Manila Electric Company (Meralco) said it has been installing solar panels in its own facilities since 2020, emphasizing that the country’s largest power distributor uses the same technology it has publicly said it supports for households and businesses.

“Meralco has installed and continues to install solar panels in our own facilities for the same reason many households and businesses are now exploring solar technology as it helps us use electricity more efficiently and responsibly,” said Ronnie L. Aperocho, Meralco executive vice president and chief operating officer.

“Since 2020, as part of our sustainability agenda, we have been implementing our Resource Conservation & Efficiency Program, an overall energy efficiency drive, which includes installing solar panels in our headquarters, Business Centers, and Sector Offices to help reduce operational energy use,” he added.

Meralco has earlier called for clearer rules covering what it described as “guerrilla” solar installations, or rooftop systems installed without prior coordination with distribution utilities.

In an earlier statement, Meralco Vice President and Head of Corporate Communications Joe R. Zaldarriaga said the company supports rooftop solar adoption but wants standardized guidelines to ensure installations are carried out safely and in accordance with technical standards.

“We want to be clear: Meralco is not against the adoption of renewable energy or the use of solar equipment,” he said.

He added that the company’s position was “not a fiscal issue, nor an attempt to impose control, but a matter of public safety.”

The utility said it does not regulate solar installations but encourages customers to inform their distribution utility or electric cooperative before connecting rooftop systems to the grid to help ensure safety and system compatibility

Meralco said its own use of solar reflects its view that technologies that improve efficiency should also be adopted internally.

“We believe that if a technology can help save resources and improve efficiency, we should also practice it ourselves,” Aperocho said.

The company also pointed to its solar subsidiary, MSpectrum, which provides rooftop solar solutions to residential and commercial customers.

“We will continue to promote and push the responsible use of solar energy including other eco-friendly technology in our quest to foster and encourage sustainability in our operations,” Aperocho said.

Does Meralco’s clarification address concerns over its stance on rooftop solar, and should the Philippines adopt clearer nationwide standards for residential solar installations?

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