5. How is it done: Solar roof top installations in the Philippines

In 2013 the solar roof top market in the Philippines is expected to double in size from 2.5MW to 5MW. The passing of the net-metering rules and interconnection standards enabling all on-grid end-users to install a solar roof top will further boost the market as now the regulatory framework has been set. The following examples of solar roof top installations give an overview of different applications in the residential, commercial and industrial setting.


11.76 kWp - Orphanage installation, Southern Leyte

 

Project overview

This project is a 11.76kWp residential installation at an orphanage in Southern Leyte. Consisting of 48 CNPV 245 watt-peak polycrystalline modules, a light weight aluminium Intersol mounting system by Donauer Solartechnik, and a display of 2 SMA Sunny Mini Central Inverters (6000 Watts each), this system is designed to maximize the given roof space of the orphanage while utilizing the future benefits of net metering to ultimately lower the operations of cost of the orphanage. 
 

The project partners

Name of solar installer: MATEC Name of Distribution Company: Southern Leyte Cooperative Name of customer: Orphanage – Southern Leyte 
 

Project site

Southern Leyte 
 

Project setup

A study of the consumption pattern of the facility showed that an average of 30% of the Solar production is used by the facility on the weekdays, due to the children leaving the orphanage during school (Although increasing significantly during weekends), amounting to an estimated savings of Php 3,200.00 per month. The remaining 70% is designed to be fed out to the grid and will benefit the facility by an estimated Php 3,700 per month (When Net-metering is implemented by the Southern Leyte Cooperative, which is the local distribution company that has given permission to connect to their grid before installation). 
 

Key facts and figures

The layout of arrays follows an East-West facing design (24 modules 90º East at 20º inclination; 24 modules 90º West at 20º inclination) while the inverters are set on Single-phase grid at 230Volts. Over the first year of operation, this system has a yield of 1350 kWh per kWp, or 15,876 kWhs a year.

 


22.05 kWp - Commercial/office building installation, Quezon City

 

Project overview

The purpose of this 22.05kWp installation of the solar power system is to produce supplementary power to the entire 4-story commercial/office building during weekdays while eventually taking advantage of the Net-Metering scheme on the weekends. 
 

The project partners

Name of solar installer: MATEC 

Project Setup

The layout of the array was made to maximize the roof space given by the building, which was specifically designed to easily install the largest possible grid-tied system for the given area. The entire array will be placed on a South Facing roof at a 15º inclination on a rib-type metal sheet, allowing for a quick installation and an optimal yield. An inverter room was provisioned on the top floor to house the 4 single phase inverters designed to connect to the building’s 3 phase Delta grid (230V Line-Line), which is a common grid constellation found in Manila. 
 

Key facts and figures

Consisting of 105 Evergreen 210 watt-peak polycrystalline modules, a simple yet robust mounting system designed by Schletter, and a display of 4 Single phase grid tied Inverters by SMA (2 x SMC 7000, 2 x SMA 4600).

Over the first year of operations, it is expected to produce close to 31,750 kWhs of energy. Once the building is in full operation, it will utilize an anticipated 71% of solar power produced while the remaining 29% will be fed into the grid, mainly during the weekends, through Net-metering upon full implementation and completion of the building. 

 


0.49 kWp - Residential installation

 

Project overview

The On-Grid Solar PV was installed with three (3) components namely: 1) the PV module; 2) the Micro-inverter and 3) the Power Manager. 
 

The project partners

Name of solar installer: Solarus Partners Inc 
 

Project Setup

Two panels were put on the roof. Each panel is rated at 245Wp, totalling 490kw capacity for the entire system. Since the system uses micro-inverters, one unit of micro-inverter was attached per panel. The mounting structure is made of fiberglass to avoid corrosion. Its lightweight characteristics reduce strain on the roofing structure. The installation was quick and easy. The frame was bolted on the roof in less than a day; the actual fitting of the solar panels on the frame took about an hour only.
 

Key facts and figures

Last July 2012, the Solar PV 460W modules were installed with a cost of Php 78,000 or Php 170/Wpeak. With an 803 kWh annual production (estimate) and using a rate of P11.91/kWh avoided cost (without net metering), the simple payback of this project is 7.42 years. The 460W Solar PV can supply 3 x 6W CFL, a 14 inch TV and a 228W refrigerator. On a rainy month of August 2013, the average output was 2.20 kWh/day.

 


11 kWp - Residential/office installation, Marikina City

Project overview

11Kw Residential / Office Roof Mounted Solar Grid Tie System 

The project partners

Name of solar installer: UNI SOLAR INC. Name of customer: Private Residential / Office 

Project site

Located inside a gated subdivision in Marikina City, Philippines 

Project Setup

The client’s intention is to save on electricity cost since the bulk of his electrical consumption is during daytime

Key facts and figures

It is an 11kw system mounted on a Corrugated Roof on the 3rd floor with the following specifications:

- Panels: 250Wp Monocrystalline Solarworld- Germany
- Inverter: SB5000TL-21 x 2 SMA
- Mounting System: Aluminum and Stainless Mounting System
- Performance Ratio: 83.50%
System Size (kwp): 11Kw
Annual output (kwh): 15,930.30kwh
No of modules: 42 pcs.

ROI calculation: 6 years 
 


6.16 kWp - Pilot installation, MERALCO, Pasig City

Project overview

Installation of Solar system at MERALCO Compound in Pasig City 

The project partners

Name of solar installer: Greenheat Corporation (subsidiary of PROPMECH Corp) Name of customer: Manila Electric Company 

Project site

MERALCO Compound, Ortigas Avenue, Pasig City 

Key facts and figures

Components used
- Suntech Solar Panels
- SMA Inverter
- Schletter Mounting Frames
- Zhongli Solar CAables
System Size (6.16 kwp)
First Year Energy Yield: 6.87 MWHr
 


5 kWp - Bank installation, Makati City

Project overview

Solarus Partners Inc (SPI), a renewable energy company accredited by the Philippine Department of Energy and registered at the Securities and Exchange Commission with its German partner, mp tec, offered the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) a 90-day trial period wherein the Bank could directly experience the benefits of the solar PV system through reduced carbon emissions and increased energy savings. 

The project partners

Name of solar installer: Solarus Partners Inc Name of customer: Bank of the Philippine Islands 

Project site

BPI Branch located in Ayala Avenue Extension, Makati City

Project Setup

BPI is a strong promoter of energy efficiency and the application of green technology. Given this
background, Solarus Partners offered them a 90 day trial in which they could directly experience the
benefits of installing a solar PV rooftop system. SPI installed a grid-tied system with a capacity of 5kWp
on the roof and parapet of the BPI branch. During the 3 month period, avoided GHG emissions were
628.98 kg tons and avoided cost was PHP 9,273.60

Key facts and figures

Components used
- Panels – 20 Panels (CS6P 245)
- Inverter – 2 Units (SMA)
- Mounting System – 1 Lot (Mp tec)
- Web Box – 1 Unit (SMA)
System Size -5kwp
ROI calculation – 7 years
 


62 kWp - Toyota Marilao, Bulacan

Project overview

Toyota Showroom – Marilao, a car show room and service facility in Bulacan was exploring the option of utilizing renewable energy solutions to manage increasing energy costs. The facility operates 10 hours a day, 6 days a week, with an average energy consumption of 12,000 kWh every month and at a rate of Php 12.61 per kWh. With the abundance of sun power all over the Philippines this grid-connected system allows direct use of energy generated from the PV system during the day, while evening energy requirements are covered from the grid. The System is Generating savings of about 120,000 Peso every month and helped the client to reduce their electricity bill by almost 40%. 
 

The project partners

Name of solar installer: CEnAG Solar Name of customer: Toyota Marilao Bulacan 

Project site

Toyota Marilao, Bulacan MacArthur Hwy Abangang Sur Marilao, Bulacan

Project Setup

- Involved: Toyota Marilao Bulacan, Arch Nazareno
- Motivation: Design a Canopy that Provides shading to lower the Aircon Consumption and
produces Solar Power
- Experience: The 12 Meter high construction has to withstand strong winds. Highest safety
standards were applied and only trained professionals did the installation.
- Specialties: Internet Monitoring System, and TV live Monitor, Special Mounting System design,
100% German Components

Key facts and figures

Components used
- SolarWorld 245Wp Poly (made in Germany)
- SMA Sunny Mini Central 7000-HV (made in Germany)
- Schletter Customized FixZ15 (made in Germany)
- Webbox Monitoring System, Schneider MCB
-
System Size 62kWp
Annual output 86800kWh
252 Modules

ROI Calculation
7 Years


8.46 kWp - Residential-West Grove Ayala Sta Rosa Laguna

 

Project overview

On January 30, 2014, the first solar power system installation under the Bi-Directional NetMetering program was switched on in the Philippines. Meister Solar installed an 8.46kWp solarpower system at a private residence belonging to Mr. Tom Thomas in Westgrove Silang Cavite.

The project partners

Name of solar installer: Meister Solar Power Solutions Corp Name of customer: Mr. Tom Tho

Project site

Located in Sta. Rosa, Laguna

Key facts and figures
Components used
- Panels: MP TEC S-LINE 240
- Inverter: SMA Sunny Boy 1 Unit 7000 and 1 Unit 2500
- Mounting System: MP-TEC all aluminum mounting kit
- System Size – 8.46 kwp
- Annual Output- 8.832.24 kWh
- Number of modules – 34 Units
- ROI – 6-7 Years

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