THE construction of a 20 megawatts solar power plant is being planned next year by the Dagupan Electric Corporation (Decorp) in anticipation of a power crisis next year.

Engr. Jay Ar Zacarias Jr., head of the retail services management department, said Decorp is seriously considering a proposal to put up its own solar power plant that can generate up to 20 megawatts. “We are still looking for a location since that would require hectares of land”, he said.

Zacarias said the company already has solar panels installed in the rooftops of their offices to support power needs of their buildings.

Meanwhile, Decorp continues to promote the net metering system that allows the customers with solar panels generating below 100 kilowatt to sell their excess solar power to Decorp.

“Since we launched this program, only four customers applied although we are already receiving 10 to 20 inquiries daily”, said Zacarias.

“If everyone would have their own solar panels, the demand for electricity would go down. And if they applied for net metering system, their excess power will be paid by Decorp which will be thrown to the grid. Then based from the law of supply and demand, the generation charge will decrease, means cheaper electricity for everybody”, said Zacarias.

He advised Decorp’s customers, however, to purchase solar panels based on their regular electricity consumption.

“A one kilowatt solar panel is enough for a simple household since it can already run lights, electric fans, television, refrigerator but not an air-conditioner,” he pointed out.

Zacarias admitted that the price of solar panels discouraged the public from considering it.

He said one kilowatt solar panel costs P70- 80, 000.

Given this dilemma, banks are already offering loans for solar panels. Meriam Pamittan of PAG-IBIG Urdaneta City branch announced the opening of solar panel loan for members. (Hilda Austria/PNA)

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