Three regional line agencies (RLAs), five micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and six local government units (LGUs) in Marinduque attended the Solar Energy System (SES) Forum organized by DOST-MIMAROPA in Bangbangalon, Boac, Marinduque last January 25, 2023.
The technology forum aims to encourage institutions and businesses in the province to utilize green technology through the use of SES as an alternative source of electricity in their everyday operations.
The SES is a device that uses photovoltaic (PV) panels to concentrate solar radiation and convert sunlight into electrical energy or store energy thermally or in batteries. The system can either be grid-tied, off-grid, or hybrid. Grid-tied systems are solar power setups that are linked to the power grid and function without the use of batteries. Off-grid is independent of the electrical grid comprised of a solar power system coupled with an energy storage system, such as a solar battery. A hybrid solar power system is linked to the electrical grid and has energy storage.
With the increasing fuel prices, problems arising with electric supply and electric bills are inevitable. Marinduque is not new to this problem since it has been experiencing load shedding for quite a while. Last October 20, 2022, the electric distribution utility of Marinduque informed the public regarding the possible load shedding requested by the National Power Corporation (NAPOCOR) since the fuel supplier will limit the fuel and lubes delivery to NAPOCOR due to delayed payment (MARELCO, 2022). The power interruption lasts for four to six hours a day, not to mention the frequent unscheduled power interruptions due to power plant tripping. Businesses that depend on electricity for productivity, such as restaurants, machine shops, food processing facilities, and water refilling stations, are affected by these power outages. Furthermore, the world, in general, is under a climate crisis which further urges the nation to empower climate change resiliency and practice more sustainable ways to live.
To counter these challenges, DOST-MIMAROPA has been encouraging the use of Solar Energy System (SES) for different applications, including but not limited to healthcare, disaster risk reduction and management, access to water, and business in an effort to promote a cleaner and more sustainable operations. As of January 2023, SES is being used in 7 rural health units, 14 processing facilities, 3 water systems, 17 evacuation centers, and 36 households assisted by DOST-MIMAROPA. DOST-MIMAROPA also launched a regional project on solarization which included the use of SES in all Provincial S&T Offices in MIMAROPA and the Marinduque State College (SUC).
Several institutions including the Benita and Catalino Yap Foundation (BCYF) recognized the initiative and conferred DOST-MIMAROPA through its Regional Director Ma. Josefina P. Abilay the BCYF Innovation Award for Government Service in 2017.
As a testament of commitment to the green government advocacy, the Provincial S&T Office in Marinduque shared its first-hand experience of using the grid-tied and off-grid SES in its everyday operations. The forum highlighted the benefits of SES— mainly a source of cheaper and cleaner electricity as alternative to fuel-powered plants and generators that are harmful to the environment. Furthermore, SES can be used anywhere, especially on islands. The PSTO discussed that a 3-kW to 5-kW grid-tied SES would cost between Php 250, 000 to Php 350,000, while a 1-kW to 2-kW off-grid SES will cost roughly Php 150,000 to Php 300,000. The actual technology installed in the PSTO was also shown to the participants.
In addition, Engr. Michael Laylay, a beneficiary of the DOST Small Enterprise Technology Upgraded Program (DOST SETUP) who was provided with a 5 kw Grid-Tied SES for his water refilling station business—Wow Water Refilling Station also shared the positive impacts of using the technology in his business. According to Engr Laylay, the cost of the business’ electricity decreased by around 50% or an average of 284 kWh amounting to roughly Php 2, 556.00 per month after using the SES for two and a half years.
“Ako po ang kauna-unahang nagmamay-ari ng water refilling station dito sa Marinduque na nabigyan ng Solar Energy System (SES) sa ilalim ng SETUP program. Lubos akong nagpapasalamat sa DOST-MIMAROPA dahil sa malaking tulong na ito sa aking negosyo. Sa ikalawang pagkakataon ay humihingi ulit ako ng assistance para sa full solarization ng Hybrid System ng aking Water Refilling Station para siguraduhing wala ng brownout at tuloy tuloy ang maganda naming serbisyo sa komunidad.” said Engr. Laylay.
As a result of the forum, Hon. Greg Palatino, President of the Association of Barangay Councils (ABC) of Torrijos, expressed his appreciation for the technology and his intent to share it with other punong barangays in the municipality. In response, another technology forum on SES was conducted last January 27, 2023, for punong barangays and officials from each barangay in Torrijos.
Majority of barangay officials in the municipality expressed their intent in adopting SES in their projects, including the use of solar-powered chlorinator for the barangay water system. Also, DOST-MIMAROPA conducted an initial assessment in barangay Magapua, Mogpog and designed a 5-kW off-grid SES setup for the existing 2 hp water pump— their main water source, for possible adoption.
DOST-MIMAROPA continues to collaborate with different stakeholders and advocate for the use of solar energy technologies for various purposes.
