TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
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SENATE
S. No. 1061
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25 AUG -6 P4 '22
Rl'CifiVtD Sr
Introduced by Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada
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
Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology presents a significant low-carbon, renewable 
energy solution that is particularly well-suited for the Asia-Pacific region, where 
abundant solar radiation provides ample opportunity for harnessing solar energy. 
There are two primary types of solar PV systems: (1) utility-scale installations, which 
typically have a capacity of one megawatt and require large, open land areas with 
minimal shading, and (2) distributed generation systems, which may be ground- 
mounted or installed on rooftops. These systems generate power during daylight 
hours, with surplus electricity fed back into the power grid.
In the Philippines, rooftop solar PV technology has the potential to significantly 
contribute to achieving energy security, reducing electricity costs, improving supply 
reliability, and enhancing power grid independence. Beyond these benefits, rooftop 
solar aligns with the nation's commitment to a balanced and healthful ecology, 
ensuring that energy production harmonizes with environmental sustainability.


A 2018 report by the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analytics 
(lEEFA) titled "Unlocking Rooftop Solar in the Philippines" highlighted that the 
Philippines faces some of the highest electricity rates in the ASEAN region. However, 
it also pointed out that solar power generation could provide a viable solution to reduce 
electricity costs to as low as P2.50 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), potentially driving R1.5 
trillion (USD 2.8 billion) in new investments by 2030. This economic potential 
underscores the need for further development and adoption of solar power in the 
country.
The importance of solar energy, particularly rooftop solar, has long been 
recognized by national leaders. In 2015, National Economic and Development 
Authority (NEDA) Director-General Ernesto M. Pernia authored a policy report titled 
"Solar Power's Dawning and Promise for Inclusive Growth," urging the government to 
proactively support the development of solar energy. Pernia emphasized the growing 
cost-effectiveness of solar energy and the need for government action to accelerate 
its deployment across various sectors.
Several key reasons support the case for rooftop solar adoption:
1. Cost-Effectiveness: Electricity generated from rooftop solar panels is 
becoming increasingly affordable. In 2014, the Department of Energy (DOE) 
reported that coal-generated electricity costs around P12.00 per kWh, 
including transmission and distribution charges, while electricity from 
rooftop solar panels is priced at just P9.00 per kWh.
2. Demand Reduction: Rooftop solar systems can significantly reduce peak 
electricity demand. A 10% reduction in peak demand, as estimated by the 
United States Agency for International Development (USAID), can lower 
spot prices by 20%. Solar power is particularly effective during peak hours, 
typically between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM, when sunlight is strongest and 
electricity demand is highest.
3. Convenience of Installation: Solar PV systems can be easily installed with 
minimal disruption, typically requiring just a few hours for off-the-shelf 
systems and a few days for larger systems. This ease of installation makes


rooftop solar an attractive option compared to other renewable energy 
technologies.
4. Land Efficiency: Unlike large-scale power plants, rooftop solar systems do 
not require additional land use or conversions. They leverage existing, often 
underutilized, rooftop spaces, reducing the need for land acquisition or 
environmental impact.
The Philippines has already implemented several policy mechanisms to support 
rooftop solar growth. The Renewable Energy Act of 2008 (Republic Act No. 9513) 
introduced net metering, allowing consumers to sell surplus electricity back to the grid. 
MERALCO's Peak/Off-Peak (POP) Program, launched in 2014, offers different 
electricity rates based on the time of day, providing financial incentives for rooftop 
solar adoption. Additionally, the PAG-IBIG Fund introduced a solar panel acquisition 
loan program in 2015 to further encourage solar adoption among Filipinos.
This measure seeks to address existing gaps in the emerging rooftop solar 
industry and build upon the country's growing renewable energy infrastructure by 
implementing the following reforms:
1. Removal of the 100-kW Cap: Enabling larger electricity consumers, such as 
commercial establishments and industrial buildings, to participate in the net 
metering program under Republic Act No. 9513.
2. Uniform Pricing for Import and Export of Electricity: Ensuring that the same 
reference price applies to both electricity imported from and exported to the 
grid by end-users.
3. Standardization of Permits and Licenses: Mandating the Department of 
Energy (DOE), Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), National Renewable 
Energy Board (NREB), and the Department of the Interior and Local 
Government (DILG) to streamline and standardize the permits and licenses 
required for rooftop solar installations.
4. Institutionalization of the PAG-IBIG Rooftop Solar Loan Program: Expanding 
financial support for solar panel acquisition through the institutionalization 
of the PAG-IBIG Fund's loan program.


5. Mandatory Installation of Solar Panels on Government Buildings: Requiring 
the installation of rooftop solar systems on government buildings, with a 
5% increase in installations every five years, to lead by example in 
promoting renewable energy adoption.
In conclusion, the adoption of rooftop solar technology is essential for addressing 
the Philippines' energy challenges and promoting sustainable, low-cost, and 
environmentally responsible energy solutions. The approval of this measure will 
further empower Filipino consumers and businesses, ensure greater energy 
independence, and contribute to the country's commitment to combating climate 
change.
Originally authored and filed by Senator Grace Poe during the 19th Congress, 
this measure underscores the government's commitment to utilizing rooftop solar 
technology as a key strategy for achieving energy security, reducing electricity costs, 
and promoting environmental sustainability, all of which contribute to inclusive 
national development and social justice.
Thus, immediate approval of this measure is earnestly sought.
NGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA


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TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
)
SENATE
S. No. 1061
> 
of tiji ' 
’
25 AUG-6 P4:23 
l\
lUiCElViD
Introduced by Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada
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 Policies. — 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.


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Sec. 3. Section 4 of Republic Act No. 9513 is hereby amended to read as
follows:
"Section 4. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act, 
the following terms are herein defined:
"x X X
"(j) "Distributed generation" refers to a system of small 
generation entities supplying directly to the distribution grid 
t, any one of-which shall not exceed one hundred kilowatts
(lOOkW) in capacity;] 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


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able to use this RE certificate In compliance with its
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obligations under RPS.
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"The DOE, ERC, TRANSCO or its successors-in-interest,
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DUs, PEMC and all relevant parties are hereby mandated to
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provide the mechanisms for the physical connection and
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commercial arrangements necessary to ensure the success of
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the Net-metering for Renewable Energy program, consistent
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with the Grid and Distribution Codes."
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Sec. 5. Standardization of Permits and Licensing Requirements. - The
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Department of Energy (DOE), In coordination with the Department of Interior and
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Local Government (DILG), In coordination with the relevant power distribution utilities
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and Local Government Units, shall standardize and streamline permitting and licensing
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requirements in the installation of rooftop solar projects.
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Sec. 6. Solar Installation Loans. - Pursuant to the declared national policy of
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this Act, the Board of Trustees under Republic Act No. 9679, otherwise known as the
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"Home Development Mutual Fund Law of 2009" shall develop a loan program for
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qualified members for the acquisition and installation of solar panels as part of home
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improvement or as a component of the housing unit to be purchased, subject to the
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prevailing Pag-IBIG Fund rules and regulations.
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Sec. 7. Installation of Solar Panels on Government Buildings. - All government
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agencies, in coordination with the Department of Energy (DOE), shall install solar
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energy systems in their respective offices and buildings. The solar panels shall supply
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at least five percent (5%) of the electric power requirements of each government
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office or building within three (3) years from the effectivity of this Act, which shall be
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further increased by five percent (5%) every five (5) years thereafter.
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Sec. 8. Appropriations. - Such funds necessary to carry out the provisions of
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this Act shall be included under the appropriations of the Department of Energy (DOE)
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in the annual General Appropriations Act.
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Sec. 9. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Department of Energy
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(DOE), National Renewable Energy Board (NREB), Energy Regulatory Commission
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(ERC), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), in consultation with the
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concerned stakeholders in the electric power and renewable energy industry shall


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jointly promulgate the implementing rules and regulations of this Act within ninety
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(90) days of its effectivity.
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Sec. 10. Separability Clause. - If any part or provision of this Act shall be
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declared unconstitutional and invalid, such declaration shall not invalidate other parts
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thereof which shall remain in full force and effect.
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Sec. 11. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, proclamations,
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rules and regulations, or their parts thereof, which are inconsistent with the provisions
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of this Act are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.
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Sec. 12. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
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Approved,