Solaris Inc. is preparing to expand its renewable energy portfolio with upcoming projects that include solar with batteries, floating solar, and waste-to-energy, according to President and CEO Jose Alfonso Miras.

Miras, in an interview with Power Philippines, said the company is set to participate in the next round of the Green Energy Auction Program (GEAP) to secure long-term supply contracts. “We have very concrete plans to participate in the next round of [GEAP] now,” he said, stressing the program’s importance in financing and implementation. “It’s [GEAP] that gives certainty on the financing side of the project. Otherwise, you have to wait for CSP, compete, and win. If that doesn’t happen, you won’t have successful projects.”

Unlike earlier rounds, Solaris’ upcoming bids will not be limited to ground-mounted solar. The company is also looking at solar with integrated battery storage, floating solar installations, and waste-to-energy (WTE) projects.

On the WTE side, Miras said Solaris is exploring the possibility of entering the 6th round of GEAP, where WTE is expected to be included. He explained the plan is to synergize with the group’s real estate business in Cavite. 

“We’re exploring the possibility of partnering with them in garbage collection, and then use those garbage for waste to energy. Maybe we can start there, and then if we develop our confidence, expand to other parts of the Philippines,” he said.

SOLARIS projects include 344 MWp of ground-mounted and rooftop solar projects, of which 6.5 MWp of rooftop solar is operating in Cavite, and 58 MWp of ground-mounted solar in Iloilo is under construction, expected to be commissioned by 2026. SOLARIS is also developing 90 MWp of floating solar in Bulacan and evaluating battery storage investments, acknowledging both the challenges and the need for flexible capacity to meet demand during non-solar hours.

How do you think waste-to-energy and other emerging technologies can complement solar in driving the Philippines’ clean energy shift?

Follow Power Philippines on Facebook and LinkedIn or join our Viber community for more updates.