Philippines’ first utility-scale solar power plant comes online

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

The first phase of the Philippines’ first utility-scale solar power plant is now online.

Announced by German solar company, Conergy the plant was inaugurated at a ceremony today with President Benigno Simeon Aquino III.  

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Unlock unlimited access for 12 whole months of distinctive global analysis

Photovoltaics International is now included.

Not ready to commit yet?
  • Regular insight and analysis of the industry’s biggest developments
  • In-depth interviews with the industry’s leading figures
  • Unlimited digital access to the PV Tech Power journal catalogue
  • Unlimited digital access to the Photovoltaics International journal catalogue
  • Access to more than 1,000 technical papers
  • Discounts on Solar Media’s portfolio of events, in-person and virtual

Or continue reading this article for free

The first phase of the solar park is 13MW, which has now been connected. In the coming months the remaining 9MW will also come online, to total 22MW.  

Conergy is responsible for design and building, San Carlos Solar Energy owns the solar power plant and the project was financed by ThomasLloyd Group, and developed by local company, Bronzeoak Philippines.

The plant is nicknamed ‘SaCaSol’ and is located near San Carlos City, Negros Occidental province, once fully operational the plant will generate enough energy to power 13,000 homes.

It is most likely SaCaSol will be the first project to qualify for the Philippines’ feed-in tariff, which is capped at 50MW – leaving only 29MW for a pipeline of more than 1GW of proposed solar projects.

The Philippines has high economic growth of 6-7%, high electricity rates and frequent black outs, as well as being close to the equator perfect for harvesting the natural solar resources, which makes the country an ideal candidate for developing solar systems.

Alexander Lenz, president for Conergy Asia & Middle East, Conergy, said: “This is a big moment for the Philippines, where the country’s proximity to the Equator, high electricity prices and logistical complexity, offer huge potential.”

SaCaSol “will provide affordable, reliable power for businesses and citizens across San Carlos City, and offers a model for other parts of the country,” said Lenz.

Marc Lohoff, CEO for Asia Pacific, Conergy said the company hopes barriers to utility-scale solar continue to fall so it can help alleviate other energy problems in the country.

The Philippines has a renewables target of 15GW by 2030 to help combat climate change. The island nation is more vulnerable to the effects of climate change due to its large coast lines, last November the country was devastated by Typhoon Haiyan.

The Philippines is also acclaimed by Geneva as having the best renewable energy laws in the world despite being responsible for a only 0.31% of global greenhouse emissions.

Solar Business Focus interviewed Anthony Conveney, head of financial structuring at Thomas Lloyd, on the opportunities in the South East Asia solar market.

Senator and environmentalist Loren Legarda spoke to Solar Business Focus on the Philippines' 1GW pipeline.

Read Next

August 29, 2025
Chinese module maker JA Solar has launched DesertBlue, a PV module designed for desert and semi-arid regions. 
August 29, 2025
Independent power producer (IPP) Verano Energy has closed a US$204 financing for a 83MW/660MWh solar-plus-storage project in Chile.
August 29, 2025
The first half of 2025 has been the strongest year for UK solar energy generation on record, according to a new report think tank Ember.
August 29, 2025
US-based climate insurance provider kWh Analytics has launched a new renewable energy insurance cover for extreme weather events.
August 29, 2025
US grid interconnection agreements grew by 33% in 2024, reaching 75GW, with three-quarters signed for solar PV and battery energy storage system (BESS) projects, according to a new report from energy market analyst Wood Mackenzie.
August 29, 2025
Meridian Energy and Nova Energy have established a JV to build and operate a 400MW solar plant in Rangitaiki near Taupo in New Zealand.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
September 16, 2025
Athens, Greece
Solar Media Events
September 30, 2025
Seattle, USA
Solar Media Events
October 1, 2025
London, UK
Solar Media Events
October 2, 2025
London,UK
Solar Media Events
October 7, 2025
Manila, Philippines