As more Filipino households and businesses embrace rooftop solar to cut electricity costs and reduce their carbon footprint, industry leaders are raising concerns that the country’s regulatory framework is struggling to keep pace with the rapid expansion of the sector.
Engineers, utilities, government regulators, and safety organizations are now pushing for stronger enforcement of existing laws and the adoption of clearer standards to address the growing number of unregistered and improperly installed solar photovoltaic (PV) systems across the country.
Their message is clear: the success of the Philippines’ renewable energy transition depends not only on increasing solar adoption but also on ensuring every installation meets the highest standards of safety and quality.
Growing Market, Growing Concern
The affordability and accessibility of solar technology have encouraged more Filipinos to invest in rooftop systems. However, experts note that a parallel market of DIY and unregistered installations has emerged, often operating without permits, inspections, or professional supervision.
Industry stakeholders warn that these “guerilla” installations frequently bypass engineering requirements and safety protocols mandated under Philippine law, creating potential hazards for homeowners, communities, and utility workers.
In a statement issued earlier this year, the Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Philippines (IIEE) emphasized that non-compliant solar systems can result in electrical fires, electrocution risks, equipment damage, unsafe power back-feeding, and disruptions to grid stability.
“The Institute emphasizes that renewable energy development must always be pursued alongside strict adherence to electrical safety standards, sound engineering practices, and existing laws, rules, and regulations intended to protect life, property, public safety, and grid reliability,” the organization said.
Solar Systems Are Not Simple Appliances
According to industry experts, one of the biggest misconceptions among consumers is treating rooftop solar systems as plug-and-play appliances rather than power generation facilities.
Professional Regulation Commission Board of Electrical Engineering Chairman Engr. Adelino V. Garcia Jr. stressed that solar PV installations require technical expertise, engineering calculations, and government permits.
“These kinds of installations are actually small power generation systems that require permits and associated design calculations that only licensed and qualified technical personnel can undertake,” Garcia said.
Under Republic Act No. 7920, or the New Electrical Engineering Law, only licensed electrical practitioners are authorized to design, install, and operate electrical systems, including solar installations intended to generate electricity.
Garcia also urged industry professionals to strengthen public education efforts so consumers can make informed decisions and avoid unsafe shortcuts that may result in costly damage or accidents.
Industry Pushes for Stronger Enforcement
Former IIEE National President Engr. Francis Mapile said the issue is not a lack of regulations but the growing number of installations that circumvent established processes.
“Bypassing this is not just non-compliance—it is a public safety risk,” Mapile said.
He noted that while existing net-metering regulations already require licensed practitioners to design and install solar systems, enforcement remains a challenge as many DIY installations continue to operate outside regulatory oversight.
Mapile added that improving compliance does not necessarily mean creating more bureaucracy.
“We need to keep processes efficient, not more complicated. Safety, reliability, and accountability should always come first,” he said.
Meralco Supports Solar, Warns Against Unsafe Practices
Power distributor Meralco has also joined the call for responsible solar adoption, warning that improperly installed systems pose risks not only to property owners but also to utility personnel and neighboring communities.
According to the company, faulty installations can trigger electrical fires, damage equipment, and create dangerous back-feeding conditions that threaten line workers during maintenance and emergency restoration activities.
Meralco likewise warned that poorly configured systems can cause voltage fluctuations and power quality issues that affect entire circuits.
At the same time, the utility emphasized that it fully supports renewable energy development.
Meralco Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Engr. Ronnie L. Aperocho said the company itself has adopted solar technology as part of its sustainability efforts.
“We will continue to promote and push the responsible use of solar energy and other eco-friendly technologies as part of our commitment to sustainability,” Aperocho said.
Consumer Protection at the Center
Beyond installation concerns, stakeholders are also calling attention to the growing presence of uncertified and substandard solar products in the market.
To address this issue, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is advancing a proposed regulation that would require solar energy system components sold in the Philippines to comply with recognized safety and quality standards.
The proposed rules cover critical equipment such as solar panels, inverters, battery energy storage systems, charge controllers, rapid shutdown devices, and photovoltaic cables.
According to the DTI, stronger certification requirements will help protect consumers from low-quality products and unreliable providers while supporting the long-term stability of the country’s power systems.
“The certification of solar panels also serves to protect consumers from fly-by-night solar power providers and installers whose primary motivation is profit at the expense of consumer welfare,” said DTI-Bureau of Philippine Standards Assistant Director Margarita Magsaysay.
Industry groups warn that uncertified products entering the market through informal channels increase the likelihood of equipment failures, fires, and costly system breakdowns.
A Shared Responsibility
Safety advocates believe the responsibility extends beyond national agencies.
Under the National Building Code, local government units and building officials play a critical role in ensuring compliance by requiring permits, inspections, and Certificates of Final Electrical Inspection before systems are energized.
Organizations such as the Safety and Health Association of the Philippine Energy Sector (SHAPES) and the Safety Organization of the Philippines, Inc. (SOPI) have also voiced support for stricter enforcement and stronger public awareness campaigns.
“Unsafe, unregistered, or improperly installed systems may endanger households, communities, workers, emergency responders, and the reliability of the power grid,” SHAPES said.
For SOPI National President Eros G. Zuñiga, the path forward requires cooperation among regulators, industry players, installers, and consumers.
“By upholding these standards, we can grow the rooftop solar sector with confidence, ensuring that every kilowatt installed protects lives, property, and the environment,” he said.
As the Philippines accelerates its shift toward renewable energy, industry leaders agree that safety must remain the foundation of solar growth. Without stronger standards and stricter compliance, they warn, the promise of clean energy could be overshadowed by avoidable risks that threaten both consumers and the power grid.
