LEGAZPI CITY – Residents of a town in Albay have begun using the Photovoltaic Mainstreaming Solar Housing System (PVM-SHS) to power their homes, as part of a government effort, through the National Electrification Administration (NEA), to make solar energy accessible throughout the province.

In a ceremonial turnover on Thursday, officials of the NEA, Ako Bicol (AKB) Party-list, and the Albay Electric Cooperative (Aleco) visited the island town of Rapu-Rapu, where PVM-SHS units were earlier distributed to nearly 300 households.

The distribution came after the NEA approved Aleco's request to handle the operation of the PVM-SHS units. Apart from the 300 units in Rapu-Rapu, about 700 more units will be handed out in other parts of Albay, including Malilipot, Tabaco City, Manito, Legazpi City, Polangui, and Ligao.

“This initiative is part of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s program to provide power supply to every household by 2028. Across the country, 12,000 households are being targeted, with Albay receiving 1,000 units,” said Emmanuel Jacob, chair of Aleco's Solar Business Unit.

Jacob said a solar home system could be quickly deployed, contributes to climate change mitigation by reducing emissions, and avoids right-of-way issues as it is installed on residential premises.

"The system operates on a 12-volt setup and can power small appliances, such as a television. Aleco will manage the maintenance and guarantee the system's performance. An Aleco-accredited barangay electrician will inspect the units to ensure their durability," he said.

The solar home system is designed for areas where extending distribution lines is physically and technically unviable, particularly for households in remote or isolated communities that lack access to the grid.

"Households will pay PHP7 per day, which amounts to PHP210 per month. This fee will cover maintenance expenses and, in the event of malfunctions, payment for a technician and an electrician," Jacob said.

PNA PHOTO