Rooftop Solar Boom Cuts Energy Costs and Strengthens Power Security

Rooftop solar installations are expanding rapidly in the Philippines, helping households and businesses reduce electricity costs while supporting a more resilient and secure energy system.

“The economics of rooftop solar are more attractive than ever, and its rapid rise is inevitable,” said Dave Jones, Co-founder of Ember. “The government has an opportunity to carve its own path on rooftop solar, to pull the Philippines out of fossil dependency and onto a path of cheap, abundant electricity.”

Rooftop solar capacity is estimated to have nearly doubled to around 1,300 megawatts over the past year, as falling installation costs and higher electricity prices have made solar increasingly affordable. Typical household payback periods have fallen from four years to 3.1 years, while commercial systems can recover their costs in just 2.3 years. Analysts estimate there is potential for more than 100 gigawatts of rooftop solar across the country. With policies to support financing for small-scale solar systems and battery storage, the growing adoption of rooftop solar could lower energy bills, reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels, and strengthen long-term energy security.