ACEN, GCash, and the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte have launched the Ilocos Norte Solar Rooftop Campaign, the first local government-led initiative in the Philippines aimed at enabling households to access rooftop solar through financing and with net metering.

The program brings together government, financing, renewable energy providers, and utilities to deliver an integrated model that makes solar power more accessible for everyday households.

Through the campaign, participating households can install rooftop solar systems under flexible financing arrangements, without the need for traditional bank collateral.

Tony Isidro, president and chief executive officer of Fuse Financing, said the initiative is designed to expand access to green financing.

“It offers a competitive rate, has a simple online application process, and no lengthy documentary requirements needed, and more importantly, it opens opportunities even for households that may not have access to traditional financing or credit cards,” Isidro said.

The financing will be facilitated through GGives, the installment feature of GCash, with payment terms ranging from 3 to 10 years and monthly payments starting at around PHP 1,300.

Households will also benefit from net metering through the Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative, allowing excess electricity generated from solar systems to be exported to the grid in exchange for bill credits, thus maximizing the benefits of the panels.

“By combining solar technology, accessible financing, and local engagement, we are making clean energy more inclusive and within reach of Filipino households,” Eric Francia, chief executive officer of ACEN, said.

The initiative is part of efforts to shift renewable energy adoption from large-scale projects to household-level participation, especially in areas with growing energy demand.

Cecilia Araneta-Marcos, governor of Ilocos Norte, said the program reinforces the province’s role in renewable energy development.

“Now is the time that we lessen our energy dependence on fossil fuel,” she stressed.

The campaign will initially prioritize households with average electricity consumption of at least 4 kWh per day, where solar installations can deliver more significant savings.

Pilot areas include Laoag City, Dingras, and Pagudpud, with limited slots available during the initial rollout.

Can province-led solar programs help accelerate rooftop renewable energy adoption across the Philippines?

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