Key stakeholders from government agencies, electric cooperatives, and the private sector convened at the Solar and Storage Live Philippines 2025 conference to discuss scalable solutions for achieving full rural electrification in the country. The panel, titled “Solar and Storage for Rural Electrification: Roadmap to 100% Access,” highlighted ongoing challenges and innovations in deploying off-grid energy systems.

Engineer Maureen Artais of the Department of Energy (DOE), who moderated the session, opened by framing the discussion around the role of solar and storage technologies in bringing power to unserved and underserved areas.

“We are about 92% household electrified,” said Dr. Fernando Martin “Nani” Roxas, President and CEO of the National Power Corporation (NAPOCOR). “The final 8% represents a challenge which would require various approaches and cooperation between private and government to actually complete the electrification by 2028.”

Roxas emphasized the logistical complexity of electrifying an archipelago of over 7,100 islands, and called for adaptable strategies that go beyond traditional grid extension.

Chief Science Research Specialist Marc Louie Olap of the DOE echoed this assessment, noting that “microgrids are one of the key players for this endeavor,” particularly in remote barangays where line extension is cost-prohibitive. He cited “permitting challenges, especially with local government units,” as a persistent bottleneck in accelerating project implementation.

Panelists agreed that hybrid systems combining solar, battery storage, and limited diesel backup offer a cost-effective and scalable model for isolated communities.

“Today, solar and battery is much cheaper than diesel,” said Rene Fajilagutan, General Manager of the Romblon Electric Cooperative “This changes the concept of electrifying the off-grid areas.”

Fajilagutan also called for policy updates that would support small-scale electrification projects, including pre-approved tariffs and access to government subsidies. He proposed creating “templated rates” for systems ranging from 50 to 500 kilowatts to simplify the approval process.

Keith Gough, Executive Chairman of Sunsynk Limited, underscored the importance of system simplicity and local capacity-building.

“Whatever you install must be repairable and serviceable locally,” he said. “Solar panels are now a fraction of their former cost, and battery technologies continue to evolve. But sustainability depends on local ownership and maintenance.”

Gough described successful models from Africa involving rooftop solar, decentralized metering, and shared battery hubs. He emphasized that training local residents and promoting ownership are key to long-term viability.

Speakers emphasized that electrification must be coupled with livelihood support to ensure community buy-in. Roxas noted that in some Mindanao communities, households rejected solar home systems because they did not see tangible economic benefits.

“We should be looking at what [communities] need to improve their livelihoods,” Roxas said. “If the livelihood is improved, consumption increases, and so does the revenue for power providers.”

Examples included cold storage for fishermen and equipment for agricultural processing, which can drive economic development while justifying the energy investment.

While the DOE has issued a national roadmap targeting 100% household electrification by 2028, Olap acknowledged that “harmonization with local development plans” is still needed. He also cited ongoing efforts to clarify eligibility for the Universal Charge for Missionary Electrification (UCME) and develop policies for utility-operated microgrids.

In response to concerns from private developers about regulatory barriers, such as the inability to sell electricity directly to consumers, DOE officials advised close coordination with distribution utilities and cited exemptions under existing rules like Department Circular 2023-06-0021.

Fajilagutan shared Romblon’s model of training farmers and fishermen to operate power systems, which has helped achieve high collection efficiency and long-term sustainability.

“Getting the LGU and community involved gives the household beneficiaries a sense of ownership,” said Artais. “That makes the project sustainable.”

As the session concluded, Artais encouraged private sector players to consider investing in the country’s remaining underserved areas.

“There are still communities waiting for electrification and the deployment of solar and storage solutions,” she said.

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