Philippine homeowners rush to solar as war-driven power prices soar
Rising electricity costs linked to the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran have spurred a surge in rooftop solar installations across the Philippines.
Since the United States-Israel war on Iran began in late February, electricity rates in the Philippines have climbed sharply, prompting a wave of residential solar projects. Families such as Keith Cantera’s, who delayed installation due to a $5,000 price tag, are now installing panels that they expect to pay for within five years. Trade data show $407 million worth of panels were imported from China between March and May, making the country the largest single overseas buyer at that time.
Solarmaxx CEO Lexus Grepo reports a three-fold increase in monthly projects and a month-long waiting list for shipments. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr declared a national energy emergency in March, yet loan schemes for rooftop systems remain limited to public-sector employees, leaving many consumers to shoulder rising bills on their own.
Why it matters
Soaring power costs are driving Filipinos toward solar, reshaping the country's energy landscape and consumer spending.
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