per kilowatt-hour, cutting into profits, especially for energy-intensive operations like factories and malls. Adopting solar energy for businesses in the Philippines offers a reliable solution. It reduces dependence on the grid, lowers utility bills, and protects your business from future price hikes.

Attracts More Customers

- A commitment to sustainability through solar power appeals to customers. Research shows a large majority of consumers. 83% in a Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PWC) survey believe companies should actively pursue environmental, social, and governance (ESG) best practices, and many are willing to pay more for sustainable products.
- Going solar enhances a company’s brand image, lowers its carbon footprint, and can lead to positive media attention.

Improves Employee Satisfaction and Retention

- Employees are increasingly drawn to sustainability-minded companies. 86% in a PWC survey prefer to work for such businesses.
- Demonstrating a commitment to solar can boost employee morale, improve retention, attract high-quality talent, and lead to a more invested workforce.

Supports the Local Economy

- Investing in commercial solar projects creates local jobs for installation and related services.
- These projects can provide sustained work for local contractors, who may, in turn, become customers.

If you need experienced professionals to guide you in your next solar power project, we’d love to speak with you and see how we can serve you best.

Work with experts, consider your needs, and choose well – your future water source depends on it!

Click here to set an online appointment with GreenDev Should you wish to simply send an inquiry about other services including hydrogeological studies, environmental engineering, geotechnical studies, consulting, EIA report preparation etc, you may do so by clicking the button below and our account manager shall get back to you within two (2) business days:

But wait– it sure does have its own drawbacks too, right?

Of course! To get the full picture and make truly informed decisions, it’s important to acknowledge that even solar energy has its complexities. For instance, the development of some gigantic solar farms requires vast stretches of land, which can sometimes mean that productive agricultural areas are cleared to make way for rows of panels. Another aspect is the production of the solar cells themselves. While they generate clean power during their lifespan, manufacturing the huge number of cells needed for our increasing global demand involves mining and processing raw materials like high-grade silicon, boron, and phosphorus. These elements, and the processes to get them, aren’t infinite or entirely impact-free.

But here’s where perspective is key. While these drawbacks are certainly real – because, let’s be honest, there’s rarely a ‘free lunch’ with any large-scale energy source – they are considerably less severe than the more catastrophic environmental effects of burning coal and other older non-renewable energy sources. The air and water pollution, vast carbon emissions, and long-term damage from fossil fuels present a much larger, more immediate threat to our planet. So, despite the challenges, which we must address through responsible planning and innovation, solar energy still stands out as a significantly cleaner and more sustainable path forward for our energy needs.

So, after weighing everything, is solar energy still a powerful choice for a sustainable future?

Absolutely. The sun offers a virtually limitless source of power, making solar a cornerstone in our shift towards cleaner energy and a vital tool in addressing climate change.

Of course, no technology offers a completely ‘free lunch,’ and as we’ve touched upon, the journey of a solar panel—from sourcing raw materials to its end-of-life recycling—does have environmental considerations. But here’s the good news: the solar industry is constantly innovating, pushing for greater panel efficiency and greener manufacturing and recycling processes. And crucially, when you compare solar’s lifecycle impact to the far heavier toll of fossil fuels, it’s clear that solar power remains a significantly brighter and cleaner path forward.

Navigating all these details—the benefits, the lifecycle impacts, and how solar best fits your specific needs, whether for your home or business here in the Philippines—can seem complex. That’s precisely why getting expert advice is so important. If you’re seriously considering making the switch, your friends here at GreenDev are ready to help. As environmental engineering specialists, we look at the whole picture. We’ll guide you through your options, help you understand the real costs and benefits for your situation, and ensure your solar energy system is expertly designed and efficiently installed for long-term performance.

Your Journey to Clean Energy: The Pros and Cons of Going Solar