FEATURE
Advocates Philippines
Push To Regulate Rooftop Solar Installations Strengthens
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A call to strengthen regulations on rooftop solar installations is gaining attention, particularly on unregistered or so-called “guerrilla” systems that operate outside formal processes.
Francis V. Mapile, a member of the Board of Electrical Engineering of the Professional Regulation Commission, raised concern over the continued presence of do-it-yourself (DIY) solar installations that bypass required standards, noting that existing net metering rules already require installations to be handled by licensed electrical practitioners.
“I agree with the call to tighten regulation on rooftop solar, especially on unregistered or ‘guerrilla’ installations. While current net metering rules already require licensed electrical practitioners for design and installation, many DIY systems still operate outside the process. This is a clear concern.
Under RA 7920, electrical design and installation must be done by duly licensed electrical practitioners. Bypassing this is not just non-compliance, it is a public safety risk.
At the same time, we also need to look at the quality of the equipment being used. This is where DTI–BPS and its ‘e-watch’ system come in. Solar panels, inverters, and related equipment should comply with Philippine National Standards and be properly certified. Substandard or uncertified products entering the market, especially through informal channels, only increase the risk of fire, system failure, and grid issues.
The Philippine Electrical Code (PEC) should continue to evolve to address rooftop solar more clearly, but enforcement is key. Under PD 1096, LGUs and OBOs already have the mandate to require permits, plans, and inspections. This must be strictly implemented, including proper CFEI before energization.
At the end of the day, the direction is clear:
• Enforce RA 7920 on licensed practice
• Ensure product quality through DTI–BPS standards and e-watch
• Strengthen PEC provisions for solar installations
• Enforce compliance at the LGU level under PD 1096
• Keep processes efficient under RA 11032, not more complicated
Safety, reliability, and accountability should always come first.”
Mapile emphasized that while renewable energy adoption continues to expand, proper regulation and enforcement are necessary to ensure safety and system reliability.
Francis V. Mapile, a member of the Board of Electrical Engineering of the Professional Regulation Commission, raised concern over the continued presence of do-it-yourself (DIY) solar installations that bypass required standards, noting that existing net metering rules already require installations to be handled by licensed electrical practitioners.
“I agree with the call to tighten regulation on rooftop solar, especially on unregistered or ‘guerrilla’ installations. While current net metering rules already require licensed electrical practitioners for design and installation, many DIY systems still operate outside the process. This is a clear concern.
Under RA 7920, electrical design and installation must be done by duly licensed electrical practitioners. Bypassing this is not just non-compliance, it is a public safety risk.
At the same time, we also need to look at the quality of the equipment being used. This is where DTI–BPS and its ‘e-watch’ system come in. Solar panels, inverters, and related equipment should comply with Philippine National Standards and be properly certified. Substandard or uncertified products entering the market, especially through informal channels, only increase the risk of fire, system failure, and grid issues.
The Philippine Electrical Code (PEC) should continue to evolve to address rooftop solar more clearly, but enforcement is key. Under PD 1096, LGUs and OBOs already have the mandate to require permits, plans, and inspections. This must be strictly implemented, including proper CFEI before energization.
At the end of the day, the direction is clear:
• Enforce RA 7920 on licensed practice
• Ensure product quality through DTI–BPS standards and e-watch
• Strengthen PEC provisions for solar installations
• Enforce compliance at the LGU level under PD 1096
• Keep processes efficient under RA 11032, not more complicated
Safety, reliability, and accountability should always come first.”
Mapile emphasized that while renewable energy adoption continues to expand, proper regulation and enforcement are necessary to ensure safety and system reliability.
May 7, 2026
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