As more Filipino households consider installing rooftop solar systems, Abra Rep. Joseph Sto. Niño “JB” Bernos is urging regulators to tighten oversight of what he described as “fly-by-night” solar providers that leave consumers with defective systems and little to no after-sales support.

In a Facebook post, Bernos said the government must ensure that the growth of the residential solar market is matched by stronger consumer protection measures.

“Of course, we fully support this shift to renewable energy, which is friendlier both to our environment and our wallets over the long term as we rely less on non-renewable sources,” Bernos said.

“But the government, in particular the Department of Trade and Industry, the Department of Energy, and Energy Regulatory Commission, must be proactive in going after unscrupulous operators whose only motivation is profit, to the detriment of our consumers,” he added.

Bernos issued the statement amid reports of substandard solar panels, inadequate maintenance support, and installations that were not properly registered with authorities.

“May mga nababalitaan tayong solar installations na nasusunog, o di kaya mga providers na hindi na mahagilap para sa pagkumpuni ng mga installation o kaya para sa maintenance,” the lawmaker lamented.

The warning comes as rooftop solar adoption accelerates in the Philippines, driven by rising electricity costs and growing interest in net metering. Industry stakeholders have said consumer confidence will be critical to sustaining the momentum of the residential solar market.

Bernos also reminded households to follow the required permitting and interconnection process before installing on-grid systems.

“We cannot sacrifice responsibility at the altar of convenience. I urge our kababayan to undergo the correct process when shifting to solar. This is not only for legality’s sake, but more importantly, it minimizes risk and ensures our safety,” the congressman said.

According to Bernos, the process typically includes securing a barangay clearance, building permit, electrical permit, electrical inspection and certificate, and a net metering application, which includes the issuance of a Yellow Card.

Bernos, a known advocate of renewable energy, authored House Bill No. 3126, or the On-Grid Solar Energy Systems Bill, which seeks to require all national and local government offices to install on-grid solar systems.

What safeguards do you think regulators and industry players should put in place to protect consumers as rooftop solar adoption grows in the Philippines?

Follow Power Philippines on Facebook and LinkedIn or join our Viber community for more news and updates on the Philippine energy sector.