Harnessing the power of the sun, as we should…
In a quiet coastal town on the island of Rapu-Rapu, Albay, something big just happened as residents have started switching on lights and powering small appliances, not through the usual electric grid, but through the sun.
Thanks to the government’s Photovoltaic Mainstreaming Solar Housing System (PVM-SHS) program, nearly 300 households in Rapu-Rapu now have access to clean, renewable solar power, with 700 more units set to be distributed across other parts of the province.
Bringing Solar to the Last Mile
The initiative, led by the National Electrification Administration (NEA) in collaboration with Ako Bicol Party-list and the Albay Electric Cooperative (Aleco), aims to bring sustainable energy to far-flung and off-grid areas where traditional power lines are difficult, and expensive, to install.
Each solar home system operates on a 12-volt setup, which is strong enough to power essentials like LED lights, a fan, or even a small TV. The best part? It’s mounted right on the homeowner’s premises; no complicated wiring needed.
The cost? Just ₱7 per day, or around ₱210 per month. That covers maintenance and any technical troubleshooting, with trained local electricians on standby for support.
These systems are perfect for homes in geographically isolated or disadvantaged areas where building out the electric grid simply isn’t viable. It’s a cleaner, smarter, and faster way to electrify the countryside.
Beyond Power: Hope, Livelihood, and Connectivity
This isn’t just a win for Rapu-Rapu, but also a glimpse of what’s possible when sustainability meets inclusivity. As solar energy continues to light up homes across Albay, it’s also powering dreams, livelihoods, and brighter futures.
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