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Advocates Philippines
Lawmaker Warns Public Against 'Fly-By-Night' Solar Providers Amid Growing Demand
Photo credit: Cong JB Bernos
As more Filipino households turn to solar power to cut electricity costs, Abra Rep. JB Bernos is urging the government to crack down on unreliable and unregistered solar energy providers preying on consumers.
The Abra congressman voiced support for the country’s growing shift toward renewable energy but warned that some solar companies are taking advantage of the booming demand by offering substandard services and disappearing after installation.
“Of course, we fully support this shift to renewable energy, which is friendlier both to our environment and our wallets over the long term,” Bernos said.
However, the lawmaker stressed that agencies such as the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Energy, and Energy Regulatory Commission should take stronger action against unscrupulous operators.
According to Bernos, there have been reports of poorly installed solar panels, lack of after-sales support, and providers becoming unreachable once problems arise.
The solon also raised concerns over unregistered solar installations, saying these could pose safety risks to homeowners.
“May mga nababalitaan tayong solar installations na nasusunog, o di kaya mga providers na hindi na mahagilap para sa pagkumpuni o maintenance,” Bernos said, referring to reports of solar setups catching fire and companies failing to respond to repair requests.
He reminded Filipinos planning to switch to solar energy to follow proper legal and technical procedures instead of rushing installations for convenience.
“We cannot sacrifice responsibility at the altar of convenience,” the lawmaker said, emphasizing that going through the correct process helps ensure both legality and public safety.
Under current rules, homeowners planning to install solar systems are required to secure several permits and clearances, including a barangay clearance, building permit, electrical permit, inspection certificate, and net metering application or Yellow Card.
Bernos is also pushing for wider adoption of renewable energy in government through House Bill No. 3126, also known as the On-Grid Solar Energy Systems bill, which seeks to require all national and local government offices to install on-grid solar energy systems.
The lawmaker said stronger regulation and consumer awareness are necessary as solar energy continues gaining popularity across the country.
The Abra congressman voiced support for the country’s growing shift toward renewable energy but warned that some solar companies are taking advantage of the booming demand by offering substandard services and disappearing after installation.
“Of course, we fully support this shift to renewable energy, which is friendlier both to our environment and our wallets over the long term,” Bernos said.
However, the lawmaker stressed that agencies such as the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Energy, and Energy Regulatory Commission should take stronger action against unscrupulous operators.
According to Bernos, there have been reports of poorly installed solar panels, lack of after-sales support, and providers becoming unreachable once problems arise.
The solon also raised concerns over unregistered solar installations, saying these could pose safety risks to homeowners.
“May mga nababalitaan tayong solar installations na nasusunog, o di kaya mga providers na hindi na mahagilap para sa pagkumpuni o maintenance,” Bernos said, referring to reports of solar setups catching fire and companies failing to respond to repair requests.
He reminded Filipinos planning to switch to solar energy to follow proper legal and technical procedures instead of rushing installations for convenience.
“We cannot sacrifice responsibility at the altar of convenience,” the lawmaker said, emphasizing that going through the correct process helps ensure both legality and public safety.
Under current rules, homeowners planning to install solar systems are required to secure several permits and clearances, including a barangay clearance, building permit, electrical permit, inspection certificate, and net metering application or Yellow Card.
Bernos is also pushing for wider adoption of renewable energy in government through House Bill No. 3126, also known as the On-Grid Solar Energy Systems bill, which seeks to require all national and local government offices to install on-grid solar energy systems.
The lawmaker said stronger regulation and consumer awareness are necessary as solar energy continues gaining popularity across the country.
May 16, 2026
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