Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

‘TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 458

Introduced by Representative Crispin Diego “Ping” D. Remulla

AN ACT
TO FURTHER PROMOTE THE ADOPTION OF ROOFTOP SOLAR
TECHNOLOGY AMONG RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL, AND
GOVERNMENT END-USERS, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT
NO. 9513, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE "RENEWABLE ENERGY ACT OF
2008", AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

EXPLANATORY NOTE

‘The promotion of renewable energy sources is a critical component of the country’s
strategy to reduce carbon emissions, improve energy security, and transition towards a more
sustainable future. Republic Act No. 9513, also known as the "Renewable Energy Act of 2008,"

laid the groundwork for the use of clean energy sources.

The increasing practicality of solar energy is evident in various initiatives already
taking place. For example, private institutions like SM Prime Holdings have begun to install
rooftop solar panels across multiple malls, demonstrating the economic and environmental
benefits of clean energy. Similarly, government agencies such as the Philippine Carabao Center
(PCC) and local government units, including the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte, have

taken proactive steps to utilize solar power in their f

This proposed measure aims to amend RA 9513 to further promote rooftop solar energy
by simplifying the permitting process and enabling accessible financing options. In addition, it

mandates all government agencies, in coordination with the Department of Energy (DOE), to


install solar panel systems capable of supplying at least 5% of their total electricity
requirements within three years from the effectivity of this Act. This requirement shall increase
incrementally by five percent (5%) every five (5) years thereafter, ensuring a progressive shift

toward clean energy in public institutions.

In view of the foregoing, the approval of this measure is earnestly sought.

CRISPIN DIEGO “PING” D. REMULLA


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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

458

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Representative Crispin Diego “Ping” D. Remulla

AN ACT
TO FURTHER PROMOTE THE ADOPTION OF ROOFTOP SOLAR
TECHNOLOGY AMONG RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL, AND
GOVERNMENT END-USERS, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT
NO. 9513, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE "RENEWABLE ENERGY ACT OF
2008", AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the “Solar Rooftop Adoption
Act”.

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. — The State recognizes energy security and electricity
affordability as necessary components of inclusive, sustained and broad- based growth. The
State further recognizes the necessity of balancing the provision of secure and affordable
electricity with the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the
rhythm and harmony of nature. The State also recognizes the emergence of rooftop
photovoltaic or solar technology as an increasingly affordable and feasible method of
complementing the electricity needs of residential and commercial end-users, thereby reducing
overall demand.

‘To this end, it is hereby declared a policy of the State to further promote rooftop solar
technology among residential and commercial end-users, and to address institutional barriers
to its adoption thereof.

SEC. 3. Section 4 of Republic Act No. 9513 is hereby amended to read as follows:


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“Section 4. Definition of Terms. — As used in this Act, the
following terms are herein defined:
“XXX
istributed generation" refers to a system of small generation
entities supplying directly to the distribution grid frany-oneof which
shall-not-exeeed-one-hundred kilowatts (100kW} in-eapacitys] OR
TO END-USERS, AND WHICH ARE PRIMARILY USED TO
MEET OR  AUGMENT THE — ELECTRICITY
REQUIREMENTS OF END USERS."

SEC. 4. Section 10 of the same Act is hereby amended to read as follows:

“Section 10. Net-Metering for Renewable Energy. - Subject
to technical considerations and without discrimination and upon
request by distribution end- users, the distribution utilities shall enter
into net-metering agreements with qualified end-users who will be
installing RE system.

“The ERC, in consultation with the NREB and the electric
power industry participants, shall establish net metering
Interconnection standards and pricing methodology and other
commercial arrangements necessary to ensure success of the net-
metering for renewable energy program within one (1) year upon
the effectivity of this Act. IN ESTABLISHING A PRICING
METHODOLOGY, THE ERC SHALL ENSURE THAT THE
SAME REFERENCE SHALL BE APPLIED TO BOTH THE
ELECTRICITY IMPORTED FROM AND EXPORTED TO
THE DISTRIBUTION GRID BY END-USERS.

“The distribution utility shall be entitled to any Renewable
Energy Certificate resulting from net-metering arrangement with the
qualified end-user who is using an RE resource to provide energy
and the distribution utility shall be able to use this RE certificate In
compliance with its obligations under RPS.

“The DOE, ERC, TRANSCO or its successors-in-interest,
DUs, PEMC and all relevant parties are hereby mandated to provide
the mechanisms for the physical connection and commercial

arrangements necessary to ensure the success of the Net-metering


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for Renewable Energy program, consistent with the Grid and
Distribution Codes.”

SEC. 5. Standardization of Permits and Licensing Requirements. ~The Department
of Energy (DOE), In coordination with the Department of Interior and Local Government
(DILG), In coordination with the relevant power distribution utilities and Local Government
Units, shall standardize and streamline permitting and licensing requirements in the installation
of rooftop solar projects.

SEC. 6. Solar Installation Loans. — Pursuant to the declared national policy of this
Act, the Board of Trustees under Republic Act No. 9679, otherwise known as the "Home
Development Mutual Fund Law of 2009" shall develop a loan program for qualified members
for the acquisition and installation of solar panels as part of home improvement or as a
component of the housing unit to be purchased, subject to the prevailing Pag-IBIG Fund rules
and regulations.

SEC. 7. Installation of Solar Panels on Government Buildings. — All government
agencies, in coordination with the Department of Energy (DOE), shall install solar energy
systems in their respective offices and buildings. The solar panels shall supply at least five
percent (5%) of the electric power requirements of each government office or building within
three (3) years from the effectivity of this Act, which shall be further increased by five percent
(5%) every five (5) years thereafter.

SEC. 8. Solar Energy Adoption in Public Schools and Hospitals. — All pul
elementary and secondary schools under the DepEd, state universities and colleges (SUCs),
and all public hospitals under the DOH and LGUs shall be mandated to install rooftop solar

energy systems in their respective facilities. The solar panels shall supply at least 5% of the
total electricity requirements of each public school and hospital within five (5) years from the
effectivity of this Act.

SEC. 9. Appropriations. — Such funds necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act
shall be Included under the appropriations of the Department of Energy (DOE) in the annual
General Appropriations Act.

SEC. 10. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Department of Energy (DOE),
National Renewable Energy Board (NREB), Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC),
Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), in consultation with the concerned
stakeholders of the electric power and renewable energy industry shall jointly promulgate the
implementing rules and regulations of this Act within ninety (90) days of its effectivity.


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SEC. 11. Separability Clause. — If any part or provision of this Act shall be declared
unconstitutional and invalid, such declaration shall not invalidate other parts thereof which
shall remain in full force and effect.

SEC. 12. Repealing Clause, — All laws, decrees, executive orders, proclamations, rules
and regulations, or their parts thereof, which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act
are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

SEC. 13. Effectivity Clause. ~ This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its

publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,