The increasing popularity of do-it-yourself (DIY) rooftop solar systems has prompted safety concerns from industry experts, who warned that improperly installed units could pose serious risks to homes, businesses, and the power grid.
Francis V. Mapile, former chairman of the Professional Regulatory Board of Electrical Engineering, stressed the importance of ensuring that rooftop solar systems are designed and installed only by licensed electrical practitioners and compliant with government regulations.
Mapile said that while solar technology offers consumers an opportunity to lower electricity expenses and support cleaner energy use, unregulated and substandard installations may result in electrical fires, electrocution, equipment failure, and grid-related problems.
He pointed out that Republic Act 7920 clearly states that only licensed electrical practitioners are allowed to undertake electrical design and installation work in the country.
The former PRC official also called for tighter monitoring by the Department of Trade and Industry–Bureau of Philippine Standards (DTI-BPS) to curb the sale and use of uncertified solar products and components.
Apart from professional licensing requirements, Mapile underscored that rooftop solar projects must comply with Presidential Decree 1096, or the National Building Code, which mandates permits, inspections, and the issuance of a Certificate of Final Electrical Inspection (CFEI) before systems can be energized or operated.
“With the rapid growth of rooftop solar adoption, safety and accountability should never be compromised,” Mapile said, emphasizing the need for stricter compliance and enforcement as the country accelerates its shift toward renewable energy.