In an effort to make the Quezon City Hall and its structures energy self-sufficient, three buildings in the complex are now being powered by solar energy.
In a report by Rappler, Mayor Joy Belmonte said that the city is pursuing to reduce its energy demand through efficient building solutions and transitioning to renewable energy sources in all city-owned infrastructures.
In the main building of the complex, 180 solar panels were installed, 108 panels in the legislative building, and 290 panels in the treasury building.
City Engineer Dale Perral said that with these solar panels in place, Quezon City would be able to economize around Php 1.5 million yearly in electrical expenses, which could be utilized to maintain and improve six daycare centers or four healthcare centers yearly.
Additionally, this strategy would enable the city to reduce its carbon footprint by 125 tons.
Consequently, the city was also eyeing to install around 1,000 solar panels in other hospitals and schools within municipal limits, including Novaliches District Hospital, Quezon City General Hospital, and Rosario Maclang Bautista General Hospital.
Furthermore, the municipality was also aiming to install solar panels at Culiat Elementary School, Tandang Sora Elementary School, Culiat High School, New Era High School, and Judge Feliciano Belmonte Sr. High School.
The Quezon City government is also planning to build a specialized service center at the city hall in partnership with the Manila Electric Company (MERALCO) to facilitate homeowners’ applications for net-metering and solar energy adoption.
The United Kingdom government’s Urban Climate Action Programme, which was introduced in 2021, is providing funding for Quezon City’s switch to solar energy.
