Demand for solar photovoltaic (PV) rooftop installations in the Philippines has surged since the pandemic, driven by energy independence needs, cost-saving initiatives, and environmental concerns, according to the managing directors of solar solutions firms GreenHeat and GreenDot.
As such, both firms tapped into this growing market, providing solar energy solutions to both businesses and households, the firms’ Managing Director, Glenn Tong, said in a press briefing.
GreenHeat, founded in 2010, initially focused on large-scale energy solutions. In 2015, it launched GreenDot to meet rising demand for smaller residential installations.
Despite the pandemic’s challenges, both companies continued operations, helping clients meet increased energy consumption needs at home and maintain sustainable business operations.
“I think Filipinos are practical people, much more if you’re a big businessman. And so, we tend to work directly with the big users, because we think that’s where they’ll get the most benefit and best time for that,” Mr. Tong explained.
Since 2020, GreenHeat has installed more than 45 systems, totaling 17,791.92 kilowatt-peak, for businesses like SM, Landers Superstores, and Wilcon Depot. GreenDot, meanwhile, has completed 45 residential projects with a similar total capacity.
As companies leveraged pandemic downtime to adopt greener operations, households sought solar solutions to cut energy costs amid work-from-home arrangements.
GreenHeat and GreenDot have expanded their services to include operations and maintenance, quality assurance, and refurbishment of malfunctioning or unfinished solar PV systems. One of the reasons they sent thousands of their employees to different countries to study and train.
Glenn Tong, GreenHeat’s director, says after sales service is one of the firm’s key strengths.
We now have new services and technologies that make solar PV systems more efficient, allowing owners to enjoy the benefits of renewable energy for a much longer period.” With guaranteed swift ROI for our client, the company boasted.
As the Philippines intensifies efforts toward sustainable energy solutions, Tong said GreenHeat and GreenDot remain at the forefront of the solar energy transition, making renewable energy more accessible and affordable both for businesses and households.
Glen Tong disclosed that they have also introduced hybrid systems and are exploring floating PhotoVoltaic technology and non-arable land for solar farms. Now that electric car and even E-buses makers are competing neck to neck in the market, GreenHeat and GreenDot are advancing e-vehicle adoption through solar-powered charging stations.
GreenHeat, pioneering the first power purchase agreements in the Philippines, has also expanded access to solar energy through partnerships with major banks such as BDO, BPI, and Security Bank for financing options.
“We’ve been approached by not only local financing centers but international investors. And together with our partners and the banks, GreenHeat Corp. is allocating P2 billion for rooftop solar projects over the next 18 months to meet growing demand, Director Tong added.
The amount is earmarked for “large enterprises with multiple sites” such as SM Supermalls, Landers Superstore, and Wilcon Depot and also some big universities.
Mr. Tong also said that the amount will allow the company to have an additional 100-megawatt (MW) installed capacity in its portfolio, which is currently at 40 MW to 50 MW. “We are committed to addressing this demand for clean energy.” Tong said.
“It has always been our mandate to contribute to the global drive towards net zero carbon emissions.” GreenHeat managing director added, “We are not only focused on profit. We also aim to contribute to a cleaner environment through clean and sustainable energy, while simultaneously providing jobs to many Filipinos.”
