Solar panel installation cost in the Philippines are influenced by various factors, such as the market situation, supply chain, manufacturer, and type of solar panel, they may be outdated and do not consider effects such as retail chain crises or inflation.
Accordingly, the current provider prices may deviate from the above information. The service included in the provider prices also varies significantly from provider to provider in the Philippines.
How much does it cost to install solar panel in the Philippines
| Solar Power System Plan | Estimate Price in the Philippines |
| 3kw solar system installation price Philippines | 165k PHP |
| 5kw solar system installation price Philippines | 250k PHP |
| 2kw solar system installation price Philippines | 150k PHP |
| 1kw solar system installation price Philippines | 140K PHP |
| 10kw solar system installation price Philippines | 430 PHP |
| 500w solar panel price Philippines (Panel only) | 12k PHP |
Here Are The Influencing factors
The investment costs of a solar panel installation in the Philippines are not always constant but depend on various influencing factors. The most important influencing factor on the price of a photovoltaic system is the production costs of the components.
Some improvements have been made here in recent years. Above all, the prices for solar modules and power storage have continued to fall due to improved production processes, increasing demand, and, thus, larger production capacities.
However, the availability of the components also has a significant influence. If the demand exceeds the production capacities or there are delivery problems, the price increases, despite the theoretically cheap production of the components.
The demand for self-sufficient energy solutions has increased dramatically in the past year. At the same time, there are currently delivery problems worldwide. As a result, the price of photovoltaic systems has risen noticeably for the first time in years.
Other solar companies in the Philippines’ pricing also impact investment costs. Low prices from certain providers also allow others to follow suit and vice versa.
Ultimately, the individual local conditions are also decisive. For example, an outdated meter cabinet must be replaced for several thousand pesos. Likewise, many obstacles or shading on the roof make planning more difficult, meaning unique solutions must be found.
Finally, the customer’s demands also affect the price of a solar panel installation system. If you rely on high-quality and durable components for the system, you will pay more than if you choose the cheapest products. Photovoltaic costs of individual items (for undersized systems)
1. Photovoltaic Module
The module price is currently between 20 PHP per watt. A typical monocrystalline photovoltaic module with an output of 350-450 watts currently costs 12k PHP to 21k PHP. With a 10-kilowatt peak system, there are around 500k PHP in pure module costs. If you opt for a polycrystalline or thin-film module, the costs will be 20-40 percent lower. However, these module types also have significantly lower efficiencies and are visually less appealing than black monocrystalline modules.
However, if you follow the module prices closely, you will find price indices with values of 21 PHP or even 15 PHP per module on the Internet. However, these are the pure manufacturing costs of photovoltaic modules. Even for large systems, a surcharge is added here. As a result, there are significantly higher module purchase prices for photovoltaic systems on house roofs.
2. Performance Optimizers
In the case of temporary shading of PV modules, it makes sense to use power optimizers. These optimize the performance of your modules even under difficult radiation conditions. A performance optimizer is required for each module, the price of which is around 3k PHP.
3. Solar Inverter
The cost of an inverter usually varies between 90k PHP and 240k PHP. How high the actual costs are depends heavily on the device’s functionality and manufacturer. However, don’t skimp on the inverter because the more conversion losses the inverter causes, the more yield you lose.
A 1% difference in efficiency can already result in yield losses of 100 kWh per year in a 10 kWp system. I, therefore, recommend high-quality inverters from Sungrow, Kostal, Huawei, SMA, or Fronius.
4. Mounting System
The price range for the mounting system is usually between 30k PHP and 80k PHP, depending on the size of the system. In-roof mounting systems tend to be more expensive than on-roof systems. However, the advantage here is that the mounting system almost wholly replaces the roof covering, which means that in-roof systems are particularly worthwhile for new buildings or buildings with a roof needing renovation.
5. Solar Power Battery Storage (Optional)
The price of electricity storage for private homes will vary between 360k PHP and 900k in 2023. Depending on the manufacturer and memory size, significant price fluctuations can occur.
6. Solar Smart Meters
A smart meter costs around 18k PHP for small photovoltaic systems. This investment is worthwhile because you increase your self-consumption with a smart meter. Without a smart meter, the photovoltaic system must be dynamically regulated at 70% of the nominal output. The smart meter records your self-consumption in real-time and can use up to 100% of the nominal power of your system (e.g., with 30% self-consumption and 70% feed-in). In a few years, smart meters will be mandatory for all households.
7. Electrical Installation and Module Assembly
The costs for electrical installation and module assembly depend heavily on the on-site conditions and the size of the system. With an 8-12 kWp system, you can roughly calculate 60k PHP -180k PHP for the electrical installation and 150k PHP – 240k PHP for the module assembly.
8. Price Development
Overall, the prices for photovoltaics have fallen sharply in recent years thanks to technological developments and ever-increasing production capacities. Since 2006, by an average of around 13% per year and by as much as 75% overall. This makes photovoltaics much more worthwhile than 10 years ago. Going forward, however, prices are expected to fall significantly slower. Therefore, it is not worth waiting for future price reductions either.
Currently, the price situation is agitated due to high demand. Therefore, the prices for photovoltaic systems had to be raised again after a long time.
9. Solar Panel Maintenance
Lastly, maintaining a photovoltaic system in the Philippines is unnecessary because the system has no moving parts. Malfunctions are rare and are usually quickly identified by system monitoring.
If you opt for regular maintenance, you can assume 1% to 1.5% of the system costs. For systems below 15 kWp, annual costs of around 12k PHP – 24k PHP are incurred. If you conclude a fixed maintenance contract with remote system monitoring, this costs around 18k PHP per year. But then you also have the certainty that the system runs smoothly.
What is the primary use of installing solar energy in the Philippines?
Solar energy is produced with the help of photovoltaic panels. They are most often installed on the roof of the house or building that you want to supply with energy, but also on special supports in the yard or a field.
The panels known as solar panels are the ones that transform solar energy into thermal energy. More precisely, they are used to heat water and provide heat. The two have no significant differences except in costs and the number of panels required for each situation.
For example, to provide electricity, a more significant number of photovoltaic panels will be needed. In contrast, solar panels are installed depending on the water or heat the house or space needs.
1. Electricity
With the help of voltaic panels, you can significantly reduce your dependence on the public electricity system and suppliers. Those who invest in a well-designed system can even give up nuclear electricity and enjoy renewable energy. An important thing to remember is that you need special equipment that transforms the energy produced by the solar panels to be able to use it to power the house.
2. Hot water
Thermal solar panels are also used to heat water stored in a separate tank. The quantity produced can reach 90% of the household water needs of a house. To enjoy solar energy’s advantages, you must also choose accessories for quality solar panels. For example, to heat domestic water in this way, you need valves, aerators, expansion vessels, antifreeze, and pumping groups.
The freedom that installing a renewable energy system offers you is felt especially in rural areas where connecting to a public gas system is impossible or involves excellent efforts. Also, by installing solar panels, you will be able to use hot water regardless of external conditions and unforeseen situations that may arise.
3. Heating and ventilation
Special heating and ventilation systems are used, especially in the case of passive houses. They are built with thick thermal insulation to reduce heat loss significantly but with unique controlled ventilation installations. Solar panels generate heat and current for the ventilation system to achieve the eco or greenhouse standard.
Advantages of installing solar energy in the Philippines
Choosing solar energy for your home or commercial space involves substantial costs, but they will pay off faster than you hope. Here are the main advantages:
1. Reliability and safety
The space powered by solar energy no longer depends on electricity or gas interruptions and allows you to continue your daily activity regardless of the moment. This is essential, especially in the case of farms or greenhouses where a constant energy source is needed. For as much safety as possible, it is recommended to have a plan B that involves the use of power generators.
2. Easy maintenance
Solar panels only need regular cleaning; otherwise, the materials are resistant to extreme weather conditions and UV rays, extending their lifespan to approximately 20 years. It is essential to monitor the panels’ ability to produce energy to determine if there are specific changes in their mechanism and if the performance weakens.
3. Reducing polluting emissions
If you rely mostly or entirely on solar energy, you can significantly reduce the footprint you leave on the environment. Especially in global warming, alternative solutions and renewable sources are a step towards a healthy life for the whole world.
Disadvantages of installing solar energy in the Philippines
Among the few disadvantages of solar energy is mainly the high initial cost. The purchase of photovoltaic panels involves a substantial investment, but you will quickly notice price reductions in energy bills and enjoy the advantage of a genuinely eco-lifestyle. The disadvantages include:
– The need for space for the installation of panels.
– Dependence on sunny weather.
– Low conversion of solar energy into electrical energy.
If you want to lead a sustainable lifestyle, solar energy allows you to make significant changes and help the environment. Also, by applying these new measures, you will depend less and less on energy suppliers.
Why solar panels are worth it in the Philippines
1. Solar energy does not harm the environment
Unlike coal or oil, the sun provides us with energy without adverse environmental effects, which is a good enough reason to pay more attention to this type of energy.
2. Solar energy costs nothing and is available to everyone
The sun is an inexhaustible energy source if we do not think about what will happen millions of years from now, but about the near future, how long we, our children, their children’s children, and several more generations will live. Also, the sun is free, and anyone with enough land to install a solar panel system can enjoy the excellent sun’s benefits.
3. Solar energy helps you save in the long run
Even though, in recent years, the costs of installing a solar panel system have decreased significantly, investment is quite expensive for many people. But you have to remember that it pays for itself very quickly, and once you’ve done it, you won’t have to go back on it because the additional costs it issues are minimal.
4. New jobs can be created starting from the use of solar energy
It may not be evident in the Philippines job market yet. Still, solar energy helps people land a job as solar panel experts, installers, cleaners, and inspectors.
5. Using solar energy, you can become energy-independent
Have you always dreamed of the day when you will no longer have to pay for heat and electricity without giving up the comfort of a life adapted to the standards of the 21st century? Then invest in solar systems and enjoy right now the independence you’ve always wanted!
How Many Solar Panels do I Need to Run a House in the Philippines for a 3kw, 10kw, or 15kw Solar Energy System
On average, seven solar panels are needed to install a photovoltaic solar energy system to serve a home with a monthly consumption of 300 kWh in the Philippines and achieve savings of up to 95% on the electricity bill.
For a business that consumes 800 kWh per month, the average is 20 photovoltaic modules to compose a solar panel that meets the monthly consumption.
The values were calculated taking into account modules of 340 Watts-peak (Wp) of power, installed on a roof facing North, with a 20° inclination and a daily average of 5 hours of sound solar radiation, also considering the loss of 20% yield of the photovoltaic system connected to the grid (on the grid).
How is the number of solar panels for a residence calculated?
When we talk about photovoltaic systems, an important thing to pay attention to is that the size of the generator always needs to be calculated according to the project. This dimensioning of the solar energy system is carried out by companies specializing in the sale and installation of photovoltaic projects.
How to Calculate How Many Solar Panels Do You Need:
1. Average local solar radiation
The solar panels (the correct term is photovoltaic modules) that make up the solar panel produce electricity from the incidence of sunlight. Therefore, the greater the average solar radiation at the installation site, the smaller the number of panels needed to supply the volume of energy consumed by the home or business.
2. Solar panel power
Each solar panel model has a factory generation power that varies according to composition and technology. The power of a solar panel determines the maximum amount of energy it can generate under favorable weather conditions.
Today, residential solar energy installations usually use solar panels with power from 340 Watts-peak (Wp), but there are modules above 545 Wp. You can check the PV module power on the solar panel datasheet.
3. Electricity consumption of the property
Normally, solar panels are designed to supply the total electrical consumption of a home or business. Thus, the final number of plates will be directly proportional to this electrical demand.
While homes can be served by just a few units of solar panels, businesses and industries may need dozens of them. Under the same logic, larger homes have higher electrical consumption than smaller homes.
It is also possible to install a smaller number of solar panels to guarantee only a part of the consumption of the residence, as in the case of those who install solar energy to supply only the consumption of air conditioners.
This option reduces the initial investment in photovoltaic technology but does not bring up to 95% savings on the electricity bill. So, when deciding the size of your photovoltaic system, keep the following questions in mind:
How much do you want to invest?
How much do you want to save?
To help you get an idea, we created a photovoltaic solar energy calculator, which will help you to know how many photovoltaic panels (photovoltaic panels) you need, in addition to the annual savings.
Finally, some technical factors are involved in installing the solar panel that impacts its performance, such as its direction and inclination.
What Are the Main Risks of Installing Solar Panels on Your Own
Installing solar panels is a very complex task, and even if you understand electricity, you are exposed to significant risks when you decide to do it yourself. Furthermore, it is not difficult to find a specialized company since undertaking in the solar sector has become a great alternative. Below are the main dangers.
1. Lack of adequate materials and resources
Specialized professionals have adequate tools for each type of situation. They are also supported by testing equipment and accurate calculations to make the installation more accurate. Cabling and protection items complete the list of resources used.
Most of these materials are very specific and expensive to obtain and maintain. In these cases, improvising can cause irreversible damage to the equipment and, in addition to not generating the necessary energy, make the installation even more expensive than expected.
2. Wrong positioning of the plates
Professionals have enough know-how to develop a complete and more efficient project — all in an adequate way to the site’s power, capacity, and electrical installation needs. Simulations and tests are carried out to ensure the best cost-effectiveness of the investment.
When you opt for “do it yourself”, you put the entire efficiency of the equipment at risk. Without knowledge and experience, solar panels can be installed in unfavorable positions, catching less sunlight.
The side and slope on which they will be placed can cause them to experience long periods of shade during the day (or some part of the year). This decreases the power generation capacity.
3. Chances of getting an electric shock
Regardless of the type of electrical current used (continuous or alternating), our body is susceptible to it. Electrocutions are inevitable when you are not trained to do this service, which can cause severe burns and even death from cardiac arrest.
In addition, there are other risks of accidents, such as working at heights. As solar panels, in most cases, are installed on roofs, any electric shock, no matter how small, can cause shocks and imbalances, leading to fatal falls.
Conversely, a professional consider all these risks, receives adequate training, and has the correct protective equipment. Therefore, it is not good to take risks.
4. Wrong sizing
One of the first things you should do when deciding to go solar is measure current demand. The objective is to obtain the ideal capacity so that the supply is not interrupted during the night and on rainy days or, at least, that the interruption does not interrupt the basic electrical activities of the property. Based on this, the professional will recommend the right amount and dimensions of the boards, the correct length of the cables, the most suitable type of inverter, etc.
However, such measurement is not easy since it involves complex calculations. Professionals rely on the help of equipment for this, and when doing everything yourself, you may make mistakes in the calculations, investing more or less than you really should.
5. Difficulties with the electrical network
To connect solar energy to the electrical grid, you need a good idea of voltages and voltages. If you don’t have the right measuring equipment and don’t know exactly what you’re doing, you can cause a massive short circuit, burning out a lot of electronic equipment at once.
In addition, you must communicate to the energy distribution concessionaire in your region what you intend to do. You must document the processes and specify the following:
– Responsible technicians;
– The photovoltaic module manual;
– The dimensions and capacities of the plates.
Overcoming all of this can result in harsh consequences in the future, such as fines and bans. Consequently, the cost of the project will be pretty high.
6. Connection and connection errors
Solar panels work with direct electric current, which must be converted into alternating current for general use. Therefore, a lack of attention to cable and wire connections, such as polarity, triggers equipment burnout. Some errors may not even have an immediate effect, but they can compromise the entire electrical structure over time.
If you don’t want to risk losing the equipment completely — and even causing a fire — it’s good to have the support of a professional specializing in installing solar panels.
7. Absence of guarantees
Solar plate suppliers require that the installation be carried out by a specialized technician, preferably indicated by them, as this reduces the risk of failures that generate equipment defects. Anyone who invests in installation independently assumes the risk alone, losing all warranty and free technical assistance.
From then on, whenever you need to do maintenance or fix something, you must pay for the services. Usually, quality modules and inverters have good strength and high durability, but as this is a relatively high investment, you cannot afford to lose service.
10 Tips for Installing Solar Panels in the Philippines
These are valuable tips that are often unknown or overlooked by installation teams. So get paper and pen ready and hands-on:
1. When receiving the product, check the integrity of the boxes
If you find any problems, refuse the damaged goods and inform the supplier immediately, even before dismissing the responsible carrier.
Many carriers accept notes on receipt on the receipt stub, so it is possible to receive part of the merchandise that was not damaged and return what arrived with a defect.
If no notice is given upon receipt, it is understood that any damage subsequently found is the recipient’s responsibility. Filming the receipt is also an added security feature for the recipient.
2. Another critical point when receiving is checking the number of packages received
Always make a checklist of what you bought and expect to receive. It is often infeasible to check item by item due to the large number of them in a photovoltaic system. Still, suppliers usually provide some way to verify the contents of the volumes, which are groupings of items, either through a list or identification labels.
Check the form used with your supplier and if the number of volumes informed on the invoice matches the number of volumes received.
3. The handling of the modules must always be done with the help of at least two people
And under no circumstances should the head be used to support the module.
4. Do not stack the modules horizontally, especially if they are significant.
Modules are not designed to support a lot of weight on their surface. When depalletized, the modules must be accommodated vertically and with a slight inclination.
5. Fix the modules according to the manual
The manual for each module shows the locations where the fasteners must be placed to better distribute the forces exerted on the panels. In addition, the manufacturer also indicates the minimum torque required for snap fasteners. Applying too much torque can damage the aluminum frame and the glass below it.
6. Do not climb or step on the surface of the module.
Walking on modules will cause micro-cracks in their cells. Microcracks interrupt the normal current flow in the cell by reducing module generation and causing a hot spot in the crack region. Consequently, the hot spot degrades panel life and can cause cell delamination and fire.
7. Use suitable and crimped terminals in all connections using the tools the terminal manufacturer indicates.
To avoid incompatibility between connectors, it is recommended, whenever possible, to use the same brand of MC4-type connectors in a connection. Poorly made or crimped connections with inappropriate tools pose a significant risk to the installation as the resistance of the connection increases, resulting in a hot spot that, in the long term, can be responsible for causing a fire and, consequently, damage to property and life.
Tip: Inverters that use MC4-type connectors for their DC connections always bring the proper pairs; prefer these before any other type of connector.
8. Commission the system
Before turning on the system, following the tests and tests addressed in the Photovoltaic Systems commissioning standard and documenting the values obtained to verify compliance and compare them in future system maintenance is suggested. Indispensable tests.
9. Check if the inverter has SPDs, disconnect switches, and, if necessary, fuses.
In cases where the equipment does not have integrated protections, external protection must be added. It is recommended that the external protections be located in a frame on the side of the inverters and never below. In this way, the flame will not reach the inverters in the event of a fire in the switchboard.
10. Identify the cables of the arrangements with colored tapes or cable ties.
This prevents confusion in assembly and errors in connecting cables to the inverter. Also, do not forget to place signs with clear warnings about the risk of electric shock where only trained people can handle the equipment.
Where is the best location for installing solar panels?
One of the most critical decisions when installing solar panels is their positioning. With the installer, you can identify several options to determine the best location, as there are tradeoffs between efficiency and aesthetics. The goal is undoubtedly to have effective panels but also to respect the architecture of your house.
Solar panels should be placed in direct sunlight, with as little shade as possible. Ideally, a West, South-West, South, South-East or East orientation is recommended. This ensures maximum exposure to direct sunlight with minimum shading throughout the day. Other potential locations may include carports, garage roofs, or flat land. Additional measures must be considered during installation to ensure optimum efficiency and compliance with safety standards if installed in any of these locations.
Finally, remember that, for ideal sunshine, it is recommended to have a roof that allows the solar panels to be placed at an angle of inclination of 30°.
What are my annual energy needs?
To accurately calculate your annual energy needs, you must first consider the factors that affect your consumption: the size of your home, the number of occupants, and any special equipment or appliances used on site.
For example, consider how often certain appliances, such as air conditioners or refrigerators, run in a typical year. With this information, you can use various online tools and calculators to help you determine your total annual energy consumption.
For maximum accuracy, compare the simulator data with your energy bills, especially if you have that for the entire year, without significant changes in the dwelling size, the number of occupants, or the equipment consumed.
Then, see if the amount of power the solar panels can generate is right for your needs. Their energy potential depends on many factors, such as the size and location of the house, its orientation to the sun, and other environmental conditions. The total amount of electricity a solar power system generates also depends on the number and type of solar panels installed. For example, depending on these variables, a typical residential system can produce between 3 and 7 kilowatt hours (kWh) per day.
How long does the installation of solar panels take?
In general, a residential installation takes one to three days depending on the size of the system , the complexity of the installation, weather conditions, local building regulations.
A superimposed installation can, for example, only take a day, when an installation integrated into the building will tend to take 2 to 3 days. The delay can also be a little longer if the solar panels are integrated into a home automation system.
However, the installation itself is not the longest stage of the project. Generally, the waiting time between the signature and the start of the work is the longest part, which can be counted in weeks or even months. It is therefore better to anticipate your project, then be patient!