Ilocos Norte officials and partners ACEN, GCash, Solaric, and INEC sign an agreement to promote household solar rooftops and net metering on Monday, March 16, 2026. Photo courtesy of Leilanie Adriano/PNA.
The provincial government of Ilocos Norte is encouraging homeowners to adopt solar energy to enhance local power resilience, officials said Monday.
The initiative, a solar rooftop project, is a partnership with ACEN Corporation, GCash, Solaric, and the Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative to expand solar rooftop installation and net metering.
Through the program, households can install solar systems with installment plans ranging from three to 15 years.
“Now is the time that we lessen our energy dependence on fossil fuel,” Gov. Cecilia Araneta-Marcos said following the signing of a memorandum of agreement with project partners on Monday.
The project prioritizes households consuming four kilowatt-hours per day or more, where solar systems can generate significant savings. Pilot sites include Laoag City, Pagudpud, home to the country’s largest wind power farm, and Dingras, where the main branch of INEC is located.
Applicants may coordinate with local government units in Laoag, Dingras, and Pagudpud. Solaric will inspect rooftops, and GCash will assess loan eligibility. Approved systems will be installed and connected to the grid through net metering with INEC.
Net metering enables households to feed excess electricity back to the grid, earning credits that offset their power bills. INEC General Manager Cipriano Martinez III said the program may reduce energy sales but acknowledged its role in promoting responsible energy use.
“All parties have come together to spread solar for everyone. This is just a start of a great and impactful project that is felt by all,” Vice Gov. Matthew Marcos Manotoc thanked project partners, noting the initiative was conceptualized two years ago and could expand to benefit more residents.
