A measure has been filed in the House of Representatives that would require all government buildings and offices to install on-grid solar energy systems, aiming to slash power costs and accelerate the public sector’s transition to renewable energy (RE), the Philippine News Agency reports.

Filed by Rep. Joseph Sto. Niño Bernos of Abra, House Bill No. 3126, or the On-Grid Solar Energy Systems bill, mandates a phased rollout: government agencies must source at least 20% of their average monthly electricity use from solar within the first year of installation, ramping up to 100 percent coverage within five years.

“The government must lead the way in the shift towards renewable energy sources. If we are to succeed in the shift towards renewable energy, the government itself should show that RE is a viable and reliable option,” said Bernos.

He stressed that “on-grid solar energy systems are practical and have an immediate impact not only on electricity cost but also on public sector carbon emissions.”

According to Bernos, declining solar technology costs, coupled with panel lifespans of 25 to 30 years, make solar a cost-efficient and sustainable investment for the government.

Although the bill focuses on public facilities, Bernos urged households with the capacity to consider adopting solar. “May benepisyo din po sa ating komunidad ang pag-transition sa solar energy. Since we rely less on the grid, there will be more resources for our neighbors and community to use,” he said.

What’s your take? Can mandatory solar use in government facilities spark faster renewable energy adoption across the country?

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